Xmas Brewing Gift <$100..suggestions please

[1974Alby]

Our family runs a kris kringle at Xmas, with each person receiving a gift up to the value of $100 - gift cards arent allowed!. I have been asked what I want and I would like suggestions of a useful bit of gear that I might find handy in the brewery. last year I got a keg, but I have plenty now. I am a BIAB no-chiller and dont measure much...is a refractometer more useful than a pH meter? Can I chill wort for <$100? Do I need a 5L erlenmeyer?

What would you add to your brewery for $100 ?

 

[fishingbrad]

I just got myself a digital stir plate for xmas. @ $79 can't go wrong

 

[scon]

Stirplate? Pumps? Stainless Steel Fittings?

 

[Mardoo]

Look at the changes you would make to your brewing to find the answer.

Stirplates are great if you want to get into yeast management a bit more. Get at least one 2 litre flask.

Most no-chillers love the convenience, so unless you're solely doing it by necessity I'd not consider a chiller. If you do want to chill you can get a coil of copper for around $85 that will make you a killer immersion chiller together with a couple hose clamps and a $5 Bunnings hose. That would be a $100 gift card from Bunnings. You don't have to be very handy. I made one, and then remade it for a narrower kettle without being terribly handy.

I love my refractometer! Not everyone does, but it's awesome just pulling a couple drops to check gravity. I find it much easier than a hydrometer. Many people would say I'm a total moron for saying that, so each to his own.

pH meters are great if you want to control that aspect of mash. Get a good one. For around $100 this one will be among the best:
http://shop.hannainst.com/hi98127-phepr4-ph-resolution-0-1-ph-356.html

But really, look at what you want to change in your brew process.

 

[DU99]

Bag of malt,Good Thermometer.

 

[barls]

gift voucher from your choice of forum sponsor

 

[Spiesy]

gift cards arent allowed!

 

[HBHB]

Better beer tap or another one, Selection of favourite hops, BIAB Bag, Stainless fittings, stir plate, capper, a keg, glassware, bag of grain, bottle tree and rinser, minerals for brewing, sanitiser, yeast selection, pump and hose to do recirc. take your pick, it's endless.

 

[Jazzafish]

My first post in a while... I just got my dad an electric winch to lift the malt pipe out of his braumeister. Was ~$90 on eBay.

Edit- a Can work on BIAB too

 

[Batz]

My first post in a while... I just got my dad an electric winch to lift the malt pipe out of his braumeister. Was ~$90 on eBay.

Edit- a Can work on BIAB too

There's a good boy! :super:

 

[Blind Dog]

Your chocie of brewing books

I tend to find them on amazon as you get to read the reviews, but order phyisical books from bookdepository as postage is included; unless its on kindle as that's cheaper and more convenient

 

[MastersBrewery]

Just picked up an oxygen set from the big green shed, just under $90 for the reg and bottle.

Some times people think that a perfect brew day results in a perfect beer, word from the wise (not me) is more than 50% of f#@K ups are with the ferment, give your yeasties the best chance, let em breath for a bit!!

MB

 

[1974Alby]

thanks guys, some great suggestions here...books, O2, pump, beer tap...another thread on here got me thinking of a vacuum sealer...too many toys, not enough $$$!

 

[sp0rk]

http://www.homebrewdad.com/index.php?blogid=76