Category Archives: Tips

Bar5F Heavy Duty Chemical Resistant Spray Bottle + Star San Tips & Tricks

BAR5F Empty Plastic Spray Bottle 32 oz, Chemical Resistant, Professional, Heavy Duty, Green

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

Trigger Spray Bottle – Fully Adjustable Nozzle – from a fine mist to a jet stream.
Chemical resistant bottle and sprayer.
All purpose; cleaning, house, kitchen, auto, etc

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 Empty Plastic Spray Bottle 32 oz, Chemical Resistant, Professional, Heavy Duty – 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

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!

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.

Tip: Use Two Scales if You’re an All Grain Brewer

Pictured: Ultraship Ultra-55 affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link – Hands On Review

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

As all grain brewers we are generally weighing things in two categories. Moderately large amounts of things – like grain – and smaller amounts of things – like hops and water salts.
Although weighing both types of things involve a scale, they are really wildly different activities.

But Why?

I’ll take the Ultraship Ultra-55 [Hands On Review] as an example. That has been my go-to grain scale for years and years. It has a large 55 lb capacity, the tare feature and the face removes so that you can weigh large items (like buckets of grain) and still easily read the display.
The Ultraship Ultra-55 has a resolution of 2 grams when weighing up to 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs). From 2 lbs to 50 lbs it has a resolution of .5 oz. If we’re weighing 20 lbs of 2 row, this works great. If you’re 2 grams or a half an ounce off either way, it really doesn’t matter. How about hops? A 2 gram resolution would work in a pinch, but I don’t think most brewers would be happy with that. Weighing water salts are completely of the question with this sort of precision/resolution. But.. it’s a great grain scale.
Second example… American Weigh 100g x 0.01g Digital Scale [Hands on Review]. That scale has an outstanding 1/100th gram resolution. That’s great for weighing hops accurately AND weighing water salts. How about for your all grain grist bill? It should be awesome right? No. 100 grams equates to about .22 lbs.

The right tool for the job: As scale capacity goes up, resolution, precision and accuracy generally go down. Very accurate scales with higher capacities do exist, but they’re very expensive. If you’re looking for something like this or just want to see prices, try this search on Amazon. It searches “high capacity lab scale” in the Industrial & Scientific category sorting from high to low price.

Recommendation: Use one larger capacity scale for measuring grain. Important features to consider: Tare (allows you to subtract the weight of the container that’s being used), Pounds/Kilograms Display, Digital Readout, Either Auto Hold or a Removable Face (this allows you to weigh large objects like a bucket of grain. An AC Adapter is also nice to have. This Ultraship scale is what I use. I’ve used it for years and have been very happy with it. It features a removable face to easily weigh larger objects.
Recommendation: Use one smaller, more accurate scale for weighing hops, spices and water salts. Tare, Pounds/Kilograms and Digital Readout are important for this one. You’ll want something that measures to an accuracy of 1/10th of a gram. You’ll be using grams for water salts and you should consider using grams for hops. Consider the AWS-100

What about Extract Brewers?

If you’re an extract brewer or you can only keep one scale because of budget or space, look for something in the middle, something with an 11 to 15 lb capacity and a 1 gram resolution – something like this. You can use that to weigh out grain bills – you may need to split your grain bill up into a couple batches to get under the capacity and 1 gram will work for hops.

Related: See Tip 16 – Use Metric
Search Amazon – for “digital gram scale” AND “digital postal scale for packages” for some ideas
Reviews: Hands On: American Weigh 100g x 0.01g Digital Scale | Hands On: Ultraship 55 lb Digital Scale [Grain] With Removable Face
Related Categories: Scales

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!

Inkbird Vacuum Sealer Machine with Starter Kit, Automatic PowerVac Air Sealing Machine for Food Preservation, Dry & Moist Sealing Modes,Built-in Cutter,Easy Cleaning Storage

Gamma2 Vittles Vault Dog Food Storage Container, Up To 50 Pounds Dry Pet Food Storage, Made in USA

FLOTit 2.0 - No Beer Left Behind Floating Dip Tube with Double Filter Inlet (DFI) of 500/300 micron for always clear beer, less beer waste and no clogging. Made in USA.

