Homebrewing equipment

[Brewer #457339]

Hello to everyone,

I am about to start brewing at home. My goal is to produce (at least try) commercial like beer.
I am thinking of Grainfather G70 or BrewTaurus BL70. Cost wise, the Brewtaurus is cheaper and also a pressurized conical fermenter is included in the price. However, my feeling is that the Grainfather is more precise regarding the temperature and more user friendly (at least this is what I read on the internet). Is there anyone that can help?

 

[Donoroto]

Precise temperature control is not as important as you might believe. Not that it is not needed or useful, but a mash temperature within a few degrees of target is close enough.

Your concern should be longevity of your equipment. You don’t want it failing after a year.

But even before that: buy a copy of How to Brew by John Palmer. It is an excellent reference on, well, how to brew. Read it, don’t worry about the details (he goes into a Lot of details…) then come back with questions.

If you have a local homebrew supply store, visit and speak with them. If not, I suggest starting with a basic beer ingredient kit, so you know what to expect, letting you focus on process, which is key.

Good luck!

 

[TerryDowning]

Also look for a local homebrew club near you.

 

[Limey]

My thoughts are they are BIG brewing systems - what are you going to do with all that beer? Bottling or kegging are the typical answers, but the typical homebrew Corny Keg only holds 5 gallons (US). I "thought" I wanted a system that would brew 10 gallon batches, but the price of a fermenter put me off, and I am glad I stuck with the 5 gallon system (Anvil Foundry + Anvil Crucible). A second fermenter would be useful so that I could have two different brews going at the same time - but what I have works well for me! YMMV

 

[Dave Y]

My thoughts are they are BIG brewing systems - what are you going to do with all that beer? Bottling or kegging are the typical answers, but the typical homebrew Corny Keg only holds 5 gallons (US). I "thought" I wanted a system that would brew 10 gallon batches, but the price of a fermenter put me off, and I am glad I stuck with the 5 gallon system (Anvil Foundry + Anvil Crucible). A second fermenter would be useful so that I could have two different brews going at the same time - but what I have works well for me! YMMV

I use an Anvil 18 for most of my 5 gallon batches. I find it more efficient than the 10.5 gallon and I can brew bigger beers more easily.
IDK how the features compare, but I’m sure the bigger grainfather would suffice. Anvil/Blichmann have been very responsive and helpful for me, which I think also factors into the equation. I also started with the 7.5 Crucible conical - Black Friday purchase. Added a Grainfather GF30 later - cool for the app control and tilt integration, then i got the GCA’s to use with other fermenters. Then I stumbled on a Blichman 50% off deal for a 14 gallon fermenter...
It’s not supposed to be as efficient at cooling, but, it seems to do as well as the grainfather, at only 6 gallons, may do better with 11-12.

Hello to everyone,

I am about to start brewing at home. My goal is to produce (at least try) commercial like beer.
I am thinking of Grainfather G70 or BrewTaurus BL70. Cost wise, the Brewtaurus is cheaper and also a pressurized conical fermenter is included in the price. However, my feeling is that the Grainfather is more precise regarding the temperature and more user friendly (at least this is what I read on the internet). Is there anyone that can help?

So, do you have power and room for the kettle, grains, etc.? Even an all in one system takes up more space than you think.
You don’t _need_ a pressure capable fermenter, but it’s a ‘nice to have’ option for when you want to try fermenting under pressure.
I echo the previous poster comment about a local club or brewers nearby to shadow as you learn.

 

[Donoroto]

Note that the minimum batch size is 10.5 gallons.

Most homebrewers start at 5 gallon batches.

 

[Zambi]

Hello to everyone,

I am about to start brewing at home. My goal is to produce (at least try) commercial like beer.
I am thinking of Grainfather G70 or BrewTaurus BL70. Cost wise, the Brewtaurus is cheaper and also a pressurized conical fermenter is included in the price. However, my feeling is that the Grainfather is more precise regarding the temperature and more user friendly (at least this is what I read on the internet). Is there anyone that can help?

Have you brewed any beer before?
I would just start very very simple (I never got past that stage), so you get a better idea about what you are doing.

 

[Semper Sitientum]

I’ll second the “start simple” approach. I started with one gallon kits not knowing if I would enjoy the hobby. My first several batches resembled beer but I got hooked on the alchemy and continued to educate myself. It’s not a difficult hobby but it can be frustrating if you don’t know the basics.

 

[Brewer #457339]

Thank you all guys! Your input is really valuable. I have brewed and distilled in the past at home 2 times. I was thinking that if I don't enjoy the hobby, then I could sell the equipment. I work in a lab anyway, so I can imagine how would the process be. This is why I am considering starting with a quality equipment and why not to upscale someday. From your experience, do you suggest any equipment that is not so expensive but is reliable?

 

[Dave Y]

yeast starter kit. Not always needed, but i use more often than not.
hydrometer x2, because one is none and two is one. Bonus points if you get a Tilt hydrometer
thermometer and again bonus points for the tilt.
Grain mill. about $100-$200 ish new. Unless you go crazy on one from Spike (like I did)
refractometer
pH meter
chemicals to adjust mash ph

An all in one brew system is fairly common these days, and there are lots of choices. I’d suggest doing a comparison of features, and watch some youtube videos for ref.

 

[Brew Cat]

I agree learn the process first before you invest a lot of $$. A couple stove top BIABs are very inexpensive. Contrary to popular belief you don't need to spend a ton of money to brew quality beer.

 

[Craigerrr]

Have you brewed any beer before?
I would just start very very simple (I never got past that stage), so you get a better idea about what you are doing.

I’ll second the “start simple” approach. I started with one gallon kits not knowing if I would enjoy the hobby. My first several batches resembled beer but I got hooked on the alchemy and continued to educate myself. It’s not a difficult hobby but it can be frustrating if you don’t know the basics.

I will third these thoughts.
Before investing a lot of money in equipment I would highly recommend that you start off with a kit and see if this is really for you.
I don't mean to discourage you in any way, it is a great hobby, but you can make beer without a lot of fancy equipment.
I still have and still use many of the items that came with the first kit I bought, it was similar to this.

 

[Brew Cat]

I will third these thoughts.
Before investing a lot of money in equipment I would highly recommend that you start off with a kit and see if this is really for you.
I don't mean to discourage you in any way, it is a great hobby, but you can make beer without a lot of fancy equipment.
I still have and still use many of the items that came with the first kit I bought, it was similar to this.

View attachment 31996

That's a nice package. All that stuff can be repurposed if you upgrade

 

[Brewer #457339]

Thank you all! Cheers!

 

[Brew Cat]

I will third these thoughts.
Before investing a lot of money in equipment I would highly recommend that you start off with a kit and see if this is really for you.
I don't mean to discourage you in any way, it is a great hobby, but you can make beer without a lot of fancy equipment.
I still have and still use many of the items that came with the first kit I bought, it was similar to this.

View attachment 31996

Now that package comes with a extract recipe kit my advice buy a brew bag and maybe the same recipe in all grain then do the extract first then move on to the BIAB because you don't need the all in one for extract brewing

 

[Semper Sitientum]

Not to over-advise, but if you do go the direction of something nice and shiny and you’re looking at the Grainfather, take a look at the SS Brewtech SVBS, which I believe is in the same price range.