Question about switching from extract to all-grain!

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by Frisbybc, May 9, 2017.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Frisbybc

    Frisbybc Initiate (0) Jan 3, 2017 Georgia

    Hello fellow homebrewers!

    Quick bit of background - then my question:

    I am making the leap from extract brewing to all-grain brewing. My ultimate goal is to eventually upgrade my equipment to nanobrewery quality, and try my hand at extremely small scale commercial brewing. Nobody in my area does it... nearest brewery is across state lines, and 45 minutes away. We have several local bars/restaurants that LOVE to do tap takeovers with small micro or nanobreweries... so it's worth a shot!

    I am getting into developing recipes. To this point, I have only been doing 5 gallon batches. I want to test several recipes, but 5 gallons is a heck of a lot to play around with. I am thinking 1 to 2.5 gallon test batches.

    When looking at equipment for sale, I am seeing some nice smaller fermenters available for 2.5 to 3 gallon batches, but as far as the Mash Tun & Hot Liquor Tanks, I am really only seeing things like the 7 gallon Fermenter's Favorites (Northern Brewer) kind.

    Would it be any detriment to the beer itself to go through the mashing process in a container 3-4 times bigger than required? Also, the same could be asked about the fermenter. Should I just go ahead and buy a 7-10 gallon conical fermenter, and a 7-10 gallon Mash Tun and HLT?

    Thanks in advance!
     
    #1 Frisbybc, May 9, 2017
  2. Eggman20

    Eggman20 Crusader (433) Feb 14, 2017 Minnesota

    I've mashed some 2 gallon batches (2.5 g pre-boil to kettle) in my 10 gallon cooler and the biggest issue is maintaining mash temp. The beer itself turned out quite good but i had to add a lot of hot water to keep the temp in range. I'd think a 2.5-3 in a 7 gallon would be very doable.

    As far as the fermenter I'd think you'd have too much headspace with 3 gallons in a 7 gallon. I believe 20% headspace is typically recommended with some leeway to 40% in a primary.
     
    #2 Eggman20, May 9, 2017
    Frisbybc likes this.
  3. HopsintheSack

    HopsintheSack Initiate (0) Apr 17, 2012 California

    If the concern with fermenting 3gal in a 7gal is the fermentation not producing enough co2 to push the o2 out, you could purge with co2.

    I would personally think it would produce enough co2 to be fine.
     
    #3 HopsintheSack, May 10, 2017
    Eggman20 likes this.
  4. StupidlyBrave

    StupidlyBrave Zealot (507) Jan 2, 2009 Pennsylvania

    In my mind's eye, it is a considerable jump from extract brewing to commercial brewing. I don't want to say that to discourage you - instead I'm thinking of ROI on equipment. I think you may need to buy fermenters based on your volume of anticipated brewing and your expected fermentation time (sort of like Erlang - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erlang_(unit)#Erlang_C_formula ). Basically, how many beers do you want in your pipeline? If you anticipate a few, you might be better off investing in carboys than conicals.

    Mash tuns are easier. You can save money by outfitting a 5gal "igloo" cooler. If you anticipate you will also want 5 gallon batches, you might want a 10 gallon cooler. The smaller size will limit your ability to produce high-gravity beers. I don't recommend 1 gallon batches in a 10 gallon cooler - you might be better off with a BIAB approach.
     
    #4 StupidlyBrave, May 10, 2017
    MikeCooke likes this.
  5. Eggman20

    Eggman20 Crusader (433) Feb 14, 2017 Minnesota

    Yeah in the primary you'd probably be fine. I'd prefer to not take any chances but purging with co2 would certainly solve that problem!
     
    #5 Eggman20, May 10, 2017
  6. pweis909

    pweis909 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,250) Aug 13, 2005 Wisconsin
    Pooh-Bah

    Based on where you are in your growth as a brewer, I would recommend using inexpensive gear such as plastic bucket or better bottle fermenters and insulated cooler mash tuns. These will be really useful for developing recipes in small batches. Later, you can swap this out for more expensive nanobrewery gear, but I think the cheap stuff is perfect for learning
     
    #6 pweis909, May 11, 2017
    minderbender likes this.
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.