Another kit brewer looking to try AG

[neggs]

Hi everyone,

Ive been brewing kits for about a year now and have really enjoyed the process of making them and mainly drinking them

After reading lots of posts from past kit brewers, I think it time to move to AG brewing

Im looking at buying the Hope and Grape AG kit ( http://www.hopandgrape.co.uk/catalog/de ... HA20225648 to get me started, but ive a few questions before I buy.

Am I best buying the AG kit with or without a thermostat?

What benefit does the twin element version give me?

I have all the general equipment for brewing kits. Do I need anything else other than the H&G AG Kit?

Once I have all the equipment do I only then need the ingredients for the recipes?

Sorry if these questions have been answered many times before!

Thanks in advance,

neggs.

[Madbrewer]

Hi everyone,
Ive been brewing kits for about a year now and have really enjoyed the process of making them and mainly drinking them
After reading lots of posts from past kit brewers, I think it time to move to AG brewing .

Welcome to the dark side .....

Im looking at buying the Hope and Grape AG kit ( http://www.hopandgrape.co.uk/catalog/de ... HA20225648 to get me started, but ive a few questions before I buy.
Am I best buying the AG kit with or without a thermostat?
What benefit does the twin element version give me?

It's probably worth calling to check, but i doubt the boiler has a thermostat! FWIW I made the 10gal boiler myself like that (well I got the local HBS to drill the holes) the strange thing is - I usually mash 5 gallon brews as I find the day less tiresome and i like expermenting. BUT if you are going BIG BATCH then the two elements will heat the wort up for the boil alot quicker but dont use the same twin plug socket for both!

Re:
I have all the general equipment for brewing kits. Do I need anything else other than the H&G AG Kit?
Yes I would recommend an Immersion Chiller (think copper pipe shaped by wrapping around a corny, fitted to cold water tap!

Re:
Once I have all the equipment do I only then need the ingredients for the recipes?
Irish Moss for the hot break (not essential) PH papers (useful also) Camden Tablets, Scales to weigh your hops would help but you 'could' get away without the papers and moss.

[delboy]

No need for a thermostat, so thats a saving right away.

Go for the twin element, it allows you to do 10G brews and even when doing 5G brews it speeds up the brew day (you get to boiling etc much quicker).

The immersion chiller that H&G sell isn't really fit for purpose IMO (designed for a 5G bucket boiler even though you'll be getting a 10G bucket boiler).

Their hop strainer that comes with the kit is also a peice of toot an was a constent annoyance (with slow runoffs the norm), if your getting it as a package fine, just look on here how to modify (extra slits etc).

Come join us on the darkside

[neggs]

Thanks chaps!

I'll opt for the twin element without the thermostat and also order the other bits at the same time.

Thanks again,

neggs.