setting up for ag...advice please

[Clint]

Hello all
My garage is virtually clear after a massive clear out! I have plenty of space to move my brewing into there with room for a couple of brew fridges (secured awaiting delivery ).
My aim is to convert to ag after the current stock of kits is used up.
I'm looking at equipment but struggling what to get. I think my preferred method of heating will be electric but then do I go for an all in one system like the grainfather or a three vessel system with heated temp controlled hlt and boiler and separate mash tun? ? I like the idea of a GF but they are expensive but I also like the simplicity of three vessels. Then do you choose ready made boilers like ace,burco etc or built ones from the likes of malt miller?

Cheers

Clint

 

[Bodleigh Head]

I do all of my brews in a picnic cooler and cook up on a standard gas cooker with cooking pots ... it works, it's a cheap solution, most of it has been scavenged but I can't handle much more than 6kg of grain and I am limited to 25 litres. So, I guess the first question to ask is what size brews are you aiming for.

 

[Gerryjo]

Hello all
My garage is virtually clear after a massive clear out! I have plenty of space to move my brewing into there with room for a couple of brew fridges (secured awaiting delivery ).
My aim is to convert to ag after the current stock of kits is used up.
I'm looking at equipment but struggling what to get. I think my preferred method of heating will be electric but then do I go for an all in one system like the grainfather or a three vessel system with heated temp controlled hlt and boiler and separate mash tun? ? I like the idea of a GF but they are expensive but I also like the simplicity of three vessels. Then do you choose ready made boilers like ace,burco etc or built ones from the likes of malt miller?

Cheers

Clint

Would advise that before you go the whole hog to BIAB on the stove top to give you an indication of what you are looking for.I started with a few pots 15 and 11 litres and had no bother doing 20 litres.
It's cheap and easy done with little expense.I've upgraded to a 33 litre pot and built a brew bench in the garage complete with a gas hob which cost me£15 and incorporated a fermentation cupboard to hold 2 fermenters, which I still have to finish but makes a world of difference 👍

Sent from my ALE-L21

 

[aamcle]

DIY or buy in it's a more convoluted many seem to think. I'm talking about Stainless not plastic as shiny fever is highly contagious and expensive.

1. Do you enjoy DIY if you don't enjoy it a lot then don't bother.
2. Price, more **** spoke about this than you could dig out in a week. DIY is only cheaper if you build once and don't upgrade/mess it about. I have built and rebuild my brewery so often that I could have bought a BM let alown a GF.
3. You have cleared the garage but what's the chance of it staying clear if you have a family?
4. Both systems 3v/1V work but why bother with 3 when one will do the job and come complete, just read the instructions and brew no messing about. Errr is that fitting BSPP or BSPT (parallel or taper).
5. Building is for those who like to tinker rather than getting the job done.
6. Don't get me started on control boxes. PID/SSR or Arduino/Rpie

I'd recommend one pot a BM if you have the budget otherwise a GF.


atb. aamcle

 

[Bigcol49]

Hi!
I also am about to jump into AG - almost ready!
I had a 20 litre SS boiler which I intend to use as a HLT, and I bought an ACE mash tun/boiler. The pump, the tubing, fittings, control box - I could have bought the ACE Micro brewery for less than what I've paid, and the one-pot system is much more compact.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ACE-Micro...ith-pump-PRE-ORDER-DUE-14th-FEB-/271687277467

 

[Leon103]

Go for s grainfather and be done with it.

 

[MyQul]

If it was me, and I could afford it, I'd go straight for the grainfather. All the forumites who have one seem, to be extremely happy with them - An all in one system, small footprint, very clear wort meaning clear beer and increased efficiency. Whats not to like.
There are slightly cheaper all in one systems like the bulldog brewing stysem which is cheaper then the grainfather at about £360. I'm sure you've seen our MASSIVE thread on all in one systems? http://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=54878&page=13

 

[Clint]

Thanks all! I've sat looking at GF and similar systems for the last hour knowing full well Mrs Nosey would have to see what I was up to....
Questions asked....what is it,how much etc. Just one remark...can't you stick with kits?
I recon a great big easter Egg and I'll be in!
The GF does seem the easiest solution...

