102 replies to this topic

[Hines]

that fits the bill as cheap!

[denny]

I'm surprised Denny hasn't piped up on this already.

I did!

[positiveContact]

I did!

I meant specific to some of the small automated systems you've tried out.

[denny]

I meant specific to some of the small automated systems you've tried out.

The smallest system I've tried is the Picobrew stuff, but that's really an option any more.  Other than the, the Grainfather G30 is the smallest. With the micro pipework it can do 3 gal. and is really good at it.  In fact, I think it's better for 3 than 5 gal. batches. But usually if I'm doing a small batch, I do it on the stovetop with the 20/20 method.

[Gusso]

5 gallon batches are still the sweet spot for me. I don't foresee anything changing anytime soon.

[Brian72]

Apparently I have a ton of reading to do. I’ve forgotten almost everything since I stopped brewing 10 or so years ago.

Anybody remember what that free online app was for calculating ingredients and boil times? Seems like a lot of people used it including myself but I can’t remember what it was.

[jimdkc]

I've been using Brewfather... I like it a lot! I use the paid version so I can save stuff ($20/year), but you can access it for free (limited to 10 recipes).

 

https://brewfather.app

Edited by jimdkc, 16 August 2022 - 02:40 PM.

[HVB]

Apparently I have a ton of reading to do. I’ve forgotten almost everything since I stopped brewing 10 or so years ago.

Anybody remember what that free online app was for calculating ingredients and boil times? Seems like a lot of people used it including myself but I can’t remember what it was.

Ask away. All the old stuff has changed. Lots of new things and techniques.

[Brian72]

So I’m gonna need a mill but don’t want to spend a bunch of money. Will the Corona be ok for small batch brewing? And are they hard to set correctly for a good crack on the grain?

Edited by Brian72, 16 August 2022 - 04:24 PM.

[HVB]

Skip the Corona mill https://homebrewing....c01e5aa84&_ss=r

[Brian72]

Skip the Corona mill https://homebrewing....c01e5aa84&_ss=r

hmm

[positiveContact]

Yeah, what drez posted looks like a decent basic mill. I wouldn't go for something less. I used a barley crusher that is probably similar to this for a long time. It did the job.

[porter]

Anvil makes a 6.5-Gallon all-in-one system that brews 2.5-3 gallon batches.

https://www.anvilbre...com/foundry-6-5

(I think their prices are up since I last looked at it...)

The Anvil 10.5 (which I own) is able to do 2-3 gallon batches as well. I have an older model which has drainage holes on the side of the grain basket, and you have to use an extra part for that. It looks like they've redesigned the grain basket so you don't need that. Anyway, the 10.5 is worth considering if you might ever want to do 5 gallon batches since it gives you that capacity but still allows you to do smaller batches.

I'm actually brewing today.

Edited by porter, 17 August 2022 - 06:56 AM.

[HVB]

The Anvil 10.5 (which I own) is able to do 2-3 gallon batches as well. I have an older model which has drainage holes on the side of the grain basket, and you have to use an extra part for that. It looks like they've resigned the grain basket so you don't need that. Anyway, the 10.5 is worth considering if you might every want to do 5 gallon batches.

I'm brewing today.

Did you ever change it to 240V?

 

ETA - what are you brewing?

Edited by HVB, 17 August 2022 - 06:26 AM.

[positiveContact]

Good questions.

[porter]

No, I haven't done that yet. The dryer line is 3 prong, the line actually had a dedicated ground but was not used, cut and not terminated in the breaker box. So can't really use a GFCI properly. For now I'm running off a 120v GFCI outlet. We had an electrician out for something else and were quoted $1200 for a new 4 dedicated 4 prong outlet (long run with conduit and drilling through concrete).

Brewing an IPA. Base malt to hit about 6.5%, 0.5 lbs of crystal 60, 40-50 ibu, lots of late addition hops TBD depending on what I have, s-04.

Edited by porter, 17 August 2022 - 07:04 AM.

[HVB]

That IPA sounds good.  Bitterness in the right range!

[porter]

I did an ounce of Simcoe at 30 minutes, 3 oz each of Simcoe and Citra at 1 minute. Will dry hop in the keg as well.

[Brian72]

I have this in my cart. Might be overkill but the extra capacity would be nice..

https://www.amazon.c...8-11&th=1&psc=1

[porter]

Which size? I think when you link a product it defaults to the smallest.