Half size (2/3G) brew kit

Matthew Clegg · Feb 21, 2019

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum and to brewing. I have done a bit of research and have a good idea where I want to start.

I am keen to start with half size (11L) extract and grain brews such as these before moving onto all grain.

I feel like the half size will make it a little easier to get going whilst still having a decent yield for your efforts.

I am struggling to find decent kit in this size.

Specifically fermenters, I would ideally like a big mouth bubbler type but would be happy with a bucket.

So does anyone have any recommendations for half batch brew kit.

Cheers

Mat

terrym · Feb 21, 2019

You can brew 11 litres in a 25 litres bucket type FV.
And you don't need to buy 'kits' to make extract beer.
In its simplest form the start point is spray malt (DME) or liquid malt (LME) which you can buy from most homebrew shops as well as hops of your choice.
Typically there are extract recipe equivalents to AG in Graham Wheeler's 'Brew Your Own British Real Ale' book. Try your local library or get an older edition off ebay. And when you have got the book and move onto AG, if thats what you want to do, its good for even more AG recipes.
More here
https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/a-simple-guide-to-extract-brewing.75501/

Dutto · Feb 21, 2019

Welcome to The Forum!

I agree with @terrym above with the addition that starting with 11 litre brews means that you can conduct a lot of experiments before deciding what you like best and moving up to either a greater volume or to All Grain brewing.

Enjoy!

keat64 · Feb 22, 2019

Kits are a great place to start when you're new to the hobby.
Would I mess abaout with a 2/3 kit ??
I didn't even know they existed.

Buy a few 40 pint kits, learn the ropes, build up your equipment list and empty bottle stock.
Try a few different kits and find one you like.
Then If you feel that brewing at home is a hobby you enjoy, think about all grain.

All grain gives much better results than kits, so if you brew kits and enjoy them, they you'll love the all grain.
Although all grain is more complex and requires more equipment, so you have to be certain it's where you want to go before shelling out.

Matthew Clegg · Feb 23, 2019

Cheers for your replies.

I understand that I don't need to buy kits. But wanted to get started quickly. Will probably start using recipes pretty rapidly.

The advantage of doing smaller brews is that it is just a little easier and quicker to get up to temp, cool and store. Thus more brewing

Any idea of good fermenter for 2-3 gal brews?

Dutto · Feb 24, 2019

Just buy one of the 25 litre ones from Wilko. They are cheap and you can use it when you upsize to 23 litre brews.

Sandimas · Feb 24, 2019

I've got a 15L fermenter for the smaller brews, this one. I wouldn't put any more than 11/12L in there due to the Krausen - you need some headspace.
https://www.homebrewcentre.co.uk/15-litre-fermentation-bin-with-lid?search=15 litre bucke

Let us know what style of beer you want to brew and we can knock you up an Extract recipe to get you started.

Matthew Clegg · Mar 7, 2019

So after much deliberation I think i am going to buy this starter kit.

https://www.beerhawk.co.uk/brewery-in-a-box-essential-starter-kit

It seems the best overall price for the bits and pieces and will get me started on a simple kit that is part extract part grain steep.

My only concern is that the kettle may be a litte small to move to all grain, but from what i have rad i should just about manage for simple low OG recipes.

So my plan of attack will be to attempt this kit, looks straight forward (my cooking and chemistry skills are solid) and move onto either doing an extract recipe out of how to brew or coming here or elsewhere on the internet to find another couple of, maybe 11l, extract and speciality grain recipes.

if i enjoy that and get my process nailed. I think i will try a simple all grain BIAB, maybe a low OG SMaSH, with the hope that i will be able to do a BIAB with the full strike volume (not done the calcs yet). Otherwise i guess i will be doing a dunk or batch sparge in the pot.

Any thoughts

Mat

An Ankoù · Mar 7, 2019

I normally knock up 6 (imp) gallon batches, but in the winter I brew on the cooker-top and 11.5 litres is an ideal quantity. Certainly there are suitable fermenting buckets around, but as others have said, you'll need some headspace. 13-15 litres is ideal.

Half size (2/3G) brew kit

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