Gravity vs. Inline

[bcmaui]

I am looking at the two different types of sculpture configurations for sale at morebeer.com as well as looking at the photos of all the home built systems out there and it seems there are two distinct setups.

The first has 3 kettles lined in a row. Hot liquor, mash tun and brew kettle are all sitting on the same level side by side.

The other option is the multi tiered setups. It seems most of the home built systems have the hot liquor on top with a gravity feed to the mash in the center for sparging and then another gravity feed to the kettle at bottom.

The commercial multi level scultpures appear to have the hot liquor at the bottom with a pump (you don't need to get into the top of this tank) then they place the mash tun all the way at the top (with step stool to climb up and peek in/look down) and gravity feed to the brew pot in the middle.

If you were to start from scratch for an all grain system would you go with the side by side layout, or the multi-tiered layout?

I want to get one up and running but not sure of layout as it seems you can go either way.

Better yet is there a picture of doc's brewing setup?

Curious

[BrewTa2]

Here:

http://www.thebrewingnetwork.com/photos ... _itemId=81

[Mylo]

It's all personal preference. Listen to the AG archives, and the "upgrades" show. Chris Graham points out the pros and cons of each.

Basically - gravity is foolproof, easier to use, and generally cheaper. Downside is that it takes up a lot of room, and you need a ladder.

Two tier adds a little cost (pump) and complexity. Benefit is less room needed. You still need a ladder.

Single tier is the most costly (2 pumps), and complex (flow control), takes up more room - but no ladder needed.

I have had my gravity system for a year, and I am looking to swap it out for a single tier. Ladders and lifting shit over your head sucks. I already have one pump for cooling - and I like building stuff... Upgrade time. I'm going to build mine with hopes of it becoming a 20 gallon system in the future. I'll probably need to go tippy dump mash tun for that.


Mylo

[baltobrewer]

I did gravity for upwards of 6 years before I built my single level. I'll never look back....I like the convenience of having everything accessible. Personal preference though. I think both can be built into awesome systems. For me it'd really come down to space requirments if I were in your shoes...

[bcmaui]

I have the space - a 20' x 20' workshop out back. Replaced the roof a few years ago and added a large sliding barn door for access.

Shipping is expensive to Hawaii and everything rusts with humidity so would rather purchase a good system to start. I plan on using stainless as much as possible.

Need to run power out there from the house but would like to create a temp controlled storage and brewing area. Low temps here in winter are occasionally high 50's, but usually between mid 60's to mid 80's, so want to create a temp controlled cool zone for happy fermenting.

Thanks for Doc's photos and I have all the shows loaded on my Ipod and am slowly making my way through the webcast archives. I will be on the mainland at the end of March and hope to stop off at the southern More Beer store in Riverside on my way out to Phoenix Arizona.

[slanted & enchanted]

i have a two tier right now. i kind of hate having to jump up on the footstool to check out my levels in the HLT, but other than that it works great. i think it's the best way to go as far as being economical. i look at those all gravity system and shudder, they just look so freaking tall. plus you want that mash tun at a decent height because you have to stir it and whatnot. i'd prefer a single tier now, but when i think about buying and mounting a new pump just for a slight improvement i always rethink that idea.

but to each his own.

[BadRock]

I'd go inline. It will cost more up front but you'll be happier in the long run.
I built mine based upon gravity, I make some great beers but man it sure could be easier. I look at my rig as the Geo Metro of brewing systems I think that I am about ready to start planning the build of the Cadillac. Maybe in 10 years Ill get the Ferrari like Doc has.

[Crut]

Right now I use a two level design I built last summer. It works well, 2 burners, one pump, easy to use. My only complaint is that i have to use a couple cinder blocks (step stool would work too) to stir the mash on the upper level. Ive got my new single level drawn up, just need materials and get it welded. I will have to pick up one more pump, but i think it will be worth it to not have to climb up blocks or ladders.
I would say go with a bi-level, rather than a three tier. Personal thought that its a little safer.
-Crut