Category Archives: Tips

20% OFF Coupon… EMD ColorpHast Precision pH Strips + Why Choose These Over a Meter & A Tip That Doubles Value

ColorpHast pH Strips - 4.0 to 7.0 (100 Strips) MT629

EMD colorpHast 4 -7 precision pH strips via MoreBeer

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

A simple, reliable way to test the pH of your beer, no meter required!

Quickly test the pH of your mash with confidence using our colorpHast pH strips. These strips are high-quality and made not to run, so you are assured an accurate reading each time. Comes in packs of 100 strips.


 

Accurate, Narrow Range Strips: These are more accurate and easier to read than most pH test strips.  Use these to check the pH of your mash and of your finished beer.  These offer the same advantages of a pH meter without the cost and maintenance that goes along with a meter.

Why these instead of a pH meter?  pH meters have their place. The downside is they require maintenance and continued cost. You have to calibrate, clean and properly store pH probes for accurate readings.  I believe this is why pH meter reviews tend to skew negative.

Tip… Cut these in half the long way.  You’ve saved 50% and they are still easy to read.

ColorpHast pH Strips – 4.0 to 7.0 (100 Strips) MT629 at MoreBeer

Limited Time Deal, Save 20%

morebeer.com deal

20% Off at MoreBeer!

These strips are included in the mix. Just use coupon code AGTOP to save 20%


MORE MoreBeer Deals!…This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. tag:lnksfxd tag:b3peroff tag:b3colorphast rp:b3colorphast tag:watch1

100 EMD ColorpHast Precision pH Strips + Why Choose These Over a Meter & A Tip That Doubles Value

ColorpHast pH Strips - 4.0 to 7.0 (100 Strips) MT629

EMD colorpHast 4 -7 precision pH strips via MoreBeer

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

A simple, reliable way to test the pH of your beer, no meter required!

Quickly test the pH of your mash with confidence using our colorpHast pH strips. These strips are high-quality and made not to run, so you are assured an accurate reading each time. Comes in packs of 100 strips.


 

Accurate, Narrow Range Strips: These are more accurate and easier to read than most pH test strips.  Use these to check the pH of your mash and of your finished beer.  These offer the same advantages of a pH meter without the cost and maintenance that goes along with a meter.

Why these instead of a pH meter?  pH meters have their place. The downside is they require maintenance and continued cost. You have to calibrate, clean and properly store pH probes for accurate readings.  I believe this is why pH meter reviews tend to skew negative.

Tip… Cut these in half the long way.  You’ve saved 50% and they are still easy to read.

ColorpHast pH Strips – 4.0 to 7.0 (100 Strips) MT629 at MoreBeer

MORE MoreBeer Deals!…This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. tag:lnksfxd tag:b3colorphast rpu:b3colorphast

Phomemo D30 Label Printer – label lines, kegs, manifolds and more – $19.98 w/Coupon

Phomemo D30 Label Printer, Bluetooth Wireless Mini Pocket Smartphone Label Maker Machine with Tape, Direct Thermal Printer Rechargeable Labeler Compatible with iPhone/Android, for Home Office

Label keg lines, kegs, manifolds, storage bins and more around your home brewery.

3/12 8 AM Central: This is on sale for $23.98. Apply the $4 off coupon on the product page and the price drops to $19.98 at checkout. Shipping is also free to many US addresses with Prime Membership [Try Prime for Free] or a qualifying order. Prices and availability can change quickly.  Check product page for current info – More About Prices

Phomemo D30 Label Printer, Bluetooth Wireless Mini Pocket Smartphone Label Maker Machine with Tape, Direct Thermal Printer Rechargeable Labeler Compatible with iPhone/Android, for Home Office – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

Phomemo D30 Label Printer – label lines, kegs, manifolds and more

Phomemo D30 Label Printer, Bluetooth Wireless Mini Pocket Smartphone Label Maker Machine with Tape, Direct Thermal Printer Rechargeable Labeler Compatible with iPhone/Android, for Home Office

Label keg lines, kegs, manifolds, storage bins and more around your home brewery.