Cheers

Clint

 

[aamcle]

very clear wort meaning clear beer and increased efficiency

That is a very outdated belief, clarity of wort has no bearing on the final beer nor does it impact efficiency.


aamcle

 

[MyQul]

That is a very outdated belief, clarity of wort has no bearing on the final beer nor does it impact efficiency.


aamcle

Depends what you mean by "no bearing on the final beer". Yes of course clarity of the beer doesnt mean it will taste any better but some people value clear beer. Else people wouldnt bother to add clearing agents like gelatine.
And of course clear wort doesnt necessarily mean a higher efficiency but from my understanding the re-circulation of the wort throught the grain bed which helps to create clear wort also has the effect of an increase in efficiency

 

[wfr42]

Biab starter kit from geterbrewed or the hbc a no go...?

 

[aamcle]

Be clear (:)) about this, BIAB produced beer can make beer just as clear as that produced by a 3V or GF/BM system, BIAB tends to be less efficient than a 3V rig however that is effected by pH, grain crush and mostly critically by the inclusion of a dunk sparge.

For instance I brewed a Federation Special Ale yesterday returning 88% mash efficiency and that was without a dunk sparge, I have used ketttle fining but I don't intend to use any more. Yes it will take longer to clear with out finnings but by the time it's properly conditioned it will be clear. Patience clears beer.


aamcle

 

[Clint]

I'm open to all suggestions ...I will have a look at the age starter stuff and the biab method. What kit is required for biab please?

Cheers

Clint

 

[aamcle]

BIAB all you need to know :-

http://www.biabrewer.info/viewforum.php?f=25&sid=1f2ba1078d4d642abb788062ba5b3e1c best to read all the threads.

or

have a look at http://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=131411

I built one it was good until the cheepo cool box (�£3 from a car booty) packed up. Then I got the shiny urge ...............



Good Luck aamcle

 

[Robin54]

I'm open to all suggestions ...I will have a look at the age starter stuff and the biab method. What kit is required for biab please?

Cheers

Clint

For 10L..a 15 litre stock pot, a bag, a thermometer, a large sieve (IKEA one is good and cheap) and an oven and thats it really. Sparge into your FV and tip into your now boiling stock pot. Simple is as simple does. To be honest MyCul and I had an earlier discussion about this, and its really as complicated as you want to make it....just think MASH...SPARGE >>> BOIL>>>FERMENT...how can I make this happen in a simple way...have a look here
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgMOznAnZRM&t=2s[/ame]
this guy is honest and sets it out all SIMPLE and I like SIMPLE

 

[Dutto]

Thanks all! I've sat looking at GF and similar systems for the last hour knowing full well Mrs Nosey would have to see what I was up to....
Questions asked....what is it, how much etc. Just one remark...can't you stick with kits?
I recon a great big easter Egg and I'll be in!

...........

Dream on! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I've highlighted the bits that indicate almost certain failure! :whistle:

An Easter Egg? My God, that's a low maintenance wife by any standards!

You can forget your Grainfather ... :nono: :nono:

... unless you hide equivalent priced jewellery inside the egg! :thumb: :thumb:

 

[Robin54]

I'm open to all suggestions ...I will have a look at the age starter stuff and the biab method. What kit is required for biab please?

Cheers

Clint

For 10L..a 15 litre stock pot, a bag, a thermometer, a large sieve (IKEA one is good and cheap) and an oven and thats it really. Sparge into your FV and tip into your now boiling stock pot. Simple is as simple does.

 

[Clint]

Thats a nice easy viewing video. .could you do this in one of those boilers like the burco with a temp control?
Yes Dutto, fortunately my wife is very low maintenance. ..an easter Egg and another dog would definitely secure something ...

Cheers

Clint

 

[Robin54]

Thats a nice easy viewing video. .could you do this in one of those boilers like the burco with a temp control?
Yes Dutto, fortunately my wife is very low maintenance. ..an easter Egg and another dog would definitely secure something ...

Cheers

Clint

its so easy but just go for it. Its a lovely pint..and easy...just made another!:thumb: I double up the ingredients for a 10 l brew and sparge with3 l
hope the MAKES SENSE

 

[Razor]

Thats a nice easy viewing video. .could you do this in one of those boilers like the burco with a temp control?

Yes Dutto, fortunately my wife is very low maintenance. ..an easter Egg and another dog would definitely secure something ...



Cheers



Clint

A dog is for life, not just for brewing. :lol:


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk