Want vs. Need for all grain

[doornumber3]

That's better than a lot of folks report doing (sometimes little or nothing unfortunately). Keep in mind that during the more active part of the ferment (first 3-7 days), the temp inside the bucket/carboy can run 7-10* warmer than the surrounding air. The reason I mentioned good, solid temp control is that some folks become excited about the prospect of doing AG before they have some of the more important aspects taken care of.

On the AG setup, if you want to do it inexpensively, a chest cooler can be made into a mash tun using a CPVC manifold and valve for under $20 (not counting the cooler, of course). Your biggest investment will probably be the kettle/burner setup plus a wort chiller. I went for a 9g kettle with ball valve and thermometer couplings (which are very handy, especially the ball valve) and sometimes wish I had gone for a 10+g so I could at least try 5g BIAB if I wanted.

Already have the 10 gallon kettle with spigot and the immersion chiller. I'm actually thinking of doing a full blown set up with the Mash tun and sparge tank - 2 coolers and then i'll be able to set it up perfect. figure it will cost me 150 or so to make but will be well worth the investment.

Definitely here the concern on temps but so far my gauge is 65-67 without fail.....I'll take that.

 

[bd2xu]

I'd also suggest a sight glass ( I like the ones on brewhardware.com) as one of the best purchases for my HLT and BK.

 

[Flykilbosa]

Definitely go with at least a 10 gallon cooler for a mash tun if all you're doing is 5 gallon batches...go bigger now if you plan on doing larger batches in the future. Find one locally at a store that has them on sale or even Craigslist, you will save a boat load of money if you make it yourself vs buying one from NB or other online brew stores. There's tons of threads/articles/ videos online that show you how to build them.

 

[juggabrew]

Build your own. 10 gallon cooler at lowes for $40(with 5% off plus price match with lowes card) and my HLT I got a 5 gallon for $20. DIY is the way to go, that's half the fun part of home brewing. If u do order from the brew stores, don't forget the massive cost of shipping