Phomemo D30 Label Printer, Bluetooth Wireless Mini Pocket Smartphone Label Maker Machine with Tape, Direct Thermal Printer Rechargeable Labeler Compatible with iPhone/Android, for Home Office – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

Avery 5410 – 1″ Round Printable Labels – Great size for labeling beer caps

Avery Self-Adhesive Removable Labels, 1-Inch Diameter, White, Pack of 600 (5410)

Avery 1″ Round Multi Use Labels.  600 total labels.

More Info
Highlighted Features
  • Labels stick stay and remove cleanly without leaving a residue!.
  • Ideal for drawers containers boxes shelves and other smooth surfaces.
  • Pack of 600 Labels

 

1″ round labels work really well for labeling beer caps.  Labeling caps works especially well if you’re planning to reuse the bottle.  There is no work involved in removing old labels before next use.

 

What are others saying?  Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “caps” – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

These are printable labels so you can create some nice looking labels.  Avery offers free templates for popular software including Microsoft Word as well as free online design and print tool.

Avery Self-Adhesive Removable Labels, 1-Inch Diameter, White, Pack of 600 (5410) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also: GrogTag Deals and Coupons – GrogTag prints your design onto professionally printed, reusable labels

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. rp:averyround

Short On Time? Time Saving Homebrew Tips!

time saving homebrew tips

Time can be a big factor when it comes to homebrewing.  Sure, it may be nice to spend sunrise until sunset carefully hand crafting a batch (or batches) of beer, but the practicalities of life can and do factor in when we’re deciding if we can brew a batch of beer.  For your stage of life, time may not be a factor.  If so, that’s awesome.  For others, time saving tips and techniques could help you brew more often.

With those thoughts in mind, I put the call out to the HBF community [8 Ways to Connect with HBF] to get some time saving tips and tricks.  A selection  of those along with some of my own thoughts follows.  Thanks to all who participated!  A full list of contributors is at the end of this post.

How do I save time home brewing? Continue reading

Phomemo D30 Label Printer – label lines, kegs, manifolds and more

Phomemo D30 Label Printer, Bluetooth Wireless Mini Pocket Smartphone Label Maker Machine with Tape, Direct Thermal Printer Rechargeable Labeler Compatible with iPhone/Android, for Home Office

Label keg lines, kegs, manifolds, storage bins and more around your home brewery.

Phomemo D30 Label Printer, Bluetooth Wireless Mini Pocket Smartphone Label Maker Machine with Tape, Direct Thermal Printer Rechargeable Labeler Compatible with iPhone/Android, for Home Office – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

12 x Big Bands 7″ x 1/8″ Rubber Bands – good for affixing temp probe on fermenters

Alliance Rubber Big Rubber Bands 12 Pack 7-Inch X 1/8-Inch Red 00700Alliance Rubber Big Rubber Bands 12 Pack 7-Inch X 1/8-Inch Red 00700

More Info
Highlighted Features
  • REUSABLE: Unlike tape or string that can only be used once, Big Bands large rubber bands are reusable many times over, helping you reduce unnecessary waste and costs. When done with them, simply remove and store them for your next project.
  • SECURE TRASH LINERS: These oversized rubber bands are ideal for securing trash can liners so that you can put more into your garbage bin without worrying the bag will slip and cause a mess. Big Bands fit can sizes from 13 qt. to 32 gal. so they're great for both home and commercial use.
  • FREEZER AND MICROWAVE SAFE: These big rubber bands are freezer and microwave safe, making them ideal for securing lids on food for storing leftovers, or for reheating them the next day. Keep chip or cracker bags tightly closed to seal in freshness.
  • ENDLESS USES: Big elastic bands are a versatile tool that you can use at home, in schools or the office for a variety of purposes to stay organized and tidy.
  • MADE IN THE USA: Big Bands heavy duty rubber bands are made in the USA so you know that you're receiving a high quality product, fresh stock and fast service.

