Switching to All-Grain

[55x11]

QFT.

I was put off of all grain for over a year thinking it was too hard. I wish I started off AG. I personally find it easier than extract, no worries about scorching extract, or when to add extract. Mashing is easy. Sparging is easy. I don't see the difficulty.

I also think difficulty of all-grain is vastly overrated but it is more complex than extract:
1. All-grain takes more time (doubles duration your brew day basically)
2. Temperature control is important and could be tricky even if just for 60-90 min
3. You need more equipment (mashtun, BIAB bags, larger kettle etc.)
4. You can't dilute with cold water/ice. So more equipment again - immersion chiller etc.
5. There is water chemistry and other things to learn.

Don't get me wrong, I love the fine control of all-grain and I never look back, but extract brewing has certain simplicity that I envy sometimes.

 

[TallahasseeBrew]

Well, yeah, AG is a little more difficult. but hell, it's a hobby, it's no fun if it isn't overly complex

I guess what I was trying to say is that AG is not the monster it's said to be, so long as you're willing to do the research and learning required to do it right.

Most of what makes AG harder is knowledge. Knowledge, to me, is the best part of this hobby. I love learning more than anything else. Equipment is a factor, but I've seen people go from extract to AG with a minimal investment.

 

[ferm.adventures]

Buy this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FTEQBK/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

A bag to fit basket

A propane burner

Add drill an add a valve and you are set. This will give you plenty of range and can be easily upgraded to an eBIAB in the future.

I have lots of coolers and kettles but cleaning one vessel is much preferable.

 

[ferm.adventures]

Well, yeah, AG is a little more difficult. but hell, it's a hobby, it's no fun if it isn't overly complex

I guess what I was trying to say is that AG is not the monster it's said to be, so long as you're willing to do the research and learning required to do it right.

Most of what makes AG harder is knowledge. Knowledge, to me, is the best part of this hobby. I love learning more than anything else. Equipment is a factor, but I've seen people go from extract to AG with a minimal investment.

Yeah my first all grain batch was brewed with a 10 gallon mash tun cooler from Midwest supplies and a 7.5 gallon aluminum turkey fryer setup. I brewed a simple Amber Ale that turned out awesome.

I wouldn't say it was a waste of money, but the turkey fryer pot was a crap boil kettle - too small. It allowed a lot of experimentation, but it's now in the dump. The cooler is now unused.

I'd recommend focusing on BIAB. Less equipment expense, easier process and smaller footprint.

 

[ThirstyPawsHB]

I also think difficulty of all-grain is vastly overrated but it is more complex than extract:
1. All-grain takes more time (doubles duration your brew day basically)
2. Temperature control is important and could be tricky even if just for 60-90 min
3. You need more equipment (mashtun, BIAB bags, larger kettle etc.)
4. You can't dilute with cold water/ice. So more equipment again - immersion chiller etc.
5. There is water chemistry and other things to learn.

Don't get me wrong, I love the fine control of all-grain and I never look back, but extract brewing has certain simplicity that I envy sometimes.

Response..
1) I've done 2.5hr, equipment gathering to clean up, using mash tun. Take gravity readings during mash 15min is about max for sugar extraction. Also a heat exchanger, therminator..or "generic" version, cools 5 gallons in 10min.
2)see #1. Take note and learn the strike water to mash temp relationship. Just do the same procedure every time.
3)yeah..but more is better!
4) see #1
5) there are plenty of threads, but get brew'n water for starters. Keep additions simple. If RO is used..it's much easier to deal with since chemistry would be from scratch.