Polder Glass Washing Station - $10.50 free shipping with $25 orders

Make quick work of glass clean up with the Polder Glash Washing Station.

Polder KTH-300 Glass Washing Station, Black - $10.50 free shipping with $25 orders

Tip - Use a colander when recirculating

I used to have a real problem disturbing the grain bed when recirculating.

I solved this problem by recirculating into a colander.  The colander displaces the liquid without stirring up the grain bed.  I place the colander as much in the mash liquid as possible to minimize aeration.  Using this technique I can pour the wort into the colander as fast as I want to without disturbing the bed.

Oxo Good Grips Large Scoop Colander, Stainless - $23.18 free shipping with $25 order.  Qualifies for the 4 for 3 promotion.

Tart Cherry Concentrate $15.38 Free Shipping with $25 order

I had a tough time sourcing sour cherries in my area.  This concentrate worked great for me. 

Tart Is Smart Tart Cherry Concentrate, 32-Ounce Bottle - $15.38 Free Shipping with $25 order

44 Drawer Parts Storage Cabinet - $33.67 Free Shipping

44 Drawer Plastic Parts Storage Cabinet.  Great for holding odds and ends.

Akro-Mils 10144 44 Drawer Plastic Parts Storage Hardware and Craft Cabinet, 20-Inch by 16-Inch by 6-1/2-Inch, Grey - $33.67 with free shipping

Northern Brewer - 10% Off Barley Wines and Lord Fatbottom Kits

Northern Brewer is offering their Barley Wine and "Lord Fatbottom" kits for 10% off.

Williams Brewing - Free Yeast... Today Only!

Today only- Williams Brewing is offering a free package of Wyeast with orders of $49.99 or more.

Hanna Instruments HI 96811 Brix Refractometer 0-50% - $139.49 Free Shipping

This is a cool refractometer at a very good price.  This same model sells for nearly $200 on other sites.

• Automatic Temp Correction
• 0 to 50% Brix
• .1 Brix Resolution
• .2 Brix Accuracy
• Sample size- two drops!

Hanna Instruments HI 96811 Brix Refractometer 0-50% - $139.49 with Free Shipping

Midwest Supplies - Free Express Shipping on $100 or more in Gift Certificates

Free express shipping on gift certificates valued at $100 or more.  Or, free instant delivery on any amount via a printable virtual gift certificate.

Wallpaper tray for cleaning, sanitizing and storage

I use a wallpaper try to clean, sanitize and store longer racking canes, beverage out dip tubes and other longer items.  It works great.

Zinsser 98030 30-Inch Wallpaper Prep Tray - $10.31 Free shipping with $25 order

Vittles Vault Episode 3 "Revenge of the Vittles Vault"

Some Vittles Vault finds courtesy of commenter JW

Non Stackable 50 lb Vittles Vault-
Vittles Vault 50-Pound - $36.65 Free Shipping

More economical (Vittles Vault II) 40 lb capacity.  This should hold a full 50 lb bag of grain-
Vittles Vault II 40-Pound Clear Base Cranite Top - $24.99 Free Shipping with $25 order

Thanks JW!

Vittles Vault 40-Pound Stackable Storage Bin - $35.06 Free Shipping

If you're looking for something to hold a 50 lb bag of grain, the 40 lb version of the stackable Vittles Vault is supposed to fit the bill.

Vittles Vault 40-Pound Stackable - $35.06 free shipping

The 60 lb version that I blogged about yesterday holds more than 50 lbs of grain.

Vittles Vault 60-Pound Stackable - $40.73 free shipping

There isn't a huge price difference, but if your aim is to store a bag of grain, you can save a few bucks and some space by going with the smaller version.

Thanks to commenter Lee for pointing this out!

Foodsaver V2222- $24 Shipped

Foodsaver.com has a great deal on the V2222.  This usually sells for $80-$100. 

You get it for $24 shipped with coupon code L0FV70A.

Mastercool Infrared Thermometer

This is a touch free infrared thermometer.  I use one of these to measure the temperature of yeast starters.  No touch equals no risk of infection. 

