Tired of extract brewing.. ready to try AG

[dyk343]

I've brewed a couple extract brews now and it doesnt feel right... kinda like baking a cake out of the box. Im ready to start from scratch and go AG.

Sorry for the beginner questions, but here we go.

1) How large of a kettle do I need to go AG? I have a 20 quart kettle right now but would like to continue with 5 gallon batches. I have a feeling I need to upgrade already? I wish I would have just bought a bigger kettle to begin with.

2) DO you recommend circular or square coolers for a mash tun? Or does it not really matter?

3) If I am a fan of IPA/Belgium beers what size mash tun should I use? (5 or 10 gallon)

Thanks for all your help I really appreciate it!

 

[hercher]

1. Ideally you want one that can hold 10 gallons at least - this gives some space for the wort to foam up without boiling over. If you can scare up on old discarded beer keg, and cut the top off, these make ideal boiling pots. I have two that I use, and they work great. They are big enough to do 10 gallon batches if I want.

2. I don't think it matters, though if you are going to buy or build a rotating sparge arm (not necessary -- so don't worry about that up front) the circular might be better. I use a square one myself.

3. 10 gallons.

Have fun!

 

[jetmac]

I've brewed a couple extract brews now and it doesnt feel right... kinda like baking a cake out of the box. Im ready to start from scratch and go AG.

Sorry for the beginner questions, but here we go.

1) How large of a kettle do I need to go AG? !

Depends on how big a batch you wanna make. I use a 40qt for 5 gal batches with no problem. Bigger is better

2) DO you recommend circular or square coolers for a mash tun? Or does it not really matter?

It doesn't matter. Figure out if you want to batch sparge or fly sparge. I recommend batch sparge

3) If I am a fan of IPA/Belgium beers what size mash tun should I use? (5 or 10 gallon)

10 gallon if your making 5 gallon batches.

 

[dyk343]

Thanks for the replies so far everyone I really appreciate it.

I have access to a cheap 30qt (7.5 gallon) pot... is that still to small for 5 gallon batches?

I have thought about the keg option but I dont have the tools or know anyone to cut open a keg. I suppose I could find a shop somewhere that could do it but that will take more research.

 

[brewmcq]

I've got a 30 (maybe a 32) qt pot and am boiling 5 gallons no problem. Just be mindful of boilovers... gotta keep an eye on that.

However.. I wish I'd held out for a 60qt pot...

 

[brewmcq]

And yes, aluminum is fine.