Which system for all grain newbie

Benni_84 · Sep 9, 2019

Hi :)

I'm looking at getting into All grain brewing (BIAB) but I'm stuck on which system to buy. I have been looking at the klarstein all in one and the Homebrew Shop 56l Electric Brew kettle and add a pump and some an inkbird for temp control (already own the inkbird) with a view to get a smartPID controller later on.

I do mainly 23l batches and cant see me doing much larger in the near future, more likely to do smaller batches for experimenting.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Ben

matt76 · Sep 9, 2019

I'm looking into something like this at the moment. It's a no brainer IMHO, get the Klarstein...

I'm quite local to THBS and i get almost all my supplies from them. I have had a look at their kettles when I've been in there, they seem ok if you're ok with self assembly but still seem a bit of a lash up to me even though I'm sure they do the job (it's a modified stock pot).

But the real killer for me is even if you're struggling with the cost of the Klarstein all in one system, they also do a mash/boil kettle (double walled) for less than the one from THBS.

Benni_84 · Sep 9, 2019

That's what I have thought, I was originally looking at the mash/boil kettle and then adding a pump to the outlet for recirc. The kettle also comes with a coil cooler.

The only plus for me for the THBS one is the extra volume but if brewing lower volume batches (14l ?) then efficiency could become an issue with 56ltr. ARRRRGGGHHH why cant I just afford a Grainfather and be done with it hahahaha.

matt76 · Sep 9, 2019

Check out this video (about 1 mins in):

The system is near enough identical to the Klarstein mash kettle and he talks about adding a pump exactly as you say.

If (big if) you suddenly wanted the extra volume I think you'd have more resale value in the Klarstein (or just make a higher gravity wort and liquor back)

Rodcx500z · Sep 9, 2019

Hi Bennie, I have a klarstein fullhorn mash kettle, I love it I do 21L 23l brews in it, it has temp read out, thermostat and adjustable temp control, and like you say you can fit a pump if you wanted to, for the money it's bang on, word of warning don't spend 25 quid on the bag I got one from china for £4-09p

Benni_84 · Sep 9, 2019

Hiya, Awesome :) I think I will probably go for the Maischfest Boiler Mash Kettle. That way I get the grain basket, controller, wort chiller and bits for £179ish :)

Rodcx500z · Sep 9, 2019

Benni_84 said:
Hiya, Awesome :) I think I will probably go for the Maischfest Boiler Mash Kettle. That way I get the grain basket, controller, wort chiller and bits for £179ish :)

That's a good price Bennie acheers.

dan3d86 · Sep 9, 2019

Or you could buy this from a member on here...

https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/kit-for-sale-bottles-bins-and-grain-father.83378/

Benni_84 · Sep 9, 2019

dan3d86 said:
Or you could buy this from a member on here...

https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/kit-for-sale-bottles-bins-and-grain-father.83378/

Totally would if not for the fact that its at the other end of the country from me

PeterB · Sep 9, 2019

I have maischfest and added a pump. I already had the pump and hose, so thought if adding a pump does not work, the worst I can do is either use it as a boiler or hlt or use it as it is meant to be used (ie no pump).

The biggest problem with it is not lack of pump, but the poor temperature control. The maischfest controller allows the temperature to fall by 3°C before turning on and heating up again. So your mash will vary by at least 3C. I get better than that in my cooler box. You need to set it to 103C to get it to boil, too.

Second issue is without a mash pipe, you need to be careful that your pump doesn't remove all the liquid below the mash, because you pump quicker than it seeping through the mash. You'll end up burning on the base. Note that the top is solid, so you won't be able to see through it.

I recommend using it as intended, heat the water, before it starts cooling stick in the grain, leave it turned off and wait. I'd add more insulation as well. Shiny bubble wrap is good. Stir loads to reduce temperature gradients from top to bottom.

You will get great beer.

Which system for all grain newbie

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