Upgrading Equipment Question

[Brandon8200]

I have been researching new equipment to start all grain brewing. I plan on doing 10 gallon batches and approx. 20 batches per year at this point.
I currently own a couple cheaper brew kettles (Didn't know if I was going to enjoy it this much). I just purchased the Blichmann 15 gal "Fermenator" and the Hell Fire burner. I need to purchase a HLT, Mash Kettle, and Boil Kettle. There are so many that I felt a bit overwhelmed at first, so to narrow my search I would prefer to buy a product that was made in the USA (not just designed here). I have so far come across 2 that I like, first was the Blichmann G2 and then Sabco. I liked the Sabco because they had 3 separate vessels that were specific to its function in the system and its tri clamp fittings. I also like Blichmann quality and add ons...but the add on pieces quickly add up to or close to the cost of the Sabco Kettles, which include most of what I need. Any thoughts?

 

[jekeane]

I can't speak for the sabco stuff. In general I'm not a fan of the design though. They just seem like fancy kegs to me.

Blichmann makes a great product I have several of their kettles that I purchased used, they are pricey otherwise. But if made in USA is a sticking point you're going to pay more.

 

[Brandon8200]

Are you using a Blichmann G2 for HLT, Mash Tun and Boil kettle? I was going to buy 3 new kettles. I was thinking 20gal for the boil kettle and 15 gal for HLT and Mash Tun. Every post I read suggests a 20 gal boil kettle is the way to go for extra head space.

 

[jekeane]

Are you using a Blichmann G2 for HLT, Mash Tun and Boil kettle? I was going to buy 3 new kettles. I was thinking 20gal for the boil kettle and 15 gal for HLT and Mash Tun. Every post I read suggests a 20 gal boil kettle is the way to go for extra head space.

I use the G1 stuff personally but have used the G2 as well. I currently do 90% 5 gallon batches so I have a 15g HLT 15g Mashtun and a 10g BK I have a Spike 20g BK I use for 10g batches. If you are doing mostly 10g batches are are considering a HERMS system at some point I would do a 20g HLT otherwise you'll be adding cold water in to keep your coil covered. If you aren't doing herms down the road 15g is fine.

 

[Cyclman]

I would strongly recommend a 20 G Blichmann, BIAB setup. Big savings vs. my 3 tier Blich setup.

 

[Dcpcooks]

I have blichmann kettles, they are great. If you want 10 gallon batches you'll want consider a 20 gallon kettle, 20 gallon mash tun and a15 gallon hlt. With that configuration you'll have enough space to make any gravity beer. You'd be hard pressed to make a 10 gallon batch of 1.130 RIS in a sabco system.

 

[Brandon8200]

I ended up pulling the trigger on 3 Blichmann 20 gal G2 kettles. For my mash tun I purchased the false bottom, hop blocker, and the auto sparge. Next is building my "table". I'm using the blue print for the Sabco. They have all the measurements online.