Getting Started with All Grain

Last update 06-15-05

How do I get Started.

First the Equipment: Basic Mash & Sparge Procedure

We do not carry a 'All Grain equipment Package'

The reason is because it is best to build your brewery to your spec's and save big bucks.

Here are some guide lines to go by.

1) Determine the size of the batch that you will be doing. It is not that more expensive, to build your system for 10 -25 gallons if you think you would like to do that size. Our Brew Kettles start at 15 and go up to 65 gallon.

2) Determine your space. Do you have the room for a three tear gravity flow system or is your space limited that you may need a pump.

3) Have a budget. A all grain stainless steel system can cost as high as $3000.00 $5,0000. You can build your All Grain Brewery for under $300.00 for an 5 gallon system or a $1,500 for 25 gallon Stainless Steel.

Just call and we can explain how.

See: How to convert a Beer Keg to a Cooker

Lets start with possibly the most popular system of them all. The Used converted beer keg. The keg is stainless steel and is 15 gallons. This makes a great brew kettle. We acquired these kegs in metal scrap yards, dumps, and even the Breweries. Look for the straight sided style. PLEASE DON'T STEAL KEGS BY NOT RETURNING. New kegs are expensive and cost the brewery money that raises the cost of our beer.

After you cut a 12-14 inch opening in the top of the Used keg. Drill and attach the 'No Weld Valve' assembly. #10848

You now have a brew kettle for 5 to 10 gallon batch.

Next the Burner for the brew kettle. It needs to be sturdy and a good BTU to heat the Wort. Burner #10830 The Wort is boiling hot and it needs to be cooled. Pick the best way of cooling the Wort for the size of the batch you are doing. The Wort chiller is simple and will cool the Wort in one easy step.

The Mash-Lauter-Tun -- ( Cooler Method )

This can be as simple or as complicated as you like, but lets start with simple. The Converted Round Cooler works great. It holds the heat and is one of the easiest ways to do a great efficient mash or step mash. You have to decide on what you think will best work for you. A (5) gallon cooler will do most all of your 5 gallon recipes as long as you are not doing big beers with over 14 pounds of grain. If you like the big English Old Ales, Extra Heavy Scottish, Barley Wines. Then go for the 10 gallon cooler.

The Five gallons cooler will cost approximately $20.00 and the 10 gallon $45.00. They are made by Gott, Rubbermaid, Igloo.

Once you decide on the size of the mash tun then look at the parts needed to convert the cooler. First remove the button valve on the cooler and install the new 'Valve Assembly' #10820 , Next the False bottom is installed.

You now have a Mash-Lauter- Tun

Ok, now the container for the sparge water. Again the cooler works well, it will hold the temperature of the sparge water and gives you a great way to meter the flow. It doesn't matter if it is round or square. Add the 'Valve Assembly' #10820 , and the Sparging device and you are all set to start your first all grain batch.

Find an area were you can create a gravity flow with your equipment. This does not need to be a permanent location just what will work on brew day and is sturdy. For example: The burner and brew kettle on the ground, the Mash Tun on a picnic table next to the kettle and a couple of milk crates on the table to raise up the sparge water. Instant three tear gravity system.

The WeekEnd Brewer Home Brew Supply-4205 West Hundred Road-Chester, Va. 23831

Ok, Total Cost of the System.

Hi Temp. Burner # 10830 $ 68.00

Used Beer Keg $ 10 - $25

No Weld valve Kit # 10848 $ 23.99

Wort Chiller # 10874 $ 55.00

5 Gallon cooler Mash Tun $ 20.00

5 Gallon cooler Sparge Water $ 20.00

False Bottom #10809 $ 22.69

2 ea. Valve Assembly #10820 $ 19.98

Sparge Arm Assembly for 5 gallon #10826 $ 21.00

Total store bought items $ 65.00

Parts Cost $ 210.66

Total cost for a Five Gallon System $ 275.66

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