Equipment help

[ChefB]

I'm based in london so space to be kept in mind
I'm interested in buying the ss brewtech stainless bucket 10 gallon as everybody seems to love them but then the question is to electric boil or not also is it more beneficial (price wise)to build your own i.e. Stainless steel pot and digital thermostat etc or to purchase a bucket veriation or perhaps one of you may know where I can purchase an already custom electric stainless pot with tap element thermostat etc for a good price
Your input is greatly appreciated

 

[Fil]

if at all diy inclined and confident wring a plug with a healthy respect for the power in electricity a self build brewery is Very doable, a basic thin skined 100l stockpot with handles NOT designed to support its mass when full can be picked up from the german ebay.fr sellers for circa �£50-60 inc delivery. search ebay,fr for '100l marmite innox' or email direct for a quote you can pay via paypal invioce (protection) delivery ocours within a few days.. [email protected]

the benefits of the thins pots is they are cheap and easier to punch holes through. if using gas or induction heating then a more expensive pot with a multilayered base would be more suitable..

to make holes for elements valves etc use qmax punches a 20-21mm hole is ideal for 1/2" bsp pipe fitting sized wall breaches..

be mindful any element larger than 3kw will require a higher amp rated socket/spur and possibly feed wire installed than the standard domestic 13a jobbie, most of us employ multiple elements fed from different ring circuits ( built in redundancy and simple on off 50%/100% power control.with 2 elements)

the malt miller , homebrew buiulder , angel homebrew and powell brew builders are all suppliers of parts and complete brew vessels..

My own diy 100/80/100 3v shiny set up was designed with minimising losses and the capacitiy for recirculation through each vessel if desiered. (maintains stable hlt temp when left under pid control, herms/rims optionsd for the mash/tun, and boil recirculation thru hop spider, and pre drain whirlpooling)
elements and camlocks i got from Mrlard aka the homebrewbuilder most of the SS h/w came from bes.co.uk

my kettle n hlt are identical, kettle pre boil setup..

and when boiling and recirculating thru the hop spider

and post boil.. wot deadspace ok just dont look at the waste in the hose feeding the fv draped over the pot

 

[marlon]

Excellent info above from Fil. Being in the catering business you may have access to suitable stainless large pots etc.....( just a thought...) But if space and/or DIY are an issue for you, you might consider checking out the all-in-one units available. Though the vast majority are designed for 40 pint runs.

Good luck :thumb:

 

[ChefB]

Thanks guys for the help will check it out and weigh up pros and cons
👍

 

[The Idiot]

I have the SS kettle (the 15 gallon one) and a Buffalo 3kw induction hob; works a treat, plus you have an induction hob when you're not brewing, which really speeds up some cooking tasks.

 

[ChefB]

We use those buffalo inductions at work cheap and cheerful plus really nice and fast thank for the advise I do believe I'll be going for classic pot over electric just a better feel all round

 

[Gerryjo]

I have purchased a Burco boiler recently and find it a great addition with 30l capacity and 27l max.Holds a rolling boil with no problem.I.ve also calibrated mine as they have a 1-5 dial setting which is actually an incremental dial thermometer allowing you to set between the numbers and setting your own setpoints for mashing/strike water temp.