all-grain set up?

[golfgod04]

Can someone help me with picking out an all grain set up? As much as I would love a ruby street brewing alpha of sabco brew-magic, I just cant afford those. Ive been a partial mash brewer for awhile and just want to take it to the next step, I have nothing from my current equipment that I would keep and reuse.

I was thinking Fermenter's FavoritesEssential All-Grain Brewing Starter Kit - 10 Gallon but not sure or that or another option? Or what to get as a brew kettle?

Any input would be appreciated it (from brewing equipment to conical fermenters to conditioning)

 

[BigJack]

I have a burner, a pot, and a bag. Cheap and easy.

Specifically, Northern Brewer's Tall Boy kettle, a Wilser Bag, and an induction burner.

If you want to invest big bucks up front, get a chest freezer and temperature controller set up a fermentation chamber. You are better off with happy yeast than a fancy mash and boil rig. Your yeast don't care what you spent on a kettle or mash tank. They just want to be at the right temp.

 

[Mirilis]

its always cheaper to just build your own. My first all grain set was 2 square igloo coolers from walmart. One of them I built a CPVC manifold in the bottom and top, and the other one I just put the ball valve in.

I had a keggle I made that wasnt special, and an old junky turkey fryer I bought for $30 on craigslist. Total cost of the whole system was in the $125-$200 mark.

 

[bbohanon]

Agree with the posters here to start simple and cheap. You probably already have an igloo cooler you can convert for a MT. Then all you need is one or two 8 gallon el cheapo pots if you are doing 5 gallon AG batches.

The cooler, pots and a propane burner with a propane tank and you are set.
Prob less than 150 if you get the cheap pots and burner off of ebay like I did when I started.

 

[golfgod04]

So Im thinking
2x Igloo Cooler
1x Brew Kettle
1x Burner

plus I'd have to get fittings and false bottom for the igloo? any idea on what?

 

[bbohanon]

So Im thinking
2x Igloo Cooler
1x Brew Kettle
1x Burner

plus I'd have to get fittings and false bottom for the igloo? any idea on what?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004B7GIV8/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

right at $33 shipped. Cannot beat that and I still use this one in my 10 gallon cooler for my 5 gallon indoor AG batches.

On that kettle, you *could* get away with only an 8 gallon kettle like this one for 5 gallon AG batches: http://www.ebay.com/itm/32-QT-Quart...432091?hash=item235c011c9b:g:zNsAAOxyaTxROYuM

$60 shipped which is cheap. Would be tight headspace wise for those full boils so I would still recommend finding a 10 gallon kettle so any 90 min brews can be easily accommodated without too much fear of a boil-over.

I also recommend getting some fermcap no matter what you do to keep your boilovers to a minimum.
http://www.morebeer.com/products/foam-control-fermcap-1-oz.html


Another poster mentioned BIAB for AG which is perfectly acceptable as well rather than the 3 vessel route..Less gear to go this direction which could help your pocket out some getting started. Check the BIAB forum here for some great info on that setup if interested.

One last thing on your setup..Not sure if you have fermentation control but no matter if you are extract or AG, temp controlling your fermentation is probably the single most important key to the outcome of your beer than the brewing setup is (outside of sanitation techniques to keep the beer from getting infected).
Something like a cheap swamp cooler will suffice for this, but wanted to make sure I noted this again as a previous poster mentioned it but its warranted to be brought up again as a recommendation for ya to "round-out" your setup.

 

[golfgod04]

fermenters favorites set up so it's cheaper to build my own?

 

[bbohanon]

fermenters favorites set up so it's cheaper to build my own?

To do it yourself (based on that kit link you sent):

$40 per 10 Gallon Cooler - $80
False bottom - $35
8 Gal Brew Pot(not included in that kit you linked): $60
Cooler Bulkheads(2): $15/per = $30
Valves 2: $13/per = $23
Hoses/Barbs = $20 TOPS
NOTE: All valve and bulkheads prices are from Bobbys site: https://www.brewhardware.com He comes HIGHLY recommended and his stuff is top notch and priced right!
Propane Stove(Not included in kit you linked) $40

Total cost for DIY (which includes new pot and burner not in the kit) = $290

If you find igloos on sale or on craigslist or from a friend who might sell them cheap (same with the propane stove), this goes down dramatically cost-wise.

