Hey all, I'm in the process of building my brew setup and am looking to save money without cutting corners. I've read countless threads for months and most are extremely old posts. I'm just hoping to get some more current information. I have a 3.5bbl setup from Stout (HLT, BK, MT). What ways were you able to save money, did it backfire, has it been beneficial, what did you wish you would have known when purchasing, etc? Some of the things I'm still unsure on...
Pumps...
I'm looking at pumps and have seen some 3bbl breweries using small 8GPM March Pumps at $150 each.
Others are using 1/2HP Topline pumps for around $650 each.
I saw another brewery using a 1/2HP Topline and a mobile 1/2HP to use in other areas as well.
What is working for you and what regrets (if any) do you have about your choices?
Heat Exchangers...
Thermaline has a Heat Exchanger for $1739, I've heard nothing but good things about them.
I've seen a few breweries using small plate chillers from DudaDiesel for around $179.
I won't be using a 2 stage heat exchanger, just relying on good ol' city water.
Hoses...
Again, I've seen the high temp silicone hoses being used in various breweries. I'm currently using them on my 1/2bbl Pilot System, but they get ridiculously hot and are annoying quick disconnects.
Does anyone have a place they scored some great priced hoses? Were they good, poor quality?
Burners...
I was quoted $1500 for a burner from Stout originally and that seemed ridiculously high and overkill. I'm using Natural Gas and have been staring at endless burner threads and haven't really seen any solid answers.
Will a 44 tip Jet Burner do the job on a 3.5bbl tank? Does anyone prefer banjo style burners?
The Midco Economite Burner is $759 through Glacier and looks pretty beefy, I'm just not sure whether it's worth it.
Water Filtration...
I've never really messed with water filtration a whole lot, so I'm fairly lost when it comes to it. I'm using a $50 water filter kit with a carbon filter on my Pilot System and haven't had any issues.
After reading a ton and looking at the various systems available, I feel even more lost. What did you all start off with?
Brewery Floor...
I'm hoping to go DIY on this to save. Is there a product you liked, or despised? For every good review I read, I find an equally negative review on the same product. I am going to need at least 2 years out of the floor before we move to a larger location.
Sorry to fire off so many questions, my brain is ready to explode with the countless hours of reading. I just wanted to get as many of you to chime in on what you did to save money, while still producing a great product and not killing yourself in the process. Ideas like building a walk in cooler with a CoolBot VS buying a paneled unit. I appreciate any input you have!
Cheers.
Pumps...
I'm looking at pumps and have seen some 3bbl breweries using small 8GPM March Pumps at $150 each.
Others are using 1/2HP Topline pumps for around $650 each.
I saw another brewery using a 1/2HP Topline and a mobile 1/2HP to use in other areas as well.
What is working for you and what regrets (if any) do you have about your choices?
Heat Exchangers...
Thermaline has a Heat Exchanger for $1739, I've heard nothing but good things about them.
I've seen a few breweries using small plate chillers from DudaDiesel for around $179.
I won't be using a 2 stage heat exchanger, just relying on good ol' city water.
Hoses...
Again, I've seen the high temp silicone hoses being used in various breweries. I'm currently using them on my 1/2bbl Pilot System, but they get ridiculously hot and are annoying quick disconnects.
Does anyone have a place they scored some great priced hoses? Were they good, poor quality?
Burners...
I was quoted $1500 for a burner from Stout originally and that seemed ridiculously high and overkill. I'm using Natural Gas and have been staring at endless burner threads and haven't really seen any solid answers.
Will a 44 tip Jet Burner do the job on a 3.5bbl tank? Does anyone prefer banjo style burners?
The Midco Economite Burner is $759 through Glacier and looks pretty beefy, I'm just not sure whether it's worth it.
Water Filtration...
I've never really messed with water filtration a whole lot, so I'm fairly lost when it comes to it. I'm using a $50 water filter kit with a carbon filter on my Pilot System and haven't had any issues.
After reading a ton and looking at the various systems available, I feel even more lost. What did you all start off with?
Brewery Floor...
I'm hoping to go DIY on this to save. Is there a product you liked, or despised? For every good review I read, I find an equally negative review on the same product. I am going to need at least 2 years out of the floor before we move to a larger location.
Sorry to fire off so many questions, my brain is ready to explode with the countless hours of reading. I just wanted to get as many of you to chime in on what you did to save money, while still producing a great product and not killing yourself in the process. Ideas like building a walk in cooler with a CoolBot VS buying a paneled unit. I appreciate any input you have!
Cheers.
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