OxiClean Free Versatile Stain Remover Powder, 3 lb

Inkbird WiFi ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller Thermostat Remote Monitoring Controlling Home Brewing Fermentation Breeding Incubation Greenhouse

rp:tips2

Tip: Using a Heating Mat To Help Maintain Fermentation Temps

Pictured: Heating Mat Lerway Heat Pad Waterproof for Seed Starter Germination Hydroponic Seedling,Greenhouse,Reptile,Plant (10″ x 20.75″ 110V 21W) – Note: This is an example of a waterproof heating mat, not the exact one I use

I’ve used a heating mat in my fermentation chest freezer for years. Most of these don’t provide a whole lot of heating capacity. Which, in my book, is great. The one I use is well under 20 watts. That has no trouble raising my fermentation chest freezer (located in my basement) by several degrees. I use this throughout the year whenever I want to push fermentation temperatures higher. I do not set my fermenter on the mat. I simply set it in the chest freezer, thereby warming up the ambient air inside the fermentation chamber.

Over the years, I’ve used this with both a single and a two stage temp controller. This has the effect of making a single stage temp controller into a dual stage controller. The heating mat continuously heats the ambient air and the temp controller/chest freezer act to correct that as it gets too warm. See Homebrew Hack: Mimicking Dual Stage Temp Control with a Single Stage Controller for additional details on that.

This process is more efficient with a two stage controller. The controller cycles on each stage, cooling or heating, as needed. If you’re in the market, check out the ITC-308

Beyond getting the appropriate wattage for your setup, I would also recommend getting a waterproof model. Not that you want to have these around water, but it’s nice to have some moisture resistance, especially when fermentation chambers can get humid.

If you’re in the market, try this search on Amazon – “waterproof heat mat”

Also: Yeast Starters and Fermentation | Maintaining Fermentation Temps in Colder Weather

More Fermentation Related!

Our Fermentation Related Reviews – Fermenters and More
Yeast Starters and Fermentation Resource Page
Yeast: The Practical Guide to Beer Fermentation
Compare Prices: StirStarter Stir Plate

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!

tip:heatmat

Tip: Dissolving Dry Malt Extract More Easily – Hot or Cold Water?

Pictured: 3 lbs Briess Golden Light Dry Malt Extract (DME) via Amazon

This is a quick and simple tip… Dry Malt Extract dissolves more easily into cold water than it does into hot water. That seems a little counter-intuitive to me, but I’ve found it to be true. It seems to clump up a lot less and just generally dissolve more easily. I can’t take credit for this one, I heard it from John Palmer author of How to Brew.

Also: Briess – Dry Malt Extract – Golden Light – 3 lbs – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

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!

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Avery 5410 – 600 x 1″ Round Printable Labels – Great size for labeling beer caps

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

Learn More

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. rpu:averyround

Brother PT-D210 Label Maker – TZe Compatible – [Label Keg Lines, Manifolds, Bins & More]

Brother P-Touch PT-D210 Label Maker

More Info

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

See how your label will look before you Print
One-touch keys: quick access to fonts, frames, symbols and more
Useful templates: for file and gift labels, even decorative labels with patterns
Easy-access memory: store up to 30 labels for quick reprinting
Uses a variety of easy to apply tee tapes: standard, extra-strength, acid-free adhesive, cable and wire, fabric iron-on and more

I’m fond of Brother labeling machines that have the ability to use their TZe style labeling tape. That line of tapes has an extra strength adhesive version. The extra strength adhesive versions are designed to work in harsh environments, both indoors and outdoors. I’ve found them to work well even in slightly moist places like my kegerator. I use TZe style labels for labeling storage bins, my co2 manifold, keg lines, kegs and more. Search: tze extra strength on Amazon

Lots of TZe Tape colors and styles are available. I generally use the 1/2″ Black Print on White Tape – Standard | Extra Strength.

Brother P-touch, PTD210, Easy-to-Use Label Maker, One-Touch Keys, Multiple Font Styles, 27 User-Friendly Templates, White

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!