Just a personal note, I only used one igloo for my setup when I do my 5 gallon batches. I use a stock pot from the kitchen to collect my first runnings and once I dump my sparge water into the cooler(batch sparging), I x-fer the wort to the brew kettle (which I had been using to heat the sparge water), collect my final runnings from the sparge out in the BK and proceed with my boil. No second cooler needed.
The second cooler for a HLT is honestly not a requirement in my mind. YMMV.

 

[kh54s10]

fermenters favorites set up so it's cheaper to build my own?

Oh most definitely... You should be able to replicate that for about $100 - $150.

I have a 10 gallon pot on a turkey fryer burner, 10 gallon water cooler with braid mash tun and a 10 gallon pot on a Bayou Classic SP10 burner, Brass ball valves on all. Gravity fed.

Craigslist pots $100 for both, valves about $75. Burners about $75 other stuff about $75. About $325

The kit linked does not include any pot or burner does it? Those things will have to be added to the total.

 

[kh54s10]

My rig:

 

[ericbw]

So Im thinking
2x Igloo Cooler
1x Brew Kettle
1x Burner

plus I'd have to get fittings and false bottom for the igloo? any idea on what?

You are going to need the fittings for the spigot, etc. This one is pretty inexpensive, although you'll add shipping, too:
http://www.bargainfittings.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=47&product_id=252

And a spigot:
http://www.bargainfittings.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=36_57&product_id=62


And if not a false bottom, then a screen like this one:

http://www.rebelbrewer.com/shop/bre...iy-all-grain/cooler-conversion/bazooka-screen

And several of these o-rings:
http://www.bargainfittings.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=42&product_id=227

The whole draining assembly in SS for $35.

This has a false bottom and the drain hardware for $68 plus shipping, which seems pretty good.

http://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/coolermashfb1.htm

I am not advocating those sources, just giving examples. You can get a lot of it at Home Depot, but it can be hard to find it in stainless instead of brass. I hear that you should NOT use anything with zinc.

But it looks like you should be able to get everything for the hardware for $45-68.

And I agree on temperature control, but you have been doing that as an extract/PM brewer anyway, right?

I think chilling is important, too. My next big upgrade will probably be to chill faster.

 

[davidst]

If I were to start over, I'd seriously investigate BIAB. I have the two mash tuns: a 5 Gallon with a spigot (about $70) and a 10 gallon with a spigot and a false bottom (about $125).

If I were to go back, I'd invest in a used fridge with temperature control and then just do BIAB. I think it would have been a far better investment.

 

[golfgod04]

To do it yourself (based on that kit link you sent):

$40 per 10 Gallon Cooler - $80
False bottom - $35
8 Gal Brew Pot(not included in that kit you linked): $60
Cooler Bulkheads(2): $15/per = $30
Valves 2: $13/per = $23
Hoses/Barbs = $20 TOPS
NOTE: All valve and bulkheads prices are from Bobbys site: https://www.brewhardware.com He comes HIGHLY recommended and his stuff is top notch and priced right!
Propane Stove(Not included in kit you linked) $40

Total cost for DIY (which includes new pot and burner not in the kit) = $290

If you find igloos on sale or on craigslist or from a friend who might sell them cheap (same with the propane stove), this goes down dramatically cost-wise.

Just a personal note, I only used one igloo for my setup when I do my 5 gallon batches. I use a stock pot from the kitchen to collect my first runnings and once I dump my sparge water into the cooler(batch sparging), I x-fer the wort to the brew kettle (which I had been using to heat the sparge water), collect my final runnings from the sparge out in the BK and proceed with my boil. No second cooler needed.
The second cooler for a HLT is honestly not a requirement in my mind. YMMV.

thanks for tips and links!

 

[golfgod04]

My rig:

I like that set up

 

[tracyk]

I definitely agree with ericbw on going with bargain fittings on everything. I was originally going to go with brass ball valves but for a couple of bucks more per ball valve I could get a stainless steel ones from bargain fittings. Wayne is real helpful if you need any information.

