I have been instructed to "get frivolous" for my Xmas present this year. This means get something I wouldn't normally spend my money on. Realistically anything up to about $5-600 would be available, so I can't go looking for a new brew sculpture or anything.
My wort-making system is pretty basic, but I don't really see an overwhelming need to upgrade it. It's a picnic-cooler-keggle setup. I was considering getting a pump and plate chiller, but the immersion chiller still works just fine for my 5-gallon batches, and the cleaning aspect of the plate chiller worries me.
I've got a fermentation fridge and dual-stage temp controller. I was considering getting the Brewbit controller - that's about the ultimate frivolous gift! - but the @$@@ are sold out till 2Q2015. That's no fun.
I suppose I could look into a new sweet fermenter, but it would either need to be self-temperature-controlling or would need to fit into my existing, regular-size (actually smallish) fermentation fridge. I contemplated the brew bucket, but that got mixed reviews.
One thing I don't have that is in the mix is a grain mill.
So help me out - what's a nice few-hundred-dollar upgrade that would help me make better beer, or make it easier, that is maybe a quirky or "fun" purchase more than core gear? Suggestions appreciated!
Edit: Oops, I'm an idiot. Several people chimed in to suggest I start kegging my beer. Which would be a great suggestion if I hadn't been kegging for 10 years and didn't already have a spiffy keezer. So.. other than kegging
My wort-making system is pretty basic, but I don't really see an overwhelming need to upgrade it. It's a picnic-cooler-keggle setup. I was considering getting a pump and plate chiller, but the immersion chiller still works just fine for my 5-gallon batches, and the cleaning aspect of the plate chiller worries me.
I've got a fermentation fridge and dual-stage temp controller. I was considering getting the Brewbit controller - that's about the ultimate frivolous gift! - but the @$@@ are sold out till 2Q2015. That's no fun.
I suppose I could look into a new sweet fermenter, but it would either need to be self-temperature-controlling or would need to fit into my existing, regular-size (actually smallish) fermentation fridge. I contemplated the brew bucket, but that got mixed reviews.
One thing I don't have that is in the mix is a grain mill.
So help me out - what's a nice few-hundred-dollar upgrade that would help me make better beer, or make it easier, that is maybe a quirky or "fun" purchase more than core gear? Suggestions appreciated!
Edit: Oops, I'm an idiot. Several people chimed in to suggest I start kegging my beer. Which would be a great suggestion if I hadn't been kegging for 10 years and didn't already have a spiffy keezer. So.. other than kegging