 

I use these to secure affix my Inkbird temp probe to my fermenter.  The 7″ x 1/8″ are large enough to work with my 7.9 and 5.3 gallon sized Speidel fermenters along with my 7 gallon SS Brewtech Brew Bucket.  I like these vs using something like duct tape because i don’t like the adhesive that’s left behind with tape.  I would guess these will work with many sizes and types of fermenters, but I can’t give you a conclusive list.

Alliance Rubber Big Rubber Bands 12 Pack 7-Inch X 1/8-Inch Red 00700 – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also:

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

Bar5F Heavy Duty Spray Bottles, 2 Count + Star San Tips & Tricks

Bar5F Plastic Spray Bottles, Leak Proof, Empty 16 oz. Value Pack of 2 for Chemical and Cleaning Solutions, Adjustable Head Sprayer Fine to Stream

2 x Spray Bottles

More Info
Highlighted Features
  • Leak Proof - Proven and reliable no leak venting system primes quickly and stay primed
  • Ergonomic Design - Ergonomic Design - Spray bottle lets the sprayer rest comfortably in your hand and lessening hand fatigue
  • House, Commercial, Industrial Uses - All purpose. Our multi purpose spray bottles have an excellent chemical compatibility
  • Durable - Our 16 ounce heavy duty impact resistance spray bottles are made from HDPE plastic. Hold up against harsh chemicals, service and any cleaning solutions
  • Refill, Clean and Disinfect with BAR5F. Manufacturer Product ID: B10H21. Bottle made in USA

From HBF: Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions.

 

Related: Star San Tips, Tricks and Guidelines – Using Star San In a Spray Bottle – that details the “spray bottle technique” of easily and effectively sanitizing for pennies a batch.

Bar5F Plastic Spray Bottles, Leak Proof, Empty 16 oz. Value Pack of 2 for Chemical and Cleaning Solutions, Adjustable Head Sprayer Fine to Stream – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also: Search “Star San” on Amazon

Regular Replacement:

I recommend regularly replacing non-glass bottles used to store acidic solutions like Star San.

Five Star Chemicals says that you should not soak items in Star San solution for extended periods of time. Even chemical resistant bottles are not impervious to damage caused by extended exposure to acid. Glass and stainless are exceptions. I can’t tell you an exact time frame, but personally, I’m now aiming to replace spray bottles every six months. See: Star San Tips and Tricks

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

Using a CO2 Detector in Your Kegerator

INKBIRD WiFi Indoor Air Quality Monitor, CO2 Detector, Accurate NDIR Sensor, Temperature and Relative Humidity, Indoor CO2 Meter with Data Logger, for Cars, Wine Cellars, Grow Tents, Homes (INK-CO2W).Pictured: INKBIRD WiFi Indoor Air Quality Monitor, CO2 Detecto

Losing a tank of CO2 because of leak is frustrating. It’s a waste of time and money. Adding a CO2 monitor can help warn you of leaks minimizing loss, wasted money, wasted time and frustration.

A CO2 Monitor Alarm in Your Kegerator

Placing a CO2 Monitor with alarm inside of your kegerator can serve as another line of defense to protect against co2 leaks and loss. CO2 should not be building up in your kegerator. A CO2 monitor with alarm can alert you of this condition.

Options with WiFi and a companion app are nice because you can get notifications on your compatible phone.

Beyond CO2 Levels…

Some models display additional information that can be helpful information about your kegerator. These vary model to model and can sometime include temperature and humidity.

  • Temperature – monitor your kegerator temperature
  • Humidity – Help judge whether your Eva Dry (or similar) needs recharged for the purpose of handling excess kegerator and fermentation chamber wetness.  See: Damp Kegerator? Fix Kegerator Condensation

Not A Replacement for Checking for Leaks…

A do not consider a CO2 alarm as replacement for thoroughly checking for and addressing leaks. Rather this is another layer that could save you a trip to swap out a CO2 tank.