Mastercool MSC52224A Infrared Thermometer - $43.34 with free shipping

Two Pressure Kegging Setup with Two Kegs - $149.95

Midwest is selling a two pressure regulator, two Cornelius kegs, quick disconnects, taps and tubing for $149.95.  For $50 more they'll throw in a CO2 tank.

I think this is a great deal.  I paid nearly as much for just a two pressure regulator.  Check it out here.

Propane Burner and 30 Qt Kettle - $56.77 Shipped

It's been a slow week for homebrew store specific deals, so here's another Amazon find.

$56.77 gets you a propane burner and a 30 qt. kettle.  This looks like an economical way to start doing full extract wort boils.

Bayou Classic 3066A 30-Quart Outdoor Turkey Fryer Kit

Vittles Vault 60-Pound Stackable Storage Bin - $40.73 Free Shipping

These are great for storing sacks of grain.  Airtight, watertight and stackable.

Vittles Vault 60-Pound Stackable -  $40.73 with free shipping

Labeling Your Homebrew, part 2

A couple of days ago, I wrote about labeling options for your homebrew.

Another option is a label printer.

I like the Brother QL-570.

Brother QL-570 Professional Label Printer - $51.95 Free Shipping

This printer uses the DK style of label rolls.

The 1" round labels work for crown caps.

Brother 1 Inch Round Paper Label (DK1218) - $18.99 Free Shipping

The 2 3/7" Continuous Film Labels are another option.  These are cool because they are water resistant.  They are made out of a plastic film not paper.  Also, because it's a continuous roll, you can make whatever length of label you want.

Brother Continuous Length 2-3/7 Inch Wide Paper Label Roll (DK-2205) - $23.01 Free Shipping with orders of $25 or more.

The downsides of going with this type of labeling are- cost, the printer and labels are a bit pricey and black only printing.  The upsides are- print the exact number of labels you need when you need them, no partially used label sheets, and some neat label options.

Northern Brewer - 10% off all stocking stuffers

Northern Brewer is offering 10% off all "stocking stuffers"

Northern Brewer - 10% Off All Sanitizing Products

Northern Brewer is offering 10% off all sanitizing products.

Now is a great time to pick up some Star San to use with the spray bottle sanitizing method.

FoodSaver $99.99 with free shipping

I use a FoodSaver to vacuum seal hops and specialty grains.  Amazon has the V2240 for $99.99 including shipping.

FoodSaver V2240 Advanced Design Vacuum Food Sealer

Magic Hat Brewing 25% Off Your Entire Order

Use coupon code HOLIDAZE to get 25% off your entire order at Magic Hat Brewing's online store.

Labeling Your Homebrew, part 1

I'm sure a lot of people give homebrew around the holidays.  Usually, I don't go to a lot of trouble labeling beers that I bottle, but it's kind of nice when you're giving something away.  Sharpie marker doesn't scream "This is a great beer!" to most recipients.

If you think you'll get the bottles back, this is a good option.  These are removable, so it will be fast and easy clean up.

Avery Removable 3-1/3 x 4 Inch White ID Labels 150 Pack (6464) - $18.65

If you don't expect to get the bottles back, this is more economical option.


Avery® White Shipping Labels for Inkjet Printers with TrueBlock(TM) Technology, 3-1/3 inches x 4 inches, Pack of 150 (8164) - $8.54

Another option is 1" round labels.  These fit nicely on crown caps.

Avery Self-Adhesive Removable Labels, 1-Inch Diameter, White, 600 per Pack (05410) - $7.92

All items ship free with $25 purchase.

Lock & Lock 38 Cup Rectangular Container $14.99

I use one of these to store DME.  High quality Polypropylene construction and air tight.  $14.99 with free shipping on orders over $25.

Lock & Lock 38 Cup Rectangular Container

Heavy Duty Titanium Step Drill Bit - $12.24 (Save 51%)

If you're looking to add a spigot, thermometer or site glass to your kettle, you'll probably need a step bit.  Amazon has a Neiko Heavy Duty Titanium Step Bit on Sale for $12.24.  That's a 51% discount.  Shipping is free with a $25 order.

