Hello
I've just joined the Thomastown Brew club. I have some plastic fermenters, spoon, bottling stuff, hydrometer, but would love to move to all grain at home. We live in a very small cottage in rural Kilkenny, and live very frugally, so I'm after some advice on getting set up in a way that still lets me make high quality beer using all grain methods.
So I guess to the questions:
1. Where would people recommend I go to get the gear?
2. In terms of the gear, do those plastic buckets with electric elements do the job? They look a little nasty but I guess would be the cheapest. I guess that's the question.
3. Is anyone got any gear they would be willing to part with for a second hand price?
4. Have people found electric to be cheaper than gas? Is this material? (anyone ever done the sums?)
5. Anyone out there converted kegs to do the job say and how did they find that?
Thanks for any advice guys. I've eyed off things like the Grainfather as it would suit the space we have but it really would be a foolish decision on my part cash wise so I'm looking for some clever alternatives if anyone has ever gone down that path.
David
Mod: Guess this may be in wrong forum feel free to move if so.
Hi there tullaroan!
1. Where would people recommend I go to get the gear?
If you want to be frugal, join all us TAGs by making your own, wait for bargains, or ask in the 'wanted' section.
Donedeal/gumtree/adverts are great places for bits n pieces.
2. In terms of the gear, do those plastic buckets with electric elements do the job? They look a little nasty but I guess would be the cheapest. I guess that's the question.
They look nasty but do the job. You could also add elements to a stainless key. Or use a stainless keg with gas burner.
3. Is anyone got any gear they would be willing to part with for a second hand price?
Start a thread in wanted (http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.ie/forum/index.php/board,13.0.html)
4. Have people found electric to be cheaper than gas? Is this material? (anyone ever done the sums?)
I've found gas is easier on my sanity.
Gas will be cheaper to set up and maintain. Just a pot and a burner. No cables, plugs, higher rated circuits, etc.
5. Anyone out there converted kegs to do the job say and how did they find that?
I did it for both gas and electric.
I prefer the gas for the boil, and electric for HLT.
some food for thought:
https://www.donedeal.ie/hobbies-for-sale/ice-cooler/12730754 (https://www.donedeal.ie/hobbies-for-sale/ice-cooler/12730754) (or find/make a bag for BIAB)
http://www.adverts.ie/crazy-random-stuff/keg-barrels/10736771 (http://www.adverts.ie/crazy-random-stuff/keg-barrels/10736771) (or keep an eye out in ditches and riverbanks)
https://www.donedeal.ie/catering-for-sale/gas-boiling-ring/12315370 (https://www.donedeal.ie/catering-for-sale/gas-boiling-ring/12315370) (find one cheaper)
With those, all you need is a few tools and plumbing bits.
Hey tullaroan. Welcome.. ;D
I progressed from buckets and they served me well.
I recently built a keggle and cooler set up which I have written about. You may be able to get an idea of what involved with a build .. http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.ie/forum/index.php/topic,14993.0.html
Hi David
You can start all grain for peanuts. Brew in a bag is the easiest and most cost effective way to start all gtain brewing. A pot, an element, a bag and a tap, you also need a cooler, all of which you can make yourself.
I have some equipment I can loan to you if you want to give all grain a go. We can talk at the next meet.
Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk
Another option is to buy an all grain recipe kit, come around to mine and you can use my system or my biab system.
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Electric is 50% cost of gas and always available unless you buy a spare tank.
Put 2 kettle elements into a keg and brew in a bag remembering to earth the keg.
I boiled in an regular PP bucket for a year it was fine.
@all Thank you for your replies and suggestions. I think I will start out simple, learn the ropes, and improve the gear over time.
@darryn You are too kind! Thank you.