I always make 2.5 gallon batches. I get more of a turnover and not forced to drink bad beer if it turns out that way.
The only time I make 5 gallons if I am making a summer lager that everyone likes.
I do both I find myself doing extract when I want to try a recipe. I make a 2.5 gallon batch so if I hate it, I have less to give away or drink. Thought about doing 1 gallon but it seems like a lot of work for a 12 pack.
I already have another hobby that takes a lot of my time and energy (and $$$). I rebuild old cars, I am 3 years into a 5 + year project to rebuild a 1939 Buick. So that keeps me busy. I also like to cook which is why I lie recipes and brewing beer. So I have plenty to do including work.
But, I...
The meds my Dr. put me on and alcohol don't mix. An occasional beer is OK but not 1 or 2 a day. More like 1 or 2 a month. An this is a long term regime, not just a month or 2.
So, I like making beer and I have a fridge full of beers that I have bought / made. I plan on taking some to a party...
Mine fermented for 2 weeks, then sat 4 weeks in the secondary before bottling.
It was good 2 weeks after that but now it has been 3 months and it is real good.
It is a Frigidaire Gallery Series FGGF3041KF and the center burner is 13K BTU,
It is a 5 burner stove, I mistyped... They are easy to find as all the appliance stores have 5 & 6 burner stoves. Lowes, Sears etc. I got mine at Lowes for about $ 700...
I bought a new 5 burner gas stove last weekend and got up early this morning to see if I could make beer on it.
Aside from making the house humid as heck, the stove and its "Power Burner" will bring the wort to a roiling boil in about 15 minutes from 170 degrees.
I started with 3 gallons of tap...
If you are really interested in a smaller system check this thread out. One of the best I have seen.
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/countertop-brutus-20-a-131411/
I shop at AHS. Its 20 minutes from home and has a hell of a selection. The new store is clean and well organized and easy to get to.
They have a number system so when they are crowded, it doesn't seem like too long.
Just finished making them and darn 4 lbs of grain makes a heck of a lot of treats.
Took me longer to make the treats then it did to brew beer. Thank goodness I ran out of flour.
I really enjoy my LHBS, frankly. I've seen some comments about it on AOL CityScape and such where people ***** about stupid crap like it's cluttered, dusty, etc. Frankly, to me, I really enjoy it. It's quite entertaining actually. The guy has random beer-themed paraphanalia all over the place...