My Current Homebrewing Setup.

I've only been at this since January 2011, you can brew with more gear, obviously, or less, and produce great beer.  I am using three carboys, 6.5, 5, and 3 gallons.  6.5 for primary, 5 for secondary, and the 3 gallon for experiment batches.  I have a 8 gallon Polarware brewpot, and a 210,000 BTU low profile Banjo Burner.   I have no wort chiller, as I was brewing in the winter and could cool the wort outdoors.  My cold break times are between 30-35 minutes using an outdoor ice bath.  I've never had a problem with infections.  I've been kegging most everything in one 5 gallon ball lock (Pepsi) Cornelius (Corny) keg, and push it with a 5 lb C02 tank.  A second keg would be great, as I can't always wait for the one that I have to be empty when the next batch is ready.  It's too much pressure!  I figure I have about $500 into my set up today. The first pint I brewed cost me $7.68,  which has been going down with every pint I pour!


I am lucky to be living in the Twin Cities where I have access to both Northern Brewer and Midwest Supplies.  I find Midwest has better prices on equipment, but I like Northern for their kits because they list the OG on every batch, and they are much closer to work.  Both locations have amazing employees who LOVE to help with whatever you need.  Both locations are very different, and a treat to visit!

I used to brew indoors, but moved outdoors for the space, and because I wanted to do full boils.  The kitchen stovetop just doesn't have the power to bring a full 6.5 gallons to a boil and the smell inside isn't  pleasant to everyone.  Brewing in the driveway, garage, or backyard makes it a social event!  Neighbors stop to talk, help, sample...  I like that, people are interested in brewing.

I am planning to switching to all grain 10 gallon batches by end of summer.