Neiko Heavy Duty Titanium Step Drill Bit, 7/16 to 1-1/8-Inch by 1/16-Inch Increments - $12.24 (Save 51%) + Free Shipping with $25 order

Related: Amazon, Amazon Fillers, Kettles, Tools, Great Deals

Austin Homebrew - Canadian 2 Row $1 per lb

Austin Homebrew has 27.5 lb boxes of Canadian 2 Row malt for $27.49.  Shipping is free on orders of $100 or more.

Reptile Heating Mat - $20.87

If you're having trouble keeping a temperature controlled fermentation space warm enough this time of year, you may consider adding a small heat source to keep the temp up.  I use a reptile heating mat.  This consumes little energy, yet the heat that it produces is enough to raise the temperature in my fermenting chest freezer several degrees above ambient.

Zoo Med ReptiTherm® Under Tank Heater, Medium - $20.87 with free shipping on orders over $25

Related-
Amazon

Temp Control Tag

Great Deals

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McMaster - Gas Disconnects

I use these disconnects from McMaster Carr for nearly every line in my CO2 system.

5923K43 - $6.08

5923K73 - $6.42

Good prices, but not great.

These disconnects are valved, so you can disconnect them without losing pressure.  They have integrated poppets that shut flow off when they are disconnected.  By the way, these are manufactured by Colder Products.

If you really want to save some money you can get non valved versions.  The downside- no automatic shut off.  The upside- crazy savings!

5923K41 - $1.73!

5923K71 - $1.27!

Also, the non-valved versions are interchangeable with the valved versions, so you can mix and match.

Six 22 1/2 Ounce Pilsner Glasses $8.99

Amazon has a set of six Libbey Pilsner glasses on sale for $8.99.  Shipping is free for orders of $25 or more.

Libbey 6-Piece 22-1/2-Ounce Giant Pub Beer Pilsner Set

ChiCompany Christmas Sale 5% Off

ChiCompany is offering 5% off all orders through 12/15.  No discount code is needed.

Mr. Heater Forced Air Propane Heater 55,000 BTU

In the north, this can be a chilly time of year to brew in the garage.  Check out the Mr. Heater forced air propane heater.  This particular model has a variable heat output of between 30,000 and 55,000 BTU.  It gets great reviews.  $139.99 shipped. 

Mr. Heater MH55FAV Forced Air Propane Heater

Austin Homebrew - 15% Off Holiday Beer Kits

Austin Homebrew is offering their holiday beer kits at a 15% discount.

Their "Greenbelt Pale Ale", the first kit using their exclusive yeast strain, is also being offered at a 20% discount.

Fast Weigh Digital Pocket Scale $6.35

This looks like a nice little scale.  It gets great reviews.  I like that it is accurate to .1 grams.  Great for measuring water salt additions and hops.  This ships free with orders of $25 or more.

Fast Weigh MS-500-BLK Digital Pocket Scale, 500 by 0.1 G

Free Book with purchase of an AHA Membership gift card

Receive a free book with the purchase of an AHA Membership gift card.  Choices include Radical Brewing by Randy Mosher (use code 1Radholiday) , How to Brew by John Palmer (use code 1010KPOW) and Designing Great Beers by Ray Daniels (use code SBPKSP) .

More about the books-
Radical Brewing: Recipes, Tales and World-Altering Meditations in a Glass

How to Brew: Everything You Need To Know To Brew Beer Right The First Time

Designing Great Beers: The Ultimate Guide to Brewing Classic Beer Styles

Remember- in addition to all the other benefits of being an AHA Member, Northern Brewer offers a 5% discount.

Northern Brewer - 10% Off Holiday Beer Kits and Stocking Stuffers

Northern Brewer is offering 10% off their holiday beer kits and stocking stuffers.

