All Grain Equipment

[Hoppkins]

As much as i want to create all my own stuff i think it's better that someone who is as much as a DIY retard as me start with a "all in" kit.

Hop and grape seem to do a decent ALL GRAIN starter kit with boiler, fermenter, mash tun and such.

Is this good value/quality

short link


Andy Edit: Please shorten long URLs See the HOWTO in the Tap Room for instructions.

[delboy]

ive got one of the twin elements IMO you would need two elements to get it up to the boil quickly (that said i haven't insulated mine yet and by all accounts it makes a big difference).
I also went for the thermostat mainly because there is nothing worse than buying something and skimping on it only to find its a PITA not to have the upgrade for the extra £30 . TBH though in this case i don't really think the thermo is worth the extra dosh (never use it really) others may disagree though.

The major PITA with this setup is also one of its strengths, the size of the boiler, the ready made immersion chillers will barely touch the wort, if you do decide to go for it i would recommend building your own bespoke IC.

[PieOPah]

I only ever used my thermostat when extract brewing and that was to keep the water temp roughly stable while steeping grains.

It might be useful for ensuring your strike water doesn't get too hot if leaving for a long period of time.

I would say it is a waste of money - you can always add cold water to reduce the temp!

[BarryNL]

I'd say that the thermostat is no use if you just intend to use the boiler for boiling.

If, OTOH, you want to use the boiler as an HLT and for steeping grains then the thermostat just makes life easier. As others have said, you don't need it, but then I don't need my Barley Crusher - I could just do 5kg of grains with a rolling pin...

[Hoppkins]

Thanks guys.

Sorry Andy, i did try and use the URL button up there but it didnt work. I realise now i read your sticky in tap room i missed a bit of code ^^[/url]

[Matt]

I've got the H&G mash tun which has been v good. Never had a stuck mash

[ColinKeb]

i already had all my kit but i have seen the hop and grape packages and to be honest if i were to go up to 10 gallons i would buy one of them without question, with a double element though. no need for thermostat ive disconnected mine on my electrim bin.

[BarrowBoy]

The major PITA with this setup is also one of its strengths, the size of the boiler, the ready made immersion chillers will barely touch the wort, if you do decide to go for it i would recommend building your own bespoke IC.

When I bought my set up from them John at H&G was happy to extend the immersion chiller so that it does immerse in a 5 gall brew - in fact, 'cos I'd travelled over from a distance, he went home and did it within the hour.

The mistake I made, though, was to go for a single element in the 10 gall unit - I should have gone for 2 elements partic for heating the liquor rather than at boil stage for which the 1 element is fine.

[delboy]

BB you could try insulating it with a cheap camping mat as DaaB has suggested (thats my mini project for the weekend).

BTW im jealous of your extended IC, size does matter

The themostat could be put to use for ahem distillation of ahem water or other liquids for ahem essential oils and other volatile compounds in the 78-82C range