Minimalist BIAB equipment list?

[Not_so_brite]

I've now brewed a few batches in the starter kit that I first purchased, and am very much enjoying this new hobby.

I'd like to invest in some equipment to allow me to increase the size from the current 5l batches to somewhere between 10 and 15l. I'd prefer stainless steel over plastic or glass where possible.

Given I will be brewing in my apartment for the foreseeable future, I'd also like to keep the number of vessels to a minimum.

Given the above, are there any typical pieces that I should look into? I have been thinking that a 5 gallon kettle could be used for both the mash and boil stage (using my kitchen hob), and then a small stainless steel fermenter. I'd then be bottling the beer.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[MyQul]

I basically do what you're trying to achieve - I do 10L batches on my hob.

- A 5G kettle is massive and way more than you need. I have wilko 12L pot (it says 12L but it's actually 15L to the brim.), which I use for both mash and boil. This would easily do you for 10L brews. For 15L brews you'd either need to do Maxi - Biab or get a bigger kettle.

- A mash bag. I have a Youngs mash bag and it's lasted me for years and still going strong

- Thermometer. The best electronic one you can afford. Having said that I use a spirit thermometer as it only cost me 3 quid

- Bench capper. This will do you (probably) for the rest of your life

 

[steveinUS]

I’ve never known anyone who wished for a smaller, rather than a larger, brew kettle once they were into the hobby for awhile. Depending on the brew, it is easier to get a rolling, full-volume boil, and prevent boil-overs, with a kettle that is approx twice the size of the final batch volume.

 

[MrSarge]

Cant go wrong with a big ol pot and a good grain bag for your biab setup. I used to mash in and boil 25 lit batches over charcoal in the back garden when i first started! (Couldnt brew in the kitchen because of an induction stove) bear in mind larger batch size (5gal) means way more time to hit temps and way way more condensation when boiling. I hope youve got good extraction! With that in mind maby an electric all in one would suit you?
why a stainless steel fermenter? Grab a 25 lit plastic bucket for cheep as chips and away you go!

 

[Not_so_brite]

Thanks all, very useful feedback.

So I think I’ll go for something like:

SS Brewtech 5.5 gallon kettle - this will be used for mash and boil
SS Brewtech 3.5 gallon brew bucket mini - for fermentation

I may also be able to fit the fermenter inside the kettle for storage when not in use which would be nice.

 

[MrSarge]

eeesh some expensive kit!