TWO X Zep Professional Sprayer Bottle + Star San Tips and Tricks

Zep Professional Sprayer Bottle 32 Ounces

More Info

Highlighted Features

High-Output Sprayer: Delivers more than three cubic centimeters per pull and streams of up to 30 feet
Ergonomic Comfortable Trigger: Allows for three-finger spraying, reducing fatigue
Adjustable Nozzle: Provides a range of sprays, from a fine mist to a direct stream
Contains Graduated Measurements On Side: Makes accurate refilling simple
Ready-To-Use: Quick identification with designated area for product labeling. Great for commercial and residential use

Learn More

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.

Also: Star San Tips & Tricks – includes Spray Bottle Method of Sanitizing

Zep Professional Sprayer Bottle 32 Ounces (case of 2) – 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!

TWO X Zep Professional Sprayer Bottle + Star San Tips and Tricks

Zep Professional Sprayer Bottle 32 Ounces

More Info

Highlighted Features

High-Output Sprayer: Delivers more than three cubic centimeters per pull and streams of up to 30 feet
Ergonomic Comfortable Trigger: Allows for three-finger spraying, reducing fatigue
Adjustable Nozzle: Provides a range of sprays, from a fine mist to a direct stream
Contains Graduated Measurements On Side: Makes accurate refilling simple
Ready-To-Use: Quick identification with designated area for product labeling. Great for commercial and residential use

Learn More

Also: Star San Tips & Tricks – includes Spray Bottle Method of Sanitizing

Zep Professional Sprayer Bottle 32 Ounces (case of 2) – 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!

Encore Plastics Heavy Duty Wallpaper Tray [cleaning, sanitizing and storing longer items]

Encore Plastics 32160 Heavy Duty Wallpaper Tray

I use a wallpaper try [a different model from a different manufacturer See: 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] 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.

Encore Plastics 32160 Heavy Duty Wallpaper Tray

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

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!

Inkbird Vacuum Sealer Machine with Starter Kit, Automatic PowerVac Air Sealing Machine for Food Preservation, Dry & Moist Sealing Modes,Built-in Cutter,Easy Cleaning Storage

Gamma2 Vittles Vault Dog Food Storage Container, Up To 50 Pounds Dry Pet Food Storage, Made in USA

FLOTit 2.0 - No Beer Left Behind Floating Dip Tube with Double Filter Inlet (DFI) of 500/300 micron for always clear beer, less beer waste and no clogging. Made in USA.

OxiClean Free Versatile Stain Remover Powder, 3 lb

Inkbird WiFi ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller Thermostat Remote Monitoring Controlling Home Brewing Fermentation Breeding Incubation Greenhouse

Tip: Dissolving Dry Malt Extract More Easily – Hot or Cold Water?

Pictured: 3 lbs Briess Golden Light Dry Malt Extract (DME) via Amazon

Also: Briess – Dry Malt Extract – Golden Light – 3 lbs – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

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!

toppost:dissolvedme

UltraPro Outlet Power Switch [Keg, Carboy and Draft Line Cleaner Pumps]

Grounded On/Off Power Switch

More Info

Highlighted Features

Power Switch – Create an on/off switch in an electronic without one with the UltraPro Grounded Outlet Power Switch
Easy Install – Plug the desk lamp, indoor string lights or Christmas lights on the tree into the adapter and then plug into your outlet for quick installation
Compatibility – This outlet switch works with lamps or other small electronics that have no on/off switch or the switch is hard to reach
Rating— The outlet adapter is UL Listed, and has an electrical rating of 15A, 120VAC, and 1800W
Trusted Brand – UltraPro is a top brand in power strips, surge protectors and outlet adapters

Learn More

I use a similar switch for switching on and off my Mark II Keg and Carboy Cleaner and Recirculating Draft Line Cleaning Pump. You could also use it to control your March Pump on brew day. Always read and follow manufacturer’s directions. Always exercise caution when dealing with electricity or hot objects and materials.