The Biggest Trouble Spot

Color coded post o-rings. From our Keg Rebuild Post – Jump To: Replace O-Rings

In my opinion the most difficult spot to check and the cause of many a lost CO2 tanks are… gas post o-rings.

Testing at this point using the “spray bottle method” (spray Star San everywhere and check for bubbles) is impossible or at the very least difficult and messy.  Leaks will only surface here when a gas QD is actually engaged.  The problem is, you can’t easily see that spot when a QD is on.

The problem stated more simply… You need a QD on to see if it’s leaking, but you can’t see it if a QD is on. You can use what I call the pressure gauge method to check for overall leaks. But even using that method you know that you have a leak but it gives no indication where it’s at.

Be quick to replace gas side o-rings… I’m quick to replace gas post (and gas dip tube) o-rings. Beyond slow and no-carbing beers, a bad gas side o-ring can lead to empty tanks. That’s a waste of time and money and it’s frustrating.

These o-rings cost pennies each when you buy them in bulk. Liberally replacing these can save time, money and frustration.

Continue reading

Vacuum Sealing Mylar Bags Using FoodSaver Vacuum Sealers

foodsaver mylar bags

Vacuum sealing with a FoodSaver, Seal-a-Meal or similar is a great way store food, hops, grains, spices and more. Vacuum bags work to seal out oxygen, prevent freezer burn and more.

What Are the Advantages Mylar Bags?

Generally speaking Mylar bags consist of three layers. Two Mylar layers that laminate a center aluminum foil layer. This combination provides strength, flexibility and durability along with an extremely low Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR). These bags also block potentially damaging light. Combine this with vacuum sealing and you’ve got an outstanding way to store food & more.

Search Amazon for “food grade mylar bags” – to see lots of current offerings

For homebrewer’s… Vacuum sealed Mylar bags are an excellent  way to store hops and other oxygen sensitive materials.  As a testament to this, many hop distributors distribute hops in Mylar bags.  Sometimes those are vacuum sealed and sometimes they are nitrogen flushed.

Do Mylar Bags Work with FoodSaver Vacuum Sealers?

A FoodSaver (or similar) is a standard home suction type vacuum sealer that relies on special bags. We generally call them… vacuum sealer bags. These bags are embossed or textured to create channels on the inside of the bag. Those channels allow a FoodSaver to draw out air and create a vacuum all while the machine is clamped down. When this process is done a heat strip seals the bag locking in the vacuum state.

Mylar bags have smooth walls. Since they don’t have the required special channels they will not work with FoodSaver machines.

Continue reading

Tip: Use Deli Containers To Store Your Yeast Cake

Deli Food Storage Containers with Lids, 16 Ounce (48 Count)Pictured: Deli Food Storage Containers with Lids, 16 Ounce affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series.  Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts!


  • Note: This tip involves handling hot items.  Always use extreme caution when handling hot items to avoid being scalded.
  • These containers are generally food safe and microwave safe.
  • They also, generally, have tight lids.  Lids are either not quite airtight – That’s perfect for storing a yeast cake for your next batch as, the yeast may need to off-gas – Or airtight – That’s okay too as popping a lid off one of these isn’t usually a huge deal.
  • You can sanitize these by microwaving some water in them.  Place the lid loosely on top so that it can get sanitized by steam.  Be very careful around boiling water and steam, you can get hurt.  Or, sanitize with your favorite food grade homebrew sanitizer.
  • These type of containers are also handy for general storage, rehydrating yeast, sample collection and lots more.  Non-brewing related bonus… these are great for giving food-stuffs away as they are economical enough that you don’t need to worry about getting your container back.
  • There are many offerings for these types of containers and they can change quickly.  Search Amazon for “pint deli containers” to see what’s out there.  Some things to look for – food safe materials, microwave safe and tight fitting lids.
  • Credit for this tip goes to Denny Conn!
  • Related Categories: Fermentation, Yeast

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions. tag:lnksfxd  rpu:tips#35

Use a Wallpaper Prep Tray for Cleaning, Sanitizing and Storage of Longer Brewing Items

Pictured: Zinsser 98030 30-Inch Wallpaper Prep Tray – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series.  Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts! This is a Top Post! See: All Top Posts

I use a wallpaper try to clean and sanitize longer items like racking canes, auto-siphons, spoons, tubing and beverage out dip tubes.  It works great.

