Beer Forum

What equipment, outside of kettles, and heating methods, do you feel has most improved your brew and brewing experience. What addition did you make that didn't run out to raise the bar the way you thought it would? What is the next item on your wish list?

-My latest was fermetation control with a dedicated fridge.
-I had hoped the manifold I created from stainless mesh would have done better.
-Next for me is going completely electric, and adding a brewtroller.

Mines somewhat ironic in that it is the same item that improved and hurts my brewing: fermentation temp control.

It made a big difference in the quality of my beer. The down side is I have a fridge to ferment in and well without good planning I don't have the space to ferment in ( fridge can only hold 2 carboys/buckets at a time so longer fermentationg beers become somewhat problematic).

my latest is definitely fermentation temp control...I use a Ranco controller with a window mount a/c unit (I already had it) blowing into an insulated box...nice to be able to finally do lagers

another one is brewing software...25 bucks for Beersmith was a small price to pay for the improvement in beer...I think anyone not using some sort of software is at a big disadvantage...it makes everything very predictable and much less of a headache

next for me is upgrading to 10 gallon batches with a HERMS system...can't wait to start doing some step mashes and not running out of 5 gallons of beer in a week

Cheers!

As far as quality of beer: Fermentation Temp Control

As far as the experience of brewing: March Pump (never realized how much hot liquid I was moving around on brew day)

I have the same problem with fridge space, right this moment, I serve and ferment from the same fridege. I did this with some creativity, a fermwrap and reflectix. Single stage johnson on the fermwrap with fridge at around 42. I forsee an upright freezer in my futere.

I was going to build a dedicated box for fement with the A/C, but by the time it was all said and done I would have been able to afford a used firdge.

God Save the March pump!!!!!

EL TIZZO wrote:my latest is definitely fermentation temp control...I use a Ranco controller with a window mount a/c unit (I already had it) blowing into an insulated box...nice to be able to finally do lagers

Does a window mount AC unit with an insulated box get down to temperatures able to lager? or do you actually do the lagering in a freezer?

-Cylindroconical fermentor (and temperature controlled glycol source that goes with it)
-pH meter
-RO unit

Fermentation temp control is huge, I agree!!! But what will really help out your beer is proper yeast starters. Vials and Smack packs are good, but beer becomes great with an awesome healthy pitch. Get a stir plate and 2000ml flask and make those starters. Don't forget http://www.Mrmalty.com