Holiday Beers Kits

Stocking Stuffers

Fight chest freezer condensation with the Eva Dry 500 $25.50

Like many of you, I use a chest freezer for cooling and serving kegs.  The only downside I've experienced is... condensation.  A chest freezer just isn't designed to deal with condensation like a refrigerator is.

After doing some research into possible solutions, I settled on the Eva Dry 500.  This device contains a desiccant material that absorbs moisture.  Normally desiccants are one use only.  The cool thing about the Eva Dry is- it has a built in heater that drives off collected moisture.  Plug it in overnight and it's ready to go again the next day.  Mine usually lasts 6 to 8 weeks before needing to be regenerated.  There is a color indicator on the side that let's you know when it's time to do this.

Eva-dry EDV-E-500 Renewable Wireless Mini Dehumidifer

Bulk Keg O-rings at McMaster

There is a new version of this post.

You can save a bunch by buying keg o-rings in bulk from a place like McMaster-Carr.

Here are part numbers for ball lock kegs-

• Dip Tube O-rings $1.96/100 - 9452K172
• Dip Tube O-rings Quad Sealing $4.46/100 - 90025K368 (I prefer these as they require significantly less force to get a good seal)
• Post O-rings Buna-N $2.15/100 - 9452K23 (I use these for liquid)
• Post O-rings Silicone $10.71/100 - 9396K24 (I use these for gas)
• Lid O-rings Buna-N $12.69/10 - 9452K218
• Lid O-rings Silicone $7.88/5 - 9396K926
• Internal Quick Disconnect O-rings Silicone $6.11/100 - 9396K18

I've read arguments both ways on Buna-N vs Silicone.  I tend to believe silicone is better.  I like to use Buna-N on my liquid posts because they are cheaper and I figure a leak is going to be evident.  I use silicone on my gas posts because it is supposed to seal better.  This also has the effect of color coding the posts as Buna-N is black and silicone is orange.

The internal QD O-rings 9396K18 aren't exactly the same as the standard square sided o-ring that comes in quick disconnects, but it does work well for me and is certainly more economical than buying a whole new quick disconnect.

In my experience, McMaster is great to deal with.  They have super fast and economical shipping.

Related-
Great Deals

Join the American Homebrewers Association

Got a tip?  Email Homebrew Finds!

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Tip - Use a spray bottle of Star San to sanitize

This is a great way to make your Star San bottle last a long, long time.  Add 6 CCs of Star San to a gallon of water (I use distilled), pour in a spray bottle and spray surfaces that need to be sanitized.  A gallon of sanitizing solution lasts me several batches.  Using this technique, my bottle of Star San has lasted a couple of years and I've still got plenty left.

This type of spray bottle is handy because you can spray with the bottle upside down.

Orbital Spray Bottle, 24 oz Clear - $3.10

Need an easy way to measure 6 CCs?  Here's what I use.

Syringe 12cc Luer Lock (Pack of 10) - $5.99

I've started using a gallon glass water jug, because the Star San solution usually eats through the plastic gallon jug before I get through it.

1 Gallon Glass Water Bottle - $9.99

More Beer Christmas Sale

More Beer just announced their Christmas sale.  Deals include $375 off a Brew Sculpture.

More Beer Christmas Sale

UltraShip 55 lb Scale Price Drop - $23.78!

Amazon has dropped their price on the UltraShip 55 lb scale that I blogged about back in November.  Almost $10 less.  This is still shipping free with orders of $25 or more.

This is a great deal.

UltraShip 55 lb. Digital Postal Shipping & Kitchen Scale

Austin Homebrew - New 3 and 5 Gallon Kegs on Sale

Austin Homebrew has new 3 gallon kegs on sale for $109.99 (normally $122.99) and new 5 gallon kegs on sale for $119.99 (normally 129.99).

The "Bulldog" Ultimate Pegboard Kit $24.41

This pegboard system is a recent addition to my brew room.  It was easy to install and works great.  It's made out of tough plastic so moisture isn't a problem.  It includes of bunch of pegboard hooks and accessories.

This ships free with orders over $25.

The Bulldog Hardware 131588 Peg-A-System Ultimate Kit