Initial Set Up

[Kevin]

I have been brewing from mash grain kits for a few months now using my own one pot method. I have had some good results but I think it is time for my own micro brewery now.

Currently have approx 28L stainless pot which I am thinking of fitting elemets to to use as my boiler.

I was thinking of buying a larger stainless pot and fitting elements to it for the HLT. Not sure if to go for a cool box mash tun or other?

What volume HLT and tun would you recommend for my boiler? Or do I need to get a new bigger boiler too?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[bobsbeer]

Welcome. : Personally I would use your 28lt pot as your HLT and get a bigger pot for your boiler.

 

[pittsy]

welcome , yeah same as Bob said here too .

 

[beermaker]

+2 for bigger boiler, allows for expansion and foaming.

 

[joe1002]

+3. For a 23l brew length I start the boil with around 30l. I have a 40l boiler which is perfect for 23l IMHO.

 

[Fil]

+4 hehe.. reason being you can add more water to the hlt for sparging after you have set the mash and u have 90 mins to bring it upto sparge temp :)

 

[beermaker]

+4 hehe.. reason being you can add more water to the hlt for sparging after you have set the mash and u have 90 mins to bring it upto sparge temp :)

Exactly what I do. Used to heat everything up in the copper and pump it up to where it was needed but now heat the mash liquor and sparge liquor in the hlt with electric element. Even with just one kettle elements I can get 5 gallons to temperature before the mash is finished and its a pretty easy mod

 

[danb]

My hlt and boiler are 50l. I usually do 23l but the space is great, can leave the boil to do other things with no fear of boiling over. And slightly bigger batches could be done if wanted to.

 

[Kevin]

Wow. Thanks for all the replies.

I guess its obvious when you think about it. I just hadn't thought about it!

Yes I will buy a bigger stainless pot for the boiler and use my existing pot for the HLT. If I fit two elelments it should mean I can get a second volume of water up to temperature within time to start the sparge.

Thanks I have so much to learn but enjoying the journey.