These also work well for storing longer items.  If you’re going to store things in these, I would recommend stacking a couple together to give them some extra strength.

Another similar option are planter boxes.  They are generally sturdier than wallpaper prep trays and they’re about the same length.  Since you can get away with one your total cost may end up being less.

Zinsser 98030 30-Inch Wallpaper Prep Tray – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also:

Related Resources and Categories


Do Not Soak In Star San

Five Star recommends limited contact time with ALL plastics.  See: Star San Tips – Materials Compatibility + Do Not Soak.

Star San Tips and Tricks

More Homebrew Finds!

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions. tag:lnksfxd toppost:wptray rp:tips#32 tag:tpru

Tip: Use an Infrared Thermometer for Select Homebrewing Tasks

Inkbird Laser Thermometer Gun, INK-IFT01 Infrared Thermometer Gun for Cooking Digital IR Thermometer Temp Gun for Reptiles, -58℉~1022℉ (-50℃~550℃)Pictured: Inkbird Infrared Thermometer for Cooking Temperature Gun, Laser Thermometer Gun Digital for Pizza Oven and Reptiles, -58℉~1022℉ (INK-IFT01) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

  • These (can be) inexpensive and give you a no-touch way to measure the temperature of something.
  • Since these are no touch, you can check the temp of yeast washing and yeast rehydration water and your starter wort without the risk of infection.  I find mine particularly useful for rehydrating yeast (See Tip 1).
  • In my opinion, Infrared thermometers should not be considered a direct replacement for your standard thermometer.  A quality IR thermometer will give you a close approximation of surface temperatures.  In my experience steam seems to throw off readings.
  • Potential Uses Include: Contained yeast rehydration water, chilled wort or starter temperature, kegerator, fermenter or fermenation area and beer tasting samples.
  • Our INK-IFT01 Deal Page
  • Shop Around, Search Amazon for “Infrared Thermometer”
  • Related Categories: Thermometers, Infrared Thermometers

Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series.  Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts!

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions. rp:tips5

Removing Keg Labels… A Trick That Makes it Easy

As you can see from this photo, this keg had one sticker on it.  It mostly goes around the keg.  Trying to peel this sticker off yielded… 0 positive progress.  It was stuck on the keg, presumably for years.  The actual printing itself is completely warn away.   I was only able to get very small bits of this sticker off.

I wrapped my Fermwrap heater around the keg and let it warm up for several minutes.  The idea here is to warm up the sticker and the old adhesive to make sticker removal easier.


Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions.

Continue reading

Checking for Draft System CO2 Leaks – Using The Pressure Gauge Method

check for co2 leaks

For the most part, checking for keg liquid and CO2 leaks is pretty straightforward.  Is beer leaking?  Then you’ve got a liquid leak.  Is there six inches of beer in your kegerator?  That one’s really easy to spot.  If beer is shooting out like a geyser, you’ve got a… fast leak. 🙂

For kegerator CO2 leaks, it’s a generally a little more work, but still pretty easy… spray everything with Star San solution (diluted of course) and look for bubbles.

Related: Step by Step: Finding and Fixing Keg CO2 Leaks

A Problem Spot…

Continue reading

Use a Carbonation Cap To Assist with Closed Transfer Racking

Thank you to Twitter Follower Josh @beardlywine for this tip! Let’s be Friends! – 8 Ways to Connect

Josh uses carbonator caps to assist with closed transfer racking to kegs.  If you look at the photo he shared, he’s putting a small length of tubing on the cap and then feeding that through the airlock grommet hole of his fermenter.  This same process could be adapted to work with other styles of fermenters.

Carbonator Caps

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