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user 23602

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I'm looking to upgrade my starter kit to a better starter kit. I would look into AG or BIAB but I know I'm not ready for yet.

Most of the time, I tend to buy a liquid malt extract kit online, between 10-20L. I then sometimes split the batch and do something funky with 1 batch and leave the other one to its on devices as per the instructions. I know with winter coming up, it may be worth getting a heat pad etc.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Feel free to ask any questions and take into consideration that I am VERY limited with space.
 
Just a quick query - why are you 'not ready' for all grain brewing in your opinion? It is fundamentally a simple process that can - admittedly - be as complicated as you want it to be. Space and time are limiting factors...
 
Just a quick query - why are you 'not ready' for all grain brewing in your opinion? It is fundamentally a simple process that can - admittedly - be as complicated as you want it to be. Space and time are limiting factors...
Space and time are my 2 biggest factors unfortunately. Don't want to be making excuses but with Full Time university, Full Time job, wife, 2 kids and a dog, a brew day for me is an hour window whenever I can fit it in.
 
Fair enough! To be honest what do you need to brew a kit beer beyond the basic equipment. Maybe temp control? Glass carboys if you're doing smaller split batches? Dunno!
 
Fair enough! To be honest what do you need to brew a kit beer beyond the basic equipment. Maybe temp control? Glass carboys if you're doing smaller split batches? Dunno!
That's why I'm asking. I was also hoping that there would be some more high end fermentation buckets etc.
 
Still do HLME and steeped grains even now due to time constraints. But, got my 50l pot from Brewbuilder its Induction compatible with 5 T/C ports. I used to use it with with a big BIAB bag from Bj net filters ebay then added a 30l china SS basket as it's easier to lift and drain all works and is dead neat! Next step upgrade insulation with foam floor play mats and velcro straps. Happy!
 
That's why I'm asking. I was also hoping that there would be some more high end fermentation buckets etc.

You can get high end of every piece of brewing kit you can think of. You dont need much kit for (tbh I'm not clear on whether your kit brewing or extract brewing) kit brewing but I can think of high end versions of every piece of kit you would need:

First off fermentation buckets- You're going to go stainless steel (SS) here. If you're budget allows for it you could even go for a conical. Sight glass, thermowell, the whole shebang

Thermometer - top end catering one like a thermapen

Spoon to stir the kit with - nice SS mash paddle or a nicely carved wooden one if that's your taste

How do you package? Bottles? Kegs? Some nice swing tops or some cornies.

Like many hobbies you can spend as little or as much as you like
 
With a budget of £200 I was looking at the following:

Fermentation Vessel - £123.15

I'm sure there's some significant advantages to using things like that but for me it would be one of the lowest things on a list of home brewing equipment I might buy as these have always been fine for me and cost about £8:

1435157503-97689200.png

At the moment Cornelius kegs, Intertaps, CO2 cylinder etc. is what I'm saving up for. Had a keg fridge for quite a while just haven't had the funds to convert it.
 
I'm sure there's some significant advantages to using things like that but for me it would be one of the lowest things on a list of home brewing equipment I might buy as these have always been fine for me and cost about £8:

1435157503-97689200.png

At the moment Cornelius kegs, Intertaps, CO2 cylinder etc. is what I'm saving up for. Had a keg fridge for quite a while just haven't had the funds to convert it.
I have 2 like that already, plus all the basics from any HB shop. I like my process at the moment for brewing, I just want to 'up' the equipment.
 
With a budget of £200 I was looking at the following:

Fermentation Vessel - £123.15
Heating Belt - £19.95

Then maybe a bottling tree, some cleaning equipment? I'm not really sure to be honest.

The new much improved version of the fermentasaurus will be hitting the UK within days. Is now called the Fermzilla (the guys behind it left the old company) and has some major improvements.
Personally I would look at a fridge with temperature control as your first upgrade if you have the space, it will work fine in a garage if you have one.
 
The new much improved version of the fermentasaurus will be hitting the UK within days. Is now called the Fermzilla (the guys behind it left the old company) and has some major improvements.
Personally I would look at a fridge with temperature control as your first upgrade if you have the space, it will work fine in a garage if you have one.
I don't have a garage unfortunately, but I am considering running an extension lead from the kitchen to the shed to store my beer when it's fermenting (with the use of a heat pad/belt). What purpose would the fridge with temp control have sorry?
 
+1 on a fridge, I have suffered all summer with temps a fridge is my next purchase
Would you be able to link me a couple of budget fridges with temp control please?

The new much improved version of the fermentasaurus will be hitting the UK within days. Is now called the Fermzilla (the guys behind it left the old company) and has some major improvements.
Just had a look, they look pretty sweet, temptation is definitely there. I think that's decided, thank you.
 
Okay, so I have decided on the Fermzilla. Although I am unsure on which of the extras I should get. I will go 27L version as I tend to do small batches when brewing. I also still want to bottle my beers.
 

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