I'm thinking about making the jump to all grain and am looking for any tips on what way to go.
My budget isn't much atm but I'm not in any particular rush either. I've been thinking of getting a biab kit with the peco boiler & then either buy or build a mash tun further down the line.
I've also been offered a 50l ss pot at a decent price. If I was to get that would a gas burner be the best option or drill holes & add elements to make it into a boiler?
Would it be worth my while waiting to see if there are good deals for black friday which may sway my decision? Ive been thinking about it for a while but change my mind every other week.
Gas is great but in my experience you use a lot on a boil. I could do 3 brews and the propane tank was gone (I do have a rocket engine mind you)
If you're just starting go with gas, drilling holes and plumbing up the leccy is a lot of hassle
I'd recommend being on the lookout for a ice box for the mash tun though...
Starting off with gas is less expensive initially.. you can then make sure you like the hobby before selling your soul for more equipment...and you will >:D >:D
I've been brewing kits for a while now so there's no fear I won't be keeping up the hobby. Sure what would I do with all the empty bottles if I didn't? In saying that I won't be buying a grainfather anytime soon either!
I use Butane with a decent burner and i get way more than 3 brews. I'm not sure but i'd say in and around 10-12 brews, depending on styles brewed.
Quote from: Johnnycheech on October 05, 2018, 11:09:21 AM
I use Butane with a decent burner and i get way more than 3 brews. I'm not sure but i'd say in and around 10-12 brews, depending on styles brewed.
I used Butane for ages and it lasted 4 or 5 brews, then I got a peco just to use as a hlt and it lasted even longer. It was a bit of pain on a breezy day though and always felt a bit less safe than electric with the kids in doors so I moved to a GF. Handy thing about Butane is you can swap the gas into heaters, bbq, etc with no need for a different cylinder. If anyone is getting a gas burner Ali express sell little wing guards for them for a few euro, well worth it and saves money on gas.
As you mentioned I guess there are factors that influence how long a bottle of gas will last.
I brew indoors and i use an electric boiler as a HLT so the gas is used only for the 8.8kw burner to boil the kettle. Once i get to a good boil i can turn down the flame quite low on the burner to keep it rolling.
Also i use an electric HERMS for mash out, so there's a little more gas saved.
Anyway i love Butane, gets boiling quickly and a rolling boil is no problem. It's certainly not as cheap as leccie but hey ho, the extra few euro throughout the year is worth it imo for the time saved waiting for a boil with a lower power electric boiler.
Quote from: Raxy on October 04, 2018, 10:14:42 PM
I'm thinking about making the jump to all grain and am looking for any tips on what way to go.
My budget isn't much atm but I'm not in any particular rush either. I've been thinking of getting a biab kit with the peco boiler & then either buy or build a mash tun further down the line.
I've also been offered a 50l ss pot at a decent price. If I was to get that would a gas burner be the best option or drill holes & add elements to make it into a boiler?
Would it be worth my while waiting to see if there are good deals for black friday which may sway my decision? Ive been thinking about it for a while but change my mind every other week.
Funny enough i have an extra burner with a fitted butane regulator and hose that i'm selling at the moment. I bought two as was using one to heat the HLT & mash but realised electric is the best way to go for these.
This is the burner:
https://gasproducts.co.uk/outdoor-living/boiling-rings-and-gas-burners/foker-large-square-gas-boiling-ring-with-ffd.html
I'm also selling a 35L SS pot with ball valve, thermometer, and whirlpool fitting. I'm away on holidays at the moment but will post pics in the for sale section when i get back. I'm thinking €120 for both is a fair price as both are in very good condition. This is the kettle but i've drilled and fitted an extra port for the whirlpool:
https://www.mybeerandwine.ie/brew-kettles/191-heavy-duty-30-litre-mash-tun.html
:I'd be interested in taking that off you. If you let me know when your back I can come take a look. Might need to wait until payday at the end of the month.
I've a Blichmann. Stupid amount of BTUs which is why it plows through gas!
When i was looking into burners i was thinking of getting a Blichmann, happy i didn't now. They're designed for Americans who use gas like we use water.