I ended up buying all my stainless from him including the cam locks which I love for moving my hoses around, plus the silicon hoses.

 

[TxBigHops]

Sorry if someone said it and I missed it, but DO NOT buy an 8 gallon kettle. I bought a 9 gal, and after less than 10 batches I want to upgrade. 90 min boils are very difficult in my kettle and would be impossible in an 8 gal kettle. I wish now that I had bought a 15 in the first place.

 

[bbohanon]

Sorry if someone said it and I missed it, but DO NOT buy an 8 gallon kettle. I bought a 9 gal, and after less than 10 batches I want to upgrade. 90 min boils are very difficult in my kettle and would be impossible in an 8 gal kettle. I wish now that I had bought a 15 in the first place.

I would agree..if cost is a factor, you could slide by on the cheap with an 8 gallon kettle short term, but its much easier to just go bigger out of the gate if you can afford it so you don't run into this issue down the line.

I am doing 10 gallon batches on a E-Herms system and sometimes even 15 gallon vessels for these batches is cutting it close..especially on bigger beers.

On BIAB, I would certainly look into this as well if you are just getting into AG. I looked at it when I was building my larger E-Herms system, but I did not want to build something to lift that much grain out of that much hot wort and suspend it while draining so I went the other way with the 3 vessel setup. For smaller batches (5Gal) BIAB would be my first route if I were starting out again.
To each his own and do what fits you and your brewing style.

 

[Clarke]

BIAB - all the way, less money, less space, less equipment, less clean up, less hassle

 

[Sbear55]

I just switched to All Grain myself. Converted an igloo cooler to a mash tun with a bazooka screen, bulkhead, and ball valve from bargain fittings. I already had two 5 gallon stock pots and I'm doing three gallon batches right now. Even If I did 5 gallon all I'd need is a larger boil kettle (10 gallon).

Some have suggested BIAB and that would be a great route. I'm batch sparging and the first couple brew days have been great. A couple kettles, a burner, and a converted cooler and you are in business. I definitely vote batch sparge or BIAB. No reason to overcomplicate things.

 

[ericbw]

I just switched to All Grain myself. Converted an igloo cooler to a mash tun with a bazooka screen, bulkhead, and ball valve from bargain fittings. I already had two 5 gallon stock pots and I'm doing three gallon batches right now. Even If I did 5 gallon all I'd need is a larger boil kettle (10 gallon).



Some have suggested BIAB and that would be a great route. I'm batch sparging and the first couple brew days have been great. A couple kettles, a burner, and a converted cooler and you are in business. I definitely vote batch sparge or BIAB. No reason to overcomplicate things.

I usually do 3 gallons, too. I suppose BIAB would be ok at that size, but I honestly don't think i would want to go bigger in a bag.

 

[augiedoggy]

I used one of these with the $30 false bottom which worked well... an $8 bazooka screen from bargain fittings worked just as well though too...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002ND6V/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Then I got the bling bug going around here... all stainless now but totally unnecessary to make good beer.

if your considering pumps (which make things much easier) I use these food grade pumps which are under $20 shipped and work very well... the 24v is better than the 12v but both work great.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/25176871088...49&var=550695663763&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[augiedoggy]

If I were to start over, I'd seriously investigate BIAB. I have the two mash tuns: a 5 Gallon with a spigot (about $70) and a 10 gallon with a spigot and a false bottom (about $125).

If I were to go back, I'd invest in a used fridge with temperature control and then just do BIAB. I think it would have been a far better investment.

Why so much?... The 10 gallon igloo beverage coolers are only $35 shipped ,,, stainless bulkheads with ballvalves are only about $12-15 and the "fancy " false bottom is $30-35... The bazooka tube (Ive used both and this really worked just as well) is only $8 so one could built a 10gallon MT for under $50shipped. If you buy the stuff from the places that double the prices to pay for their "free" catalogs they send you every other week your gonna overpay. Its marketing Darwinism...

