Ruminations on moving from Kit to All Grain

[Beardy]

I think this is the right place to ask, but I'm sure a kindly Mod will move it if I'm wrong :)

I'm going to be ordering an additional keg and another kit in the next few days, but what I'd really like to do is brew AG. The thing is, it looks like it's quite big step up to AG in respect of kit. Obviously, no matter how much I'd like to build a brewery in the garage (I like building stuff :)) Is suspect that it's not the most sensible approach. Or is it?

Is there an intermediate stage of kit requirements between a fermenting bucket and a fully plumbed brewery? Is it a sensible thing to do, or is it just going to wind up SWMBO with clutter in the kitchen.

What is the best way to go, what gotchas do I have to avoid, what things mustn't I forget.

I know it's a bit of an open ended question, but it seems that the subject has many final answers. I'd just like to move forward really.

Thanks

 

[Ceejay]

Sure mate. I'm just about to bottle my first AG brew that was brewed entirely in my kitchen and really you only need 2 other "large" bits of equipment - a 30 litre boiler (for 23l batches) and a mash tun. As long as you find somwhere to store it all, you shouldn't incur the wrath of the MD :lol:

If you're handy you can make both easily, at a cost of about £60 to £70 max.

Mash tun = a coolbox converted with a tap and strainer - best to get a "good" coolbox like a Coleman or Thermos that holds the heat efficiently
Boiler = a 30 litre HDPE bucket with a 2-3 heating element, tap and hop strainer (mine came ready made from "hamstead brewing centre; they're not that expensive)

Then you'll probably want an immersion chiller which is just some microbore copper pipe wound into a coil.

Check out this for inspiration.

Go for it, you won't regret it :thumb:. The dark side is calling you :twisted:

 

[pjbiker]

If your going to the trouble of making your own 5 gal plastic boiler. It's not too much of a stretch to make it in stainless steel with one of these

http://cgi.ebay.fr/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie ... 0492580852

offof ebay (french site).
There are loads of 'how to's' and pictures of various home made stuff if you look around the forum. Cutting holes in the metal is the hardest bit. Search 'Q-Max' cutters for that.

 

[oz11]

I will add to the above replies if you don't want a separate mash tun you can get a grain bag and mash in a boiler, commonly know as Brew in a bag (BIAB). Have a look at http://www.biabrewer.info/index.php if that may be of interest.

 

[BigYin]

there is an inbeetween point - a full 'plastic' brewery - before you move onto the all shiny stainless steel world :thumb:

If you're good at building stuff, it's not too hard to do, and very rewarding!

The results from the brewing can be amazingly good too.

Only word of warning though, it's not called a brewday for nothing :lol: :lol:

 

[unclepumble]

no need for loads of kit to do all grain beardy,

You must have a fermenter already therefore thats vessel 1.

Now you need a bucket for a boiler with a kettle element in it, buy one ready made (££££££££) or make one not hard to do.

Now you need a coolbox with good insulation, If you buy a cheap one your going to have to mess about pulling the polystryne out of it and filling with expanding foam, better to buy a decent one with a tap, as its easier to convert and will perform better.

I have an IGLOO like that one but i picked it up £30 cheaper, however I have only made a strainer for the bottom of it, end of and it drops hardly any temp in a 90 deg mash so well reccomended.

You only then need a decent thermometer.

Heat your strike liquor up in the boiler, mash in a coolbox, run off into your fermeneter and batch sparge, then when the fermenters 3/4 full, empty the HLT water into your tun, pour your runnings into the boiler, and bring to the boil, finish off running off whilst the worts comeing to a boil.

Is the above clear or have I confused your issue for you. :hmm:

UP