Taking the next step to AG

[DDQ]

I am anxious to move from extract to all grain. From reading many posts here it sounds like a common batch size is 10 gallon. I do 5 gal now. If I go to 10 I'm thinking I will not only have to add a lot of new equipment but will also have to go to kegging. I'm thinking I just take one step at a time and go to all grain at 5 gal for now, then maybe add kegging later, then see when the time is right to go to 10 gal. Any thoughts and suggestions? Cheers!

 

[BrewinHooligan]

I currently only do 5 gallon batches and it works for me. It takes the same amount of time and effort to make 10 gallons as opposed to 5 and probably why a lot of people do that. I will get there eventually, but for now I don't want to spend any more money on equipment, plus I enjoy variety so 5 gal batches allow me to try more things.

 

[TopherM]

5 gallon batches are still the norm for AG. You don't HAVE to do 10 gallon batches unless you just want to. I have an 11 gallon pot for my AG BIAB setup for 5 gallon batches, then a separate 15.5 gallon keggle I use when I do make 10 gallon batches. Over the last two years, I've only made two 10 gallon batches and about fourty 5-6 gallon batches.

So you don't HAVE to get a new pot, unless you just want to.

You also don't HAVE to have a kegging setup for AG beer. You can certainly still bottle.

I do love your HAVE HAVE HAVE justifications throughout your post, though. Upgrading equipment is always fun, until SWMBO finds out!

 

[FirstStateBrewer]

I recommend kegging regardless of how you are brewing. I would prepare for 10-gallon batches, but limit your learning curve to 5 gallons. Otherwise, you might be stuck with 2 full kegs you wish were available for other brews.

 

[jsv1204]

Added AG capability myself about 1 year ago - 5 gallon. Biggest deal was being able to do a 6+ gallon boil (which I did with extract) - so my total spend for AG was a $40 cooler and $30 of hardware for a no-sparge outfit. Works great but there is a learning curve to be able to do accurate step-mashes in a no-sparge setup.

Cheers!

 

[kh54s10]

I like lots of variety so it will be 5 gallon batches for me. I have 2 ten gallon pots for my HLT and boil kettle and a 10 gallon Rubbermaid water cooler for my Mash tun.

I brew on average twice a month and have a very healthy pipeline. I love being able to go to the beer fridge and have a choice of 6 or more different styles.

I have done 18 all grain batches and love to try new things. If I did 10 gallon batches I would only get to do half the experimenting that I do now.

 

[krenshaw]

Upgrading equipment is always fun, until SWMBO finds out!

i laughed out loud on this one because its soooo true