Hey guys, looking for a little advice. I am very new to homebrewing (two extract batches to date), but have been wanting to go AG from the start. I have a lead on an eHERMS system for $500, but I really don't know what I'm doing at this point. I was hoping that you'd look at these pics I took to see if you see any glaring issues that I'm not seeing. http://imgur.com/a/QoboG
Sorry about the pics being out of order, but you get the idea. Heating element in both the HLT and Kettle. Auber controller. I'm doing my best to teach myself about HERMS, but figured I'd check with the experts before I pull the trigger. He is also inc. a grain mill, ph meter, yeast stir plate, several carboys and extra equipment, too. I thought it looked like a good deal, but I'm a noob.
Oh no, the dreaded triple post. FTW!! If I do buy this set up, I plan on doing a test run with the guy selling it with water, so I can get a feel for how the system works. Obviously, I'll be boiling water and running it through it to do the test run. Will that sufficiently clean the hoses or do i need to replace them? The aluminum kettle seems to be oxidized. Anything special I need to do to it?
I don't personally use a HERMS system, so others can vouch for this being a good deal or not. I'm more curious about how serious you want to get into this hoby. There's $500 worth of stuff there from what I see.
Looks like it might need a good cleaning. Why is he getting rid of it? Doing a test run with just water before purchase wouldn't be a bad idea. I would just go ahead and replace the hoses. You're shelling out $500 bucks for it already, why not go the whole nine yards?
You have a full list of what is included? From what I saw Alum Potn - $40 Igloo Coolers x 2 - $120 Heating element x 2 - $50 PID + SSR - $60 Control Box - $30 Wot Chiller - $30 Brewstand - $50 Stirring motor? (on top of cooler in last pic) - $20 Random lengths of tubing for a total of $400 (all new prices), add in misc items like ball valves (10-15$), hose barbs, clamps, etc and your quite a bit higher. So the price isnt that far off from what it would cost to build the system. Now for just the equip listed, I wouldnt personally pay $500, its been used and abused and who knows how he actually wired it up in that box. I would want to see what else comes with it
Thx for the advice guys. Yes, I plan on brewing for may years to come. I love it. So, I will definitely upgarde equipment and soon. Ryane, I think you're shooting a litttle low on some of that equipment and you left out a $150 pump, too. But, I see your point. I added up the cost of the equipment and it was easily closer to $800 - $900 online and that isn't assembled of course. Time is money as far as assembling goes. I have no idea how to put any of this stuff together and I honestly don't have a ton of free time to do it/research it - lots of hours at work, two young kids, life in the way. He is also including a stir plate, grain mill, several carboys, ph meter, etc. All things that I need. Another potential problem is that I will now need to put a 220 plug in the garage, so I'm looking at another expense there. And, I can get free propane at work if I wanted to just go with a propane system. Decisions, decisions.........
If you know where to look those prices arent too far off, Ive put together a few electric systems myself, but your right there are a few random things like small lengths of wire etc, and I didnt notice the pump, that add up the price as well. As to putting your own system together its very easy, and can be very cheap, HBtalk is a good source for general DIY stuff for homebrewing. I put together a single element system for a buddy for $120, not including the pots, if you add in the keg he used with some welding your at $220. I am very leery of letting others build electric equipment for me (used to be an electrician) and Ive seen some hack jobs, so thats why I was cautioning you about it. That said 500$ could be a good price for all the other equipment As to jumping in electric vs propane, either are very easy, propane is quite a bit simpler to start with if your new to brewing (less things to fiddle with), also easier to start with if you dont have a 240 outlet somewhere with easy access.
