Arguing with your internal gearhead...

Tim Bulin

Tim Bulin

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Am I the only one? Have a system that does everything I need, makes great beer consistently...and I keep looking at replacing my mash tun with a DigiMash...don't NEED it, probably won't have much of any bearing on the quality of the finished product...probably just G.A.S. kicking in and causing bad thoughts.
 
Nope, you are not the only one.
All the bling is tempting, but not necessary!
Same as that new weekend bag I don't need as the old one still works, but is 20 years old....
That pot that looks shiny and sweet, but mine still works
Ahh temptation
Just think of all the malt you could buy instead :p
 
I don't need a kegging system....but I want one.
I don't need a Tilt, Plaato, etc....but I want one.
I don't need a pH meter....but I want one.
I don't need a _____________ but I want one.

So no, you are definitely not the only one.
 
BarbarianBrewer said:
I don't need a kegging system....but I want one.
I don't need a Tilt, Plaato, etc....but I want one.
I don't need a pH meter....but I want one.
I don't need a _____________ but I want one.

So no, you are definitely not the only one.
Click to expand...
That reminds me, need to add another regulator to the CO2 system...no this isn't a problem at all...
 
BarbarianBrewer said:
I don't need a kegging system....but I want one.
I don't need a Tilt, Plaato, etc....but I want one.
I don't need a pH meter....but I want one.
I don't need a _____________ but I want one.

So no, you are definitely not the only one.
Click to expand...
No, seriously...Everybody needs a kegging system. :D :D :D
And, arguably, a pH meter is probably the one piece of "high tech" equipment that provides direct and immediate benefit in terms of wort quality. :)
 
Bulin's Milker Bucket Brews said:
Am I the only one? Have a system that does everything I need, makes great beer consistently...and I keep looking at replacing my mash tun with a DigiMash...don't NEED it, probably won't have much of any bearing on the quality of the finished product...probably just G.A.S. kicking in and causing bad thoughts.
Click to expand...
My impulse has been to go bigger rather than more complex. I built out a very adequate 2 vessel electric system that produces 10 gallon batches beautifully. Then I was tempted to go into bigger and bigger fermenters that require double batching. Doubling a full brew day is too much so I got a bigger boil kettle for double mash into single boil. That requires boiling with the propane burner and a whole complex system of moving finished mash liquor one way and boiled wort another way, not to mention a whole 'nother routine for chilling a large volume of hot liquid.
In the end, I think I end up brewing less often and enjoying it less when I do. :(
 
J A said:
No, seriously...Everybody needs a kegging system. :D :D :D
Click to expand...

Aaargh!! You are an evil, evil man J A! :p

J A said:
And, arguably, a pH meter is probably the one piece of "high tech" equipment that provides direct and immediate benefit in terms of wort quality. :)
Click to expand...

The reason I don't put a pH meter in the must have category is the number of home brewers who say they have one but, don't use it anymore because the recipe calculator is very accurate in that regard.
 
BarbarianBrewer said:
The reason I don't put a pH meter in the must have category is the number of home brewers who say they have one but, don't use it anymore because the recipe calculator is very accurate in that regard.
Click to expand...
I haven't found it to be the case that the BF calculator is particularly accurate when it comes to pH...I've seen lower than predicted measurements very consistently and have started formulating for a higher pH in the calculator and reaching a more proper pH in the mash tun and boil kettle. :)
 
Bulin's Milker Bucket Brews said:
Am I the only one? Have a system that does everything I need, makes great beer consistently...and I keep looking at replacing my mash tun with a DigiMash...don't NEED it, probably won't have much of any bearing on the quality of the finished product...probably just G.A.S. kicking in and causing bad thoughts.
Click to expand...
My gear mantra is will it help me make better beer. Sometimes repeating it over and over works....
I'm at a place where I like what my system does so why change it. Getting an all-in-one wouldn't shorten my brew day or help make better beer so whenever the notion kicks in, I stop and think....
Will it help me make better beer....
 
Since most of my beer drinking friends stop drinking beer, I mostly brew small 2.5 - 3.0 gallon batches now. I still use the first cheaply made kettle that came with the starter kit and it works fine. I haven't used my Brewzilla in some time. I have 6 different fermenters, 8 or 9 different size kegs, 3 different kettles and an assortment of odds and ends. More equipment, hmmmmm, there's always something out there you don't need but want. if it makes you happy, get it!
 
Nosybear said:
Will it help me make better beer....
Click to expand...
...or at least make it easier to make 'as-good' beer. I like my beers, other brewers seem to as well, but effort reduction is a winner here.
 
Donoroto said:
...or at least make it easier to make 'as-good' beer. I like my beers, other brewers seem to as well, but effort reduction is a winner here.
Click to expand...
There is that factor.
 
I tend to always look for simplicity that works.
Since I don't Brew at home anymore, I've been thinking about what kind of home system I want to have when I retire.
Ease of cleaning has to be on the top of my priority list.
I honestly think a stovetop, brew in a basket system with a lift for the basket will be good.
An immersion chiller will allow hop stands.
The Bling money will be spent on the Fermentor.
Cheers
Brian
 
The Brew Mentor said:
I tend to always look for simplicity that works.
Since I don't Brew at home anymore, I've been thinking about what kind of home system I want to have when I retire.
Ease of cleaning has to be on the top of my priority list.
I honestly think a stovetop, brew in a basket system with a lift for the basket will be good.
An immersion chiller will allow hop stands.
The Bling money will be spent on the Fermentor.
Cheers
Brian
Click to expand...

the anvil isn't bad and has everything your talking about, if you have a steam slayer you can use the 115v, that's what I'm doing now, slight learning curve, I actually think my 3 pot 25 gallon system is an easier brew day but the anvil is a faster clean up
 
Bulin's Milker Bucket Brews said:
Am I the only one? Have a system that does everything I need, makes great beer consistently...and I keep looking at replacing my mash tun with a DigiMash...don't NEED it, probably won't have much of any bearing on the quality of the finished product...probably just G.A.S. kicking in and causing bad thoughts.
Click to expand...
You are not the only one. I am replacing my entire system for the simple reason that I can! :D

Some things will be reused, but the table and all the electronics are getting overhauled. Custom control system with a touchscreen and SW written by me.

Part of the fun of this hobby is getting new stuff lol
 
Well my new Digiboil lid arrived today, as far as what happeded to the old lid.....well we don't talk about fight club...

Guy gets to window shopping when he gets looking for parts, next thing you know you're thinking "if..."
 
What is G.A.S. ?
 
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