 

[ericbw]

Why so much?... The 10 gallon igloo beverage coolers are only $35 shipped ,,, stainless bulkheads with ballvalves are only about $12-15 and the "fancy " false bottom is $30-35... The bazooka tube (Ive used both and this really worked just as well) is only $8 so one could built a 10gallon MT for under $50shipped. If you buy the stuff from the places that double the prices to pay for their "free" catalogs they send you every other week your gonna overpay. Its marketing Darwinism...

You'd have to do some shopping to find those prices.

How do you come to "under $50?" Adding up what you have above, it's $98 using the high the high side prices. Not starting a fight, just asking.

 

[augiedoggy]

You'd have to do some shopping to find those prices.

How do you come to "under $50?" Adding up what you have above, it's $98 using the high the high side prices. Not starting a fight, just asking.

No problem,

$35 for the cooler,
$8 for the bazooka tube
$15 for the stainless weldless bulkhead with ballvalve. (cheaper if you go lead free brass) and they actually sell stainless valves that you can attach a hose to for $7 shipped on ebay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stainless-s...275426?hash=item235acd8ba2:g:Z-AAAOSwT5tWHI2Q or http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stainless-S...0cf1282&pid=100005&rk=4&rkt=6&sd=151847275426

I got $50-58 I honestly assumed and didnt add it up before...
Its not hard to find the better priced with amazon or ebay... you can sort by price...

honestly I got better results with my bazooka tube from bargain fittings then I did with my 12" fals bottom even after modifying to so it didnt collapse in the middle and block the intake with weight of the mash.

 

[golfgod04]

where did you find igloo cooler for 35?

 

[augiedoggy]

where did you find igloo cooler for 35?

a couple posts up I posted a link.... amazon.

** edit looks like that was the 5 gallon heres the 10gallon for $39 with free shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F6SHTK/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[golfgod04]

Thank you. Don't know how I missed that when searching Amazon (I'm a prime member)

 

[ericbw]

If you have Prime, then Amazon might be the best source. Of course, it wouldn't hurt to check the local big box stores, too.

 

[TxBigHops]

a couple posts up I posted a link.... amazon.

** edit looks like that was the 5 gallon heres the 10gallon for $39 with free shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F6SHTK/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Nice to see that the cooler prices have come down some. When I was looking to go all grain about this time last year, those coolers were closer to $50 each. I ended up going with this setup when they had a Christmas sale and let them go for $109. http://www.homebrewing.org/5-Gallon...ash-Tun-with-False-Bottom-and-HLT_p_1318.html I really like the quality of the false bottom and all metal tubing. Some setups use silicon tubing which can compress under the weight of a large mash.

 

[ericbw]

Nice to see that the cooler prices have come down some. When I was looking to go all grain about this time last year, those coolers were closer to $50 each. I ended up going with this setup when they had a Christmas sale and let them go for $109. http://www.homebrewing.org/5-Gallon...ash-Tun-with-False-Bottom-and-HLT_p_1318.html I really like the quality of the false bottom and all metal tubing. Some setups use silicon tubing which can compress under the weight of a large mash.

Those are 5 gallon coolers, but you got that for $109? That's a steal.

 

[augiedoggy]

Nice to see that the cooler prices have come down some. When I was looking to go all grain about this time last year, those coolers were closer to $50 each. I ended up going with this setup when they had a Christmas sale and let them go for $109. http://www.homebrewing.org/5-Gallon...ash-Tun-with-False-Bottom-and-HLT_p_1318.html I really like the quality of the false bottom and all metal tubing. Some setups use silicon tubing which can compress under the weight of a large mash.

I paid $37 for my orange igloo (10 gallon) new from amazon just over 2years ago

 

[TxBigHops]

Those are 5 gallon coolers, but you got that for $109? That's a steal.

Sorry, good catch. I linked the wrong item. Looks like they are no longer selling the exact 10 gal setup that I have. It was actually the orange colored 10 gal coolers. The 10 gal setup they have now uses white coolers and sells for $179. My memory is that their sale was $50 off, so I probably paid $129 instead of $109. Regardless, it was too good a deal to pass on, and better than I could have assembled myself with a SS false bottom and the nearly $50 price on coolers at that time.