What do I upgrade next?

[othevad]

Hey guys.

So I came into some $$$$$ (always awesome)
and I decided that about $500 of it is going into upgrading of my
brewing equipment. I currently have a decent kettle (8.5 gallon SS with valve and thermometer.)

I am using the cooler method atm and I'm wondering what would be the better idea:

A. Buy another kettle to use as my mash tun to regulate temps easier.
B. Invest in a kegging system since I still bottle.
C. Anything else you can think of to raise my efficiency or make things easier.

Not sure what the next logical step would be. I know a small portion is going into grabbing a plate chiller so I don't have to use the copper one anymore, but besides that I'm open to suggestions

Also note: not interested in stepping up to higher than 5 gallon batches atm.

Whatdya think?
Dave

 

[jww9618]

Definitely get the kegging system.

 

[tally350z]

Definitely get the kegging system.

+1 Just picked up my keg system on saturday. I will never bottle again..

 

[Shooter]

Assuming you have fermentation temp control sorted out, I would go for the kegging system as well.

 

[JonK331]

1. Fermentation temp control
2. Kegging set up

 

[othevad]

Yeah my fermentation temps are all good. The place where I ferment is a year round 62ish to 68 or so (central air) So I don't think that's an issue.

The only issue with the kegging system is trying to find a place where the wife will let me keep it haha.

 

[Trencher]

Keg system, definitely. It wasn't the upgrade that made the most difference in my beer, but it was undoubtedly the upgrade that I appreciate most!

 

[Grinnan5150]

Agree with Kegging. Bottling sucks about as much as Bushwood!

 

[dbrewski]

If you have the bucks in hand now, go for the kegging system. It is one of the more expensive things on the shopping list for those climbing the "what can I buy next" ladder, but it totally increases enjoyment of beer. less bottling, easier drinking, fun to build, it's good all around. I built a kegerator out of an apartment fridge, I do not want to add up all the costs because I bought the fridge new (size constraints) rather than picking up a free old one. Stick it in the basement or garage or wherever you can, it doesn't have to be front and center in the family room.