I need Help in spending some Money$$

[MadBrewer]

MB I like all these ideas and have been working on my thoughts on all of this. I would like to see the controls up higher on the Mash & Brew and after re-reading the user manual they don't look that hard to set and I can like that. A pump would be the answer. I like the idea of recirculating because I don't think a steady temp. could be held from top to bottom and if I could figure out how to do it on the Mash & boil that would be my total selling point, but would use it as is to start if I buy this unit. And yes the Grainfather has a valve that you can slow down the flow and can also use the pump to transfer to the fermenter but I don't think Sparge water. As far as the slower heat times on either of these units, that's really not much different then it takes me now with my turkey burner on a cold day. I have a good immersion chiller already that would work fine on the Mash & Brew. Yes I want this to be my last major brewing purchase (highly doubt that ) but dam 3x the money is hard to deal with even though I can if I want..........

After looking back at the Grain Father I see it does have a small ball valve. I do agree, if going with the Mash and Boil, a pump to recirculate would almost be a must. I just can't see keeping consitant, and even temps without recirculation. Along with recirulating, you can do step mashes, mashout...etc with either unit. FWIW I use this pump myself. It's compact, works great and was a great price. Another fine product from Williams Brewing. https://www.williamsbrewing.com/MARK-II ... P4028.aspx

If I was going electric, the idea of this sparge water heater (especially for the price) keeps catching my interest. I could see this being a big help. Even without a pump, gravity feeding the sparge water from this unit would be just as easy.

[berryman]

TY MB all good information, Why I like coming to this forum............

[Beer-lord]

If I were to part with my hard earned money, I think I'd get one of these eBIAB systems from High Gravity. I've listened to many a podcast and their customer service is No. 1.
Who knows, one day when I hit it rich, I might go for something like this.
http://www.highgravitybrew.com/store/pc ... -p3987.htm

[berryman]

If I were to part with my hard earned money, I think I'd get one of these eBIAB systems from High Gravity.
http://www.highgravitybrew.com/store/pc ... -p3987.htm

That is a really nice looking system BL but not quite what I am thinking for me.
Here's where I'm at now but not done considering:
1} Ss Brewmaster Bucket 7Gal http://www.ssbrewtech.com/collections/f ... collection
Already made my mind up on this and getting one. $225 out the door free shipping.
2} This I am still thinking but most likely the way I will go, BREWER'S EDGE® MASH & BOIL https://www.williamsbrewing.com/BREWERS ... emId=67593
$300
3} GRAINFATHER SPARGE WATER HEATER https://www.williamsbrewing.com/GRAINFA ... emId=67594 $170
4} 2 of these MARK II WORT PUMP https://www.williamsbrewing.com/MARK-II ... emId=67591 @ $70 ea. $140. Why I want two but only need one, I always like a backup plan when things go wrong and have worked around pumps of all sizes for years and they can let you down at the worst time.....I know I will need some more miscellaneous items but this would be my base start. I will also have to put in another 20 amp GFI circut in my basement to be able to run both them units the same time......Total cost so far $835 compared to the Grainfather @ $890 and a great looking fermenter to boot............Not done yet though........but starting to get close on what I want to spend on this go-a-round...........

[mashani]

Hey FWIW, someone said in a review of the BREWER'S EDGE® MASH & BOIL, that the Grainfathers "Grain Coat" ($50 bucks) fits it nicely if you put it on it upside down (because of difference in controller position).

That would increase the temperature stability of the mash and also help it heat and boil faster.

[berryman]

That would increase the temperature stability of the mash and also help it heat and boil faster.

I think you are a 100% right on this.
I was thinking that if needed I could wrap it the same way I have my electric water heater. A few days ago I seen a small leak in my plumbing on my wrapped electric water heater and removed the wrap and couldn't believe how much heat was escaping.

[berryman]

I am very close on ordering this stuff now Dave. But just want to make sure it what I want before sending the check..............

[BlackDuck]

I love watching other people spend money.

I think whatever you choose, you're gonna have a great time making great beer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[berryman]

I love watching other people spend money.

BlackDuck, I remember a time when we all would be worried on spending the money on buying another new LBK and now thinking about spending around $1000 for a upgrade................This Hobby gets you by the balls.......................

[Beer-lord]

Man, did you say a mouthful of truth! How did it happen that our mind allows us to justify such things?

[mashani]

My mind normally doesn't... that's why I've been brewing on the cheap and not upgrading.

But $299 is tempting me.

(which of course will then temp me later towards another 200 in pumps, hoses, jackets, misc.)

I might just go with the $299 + $50 for a jacket or build my own jacket, and forgo the recirculation and just see how well it works as a 3 gallon full volume BIAB style system on its own.

[MadBrewer]

Whichever dorection you go with this Berryman I hope its everything you are looking for. Given the chance, treat yourself. Im sure you have earned it one way or another. Brew what you want, how you want and enjoy it. I was glad to see some of the new systems out there, I havent really looked at them before.

Mashani, sounds like the Mash and Boil would be perfect for what you do.

[berryman]

Well I did it, I ordered the Mash and boil, GRAINFATHER SPARGE WATER HEATER , a SS 7 gal Brew Bucket Brewmaster, 2 pumps, some camlocks and some hose. $927 still under budget, I know I will need some more hose but don't know how much yet until I get everything in place. Now I'm thinking of a thermapen after reading another post about it, would work good when I BBQ also, and I think I would like to have a refractometer, something I don't have but think it would be good. Any suggestions on them? As I stated before I like the beer I've been brewing for over 7 years, but want to make my brewing easier and going to try some new things....

[MadBrewer]

Excellent news Berryman. As far as refractometers, they come in handy to check boil gravities, sparge gravity and I like to use it in place of a hydrometer during fermentation. The reading doesnt so much matter then but you can see if things are finished up or if gravity is still dropping while only using a drop or two. Some have a brix and SG scale to make things easier.

[berryman]

I've used a refractometer on making Maple syrup and on recycling antifreeze but never have for brewing, but think it would be a good way to go......
Edit: and just a couple drops of precious brew instead of a hydo full and still would use my hydro too....