Should I buy a kit or individual pieces

[BigE]

Basic Kit (http://www.canadianhomebrewing.ca/shop/product_info.php?cPath=62_70&products_id=322)

Is this kit ok or should I purchase individual components?

[corkybstewart]

The kit is the best way to get started. You'll also need a large kettle to brew in, I'd recommend a propane turkey fryer so you can brew outside.

[HogieWan]

you're going to save money getting the kit and adding extras. If nothing else, shipping pieces from different stores will kill any savings.

[BigE]

I can't wait to do my first 'real' batch. My buddy and I found a place in Hamilton that has a 2-stage kit similar to my post with a glass carboy and all the standard stuff needed, added a bottling pail, less then $60 CD and no shipping because it's only 15 minutes from home!!!! We're gearing up for a first brew this Sunday!!!!

Oh...and I just happen to have a turkey deep fryer that I frequently do chicken wings in...should be perfect for boiling the wort and my wife will likely not get pissed at me for destroying the kitchen...great idea Corky!!!!!!

Again, thanks for the tips!

[Mill Rat]

The residual fat or oil from the frying is not a good thing for your beer. Either clean it thoroughly after frying or get separate pots for the frying and the brewing.

[BigE]

Originally posted by Mill Rat
The residual fat or oil from the frying is not a good thing for your beer. Either clean it thoroughly after frying or get separate pots for the frying and the brewing.

Thank you, as soon as I posted I thought of this as well, I plan on a second pot as much as I love my beer I also love my wings, they both deserve their own pot!

[corkybstewart]

Boernebrew found me a keg in Midland before Christmas. Its now been converted to a seafood and tamale pot. Or I could fry turkeys in too I guess. But its strictly a cooking pot, never to be used for brewing.

[BikeNBrew]

Originally posted by corkybstewart
The kit is the best way to get started. You'll also need a large kettle to brew in, I'd recommend a propane turkey fryer so you can brew outside.

Most of the turkey fryers I have seen are aluminum, which is not suitable for homebrewing. Also, he's in Canada (not too far from me), and homebrewing is definitely an indoor activity for most of us. I don't know about you guys, but I brew a lot less in the summer. Tho, maybe if I had a propane burner I could do it outside during the warm season and not heat up the house so much.

Brewing up north in the winter is a great way to spend an evening- even the wife doesn't mind so much because of all the heat you generate. In the summer I have other things I do for fun- including sitting on the beach (my driveway) and having a couple with the neighbors!

If you can find a stainless steel turkey fryer, yeah, good way to go. I don't find them around here. What I did find was the local Williams-Sonoma store had their deluxe stock pot on clearance for half price, which put it at $65. This thing is beautiful, stainless steel and weighs about 15 pounds. Super thick bottom and a spigot too. Very nice. Got it around the first of the year. I used to have a problem with scorching, but it would be almost impossible to scorch with this unit.

[corkybstewart]

Originally posted by BikeNBrew
Most of the turkey fryers I have seen are aluminum, which is not suitable for homebrewing.

There are lots of homebrewers who have used aluminum pots for years without issues. Obviously stainless is better. My first 5 years of brewing I used an enameled steel canning pot until it started rusting.

[BikeNBrew]

Originally posted by corkybstewart
There are lots of homebrewers who have used aluminum pots for years without issues. Obviously stainless is better. My first 5 years of brewing I used an enameled steel canning pot until it started rusting.

Yeah, I know- the jury is still out on aluminum. But acidic wort in and soft, reactive aluminum just sound like a bad idea. It may not affect the quality of the product, but there are health concerns as well, and I take enough chances with my health as it is. Here is a good website:

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/water-eau/drink-potab/aluminum-aluminium_e.html

I learned how to brew from several sources, what, twenty years ago. One of the best was C Pap's Complete Joy of Homebrewing. New guys- imagine not having the internet as a source for inspiration- his books were (are) awesome. I can't quote you because I loaned that book out, but he warned against using aluminum back then. Like you, I started with an enameled steel pot. For newbies, that is what I would still use until I found a suitable SS pot. But that's just one perspective.

[krippendroph]

i have a 30qt alum pot i use for both brewing and turkey/wing/chicken/anything frying. i have great brews and great food that come outta that bad boy. i do take GREAT care of it. i scrub it throughly before brewing and after brewing as well as before and after using it to fry. it does end up being used as a brew kettle ALOT more than a fryer. if you have been frying with it for a couple years and just "washing it out" afterwards. then yes i suggest you get a "brew kettle" i have done my routine for quite a while now and no issues. i do have plans on getting/making a keg conversion to a brew kettle with a spigot one of these days just gotta sit down and make it happen but not really motivated. I take great care of my pot and never use metal in it whatsoever since 1 scratch could make my wonderful brew go funky due to some unwanted hitchhikers. it can be done just be careful. and upgrade when you can. IMHO

[BigE]

I found an old canning pot under the stairs so now my chicken wings can continue to enjoy the aluminum pot and my home brew can enjoy the canning pot...just have to CLR and clean the crap out of it...but I'm now good to go!

[Carl762]

Most of the turkey fryers I have seen are aluminum, which is not suitable for homebrewing.

Well, I've been brewing tons of beer with my 60 quart very very thick aluminum pot.

I don't have any problems.

c