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

UltraPro Grounded Power Switch, Outlet Extender, 3-Prong, Easy to Install, for Indoor Lights and Small Appliances, Energy Efficient Adapter, Space Saving Design, UL Listed, Gray, 45203 – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Continue reading →

Brother PT-D210 Label Maker – TZe Compatible – [Label Keg Lines, Manifolds, Bins & More]

Brother P-Touch PT-D210 Label Maker

More Info

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

See how your label will look before you Print
One-touch keys: quick access to fonts, frames, symbols and more
Useful templates: for file and gift labels, even decorative labels with patterns
Easy-access memory: store up to 30 labels for quick reprinting
Uses a variety of easy to apply tee tapes: standard, extra-strength, acid-free adhesive, cable and wire, fabric iron-on and more

Lots of TZe Tape colors and styles are available. I generally use the 1/2″ Black Print on White Tape – Standard | Extra Strength.

Brother P-touch, PTD210, Easy-to-Use Label Maker, One-Touch Keys, Multiple Font Styles, 27 User-Friendly Templates, White

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!

Homebrew Hack: Mimicking Dual Stage Temp Control with a Single Stage Controller

Pictured: Inkbird IPB-16 15A Digital Pre-Wired PID Temperature Controller

Overriding temperature controllers give you more control over heating and cooling devices. They work by power cycling the device based on temperatures read. This is extremely valuable for homebrewers for both homebrew kegerators and for controlling fermentation temperatures. This technology allows you to operate a chest freezer at refrigerator-type temperatures. This is even helpful if you’re using a refrigerator, because stock refrigerator thermostats generally do not have the precise controls we’re looking for as homebrewers.

Continue reading →

Cask Widge Floats for Fermenting and Serving Using Corny Kegs? – You Can Help

I periodically ferment in 10 gallon Cornelius style kegs. For the most part this works great. They are stainless vessels that aren’t prone to breakage and are pressure capable. The biggest headache is transferring fermented beer. I do this under CO2 pressure and transfer from “liquid out” to “liquid in” on the receiving keg. It usually works ok, but problems arise when there is a lot of trub or if I dry hop a lot. To combat this, I used to have three dip tubes of different lengths. I tried to guess which one was the right length based on the beer. It was always a guessing game that I never exactly won. I either leave good beer behind, transfer yeast and trub or worse get clog during transfer. Worst case scenario is multiple clogs as I I’ve experienced with heavily dry hopped beers.

I shared this in some of the forums and got some good feedback and ideas. One post pointed to part of the Cask Widge system as a possible solution. This system, used for serving cask beers, contains a float. It floats on the end of a very flexible piece of tubing and has a screem on the intake part of the float. Beer is transferred out through the float.

Continue reading →

UltraPro Outlet Power Switch [Keg, Carboy and Draft Line Cleaner Pumps]

Grounded On/Off Power Switch

More Info

Highlighted Features

Power Switch – Create an on/off switch in an electronic without one with the UltraPro Grounded Outlet Power Switch
Easy Install – Plug the desk lamp, indoor string lights or Christmas lights on the tree into the adapter and then plug into your outlet for quick installation
Compatibility – This outlet switch works with lamps or other small electronics that have no on/off switch or the switch is hard to reach
Rating— The outlet adapter is UL Listed, and has an electrical rating of 15A, 120VAC, and 1800W
Trusted Brand – UltraPro is a top brand in power strips, surge protectors and outlet adapters

Learn More

Continue reading →

Short On Time? 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 →

Tips and Gear for Growler Filling

Filling a growler or small draft dispenser from your draft setup is an easy and straightforward process. Here are some tips and tools for making this as easy and efficient as possible.

Tips and Gear for Growler Filling!

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Homebrew Tubing Tips… Cleaning, Drying, Re-Shaping, Storing & More

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

Tubing! Homebrewers use a variety of sizes and styles of tubing for siphoning, beer transfer, wort and water transfer on brew day, keg to keg transfers, kegerator beer and gas lines and more.

Cleaning: After using (depending on what I’ve used the tubing for), I’ll give the tubing a rinse to get the majority of stuff off and to keep my cleaning solution as clean as possible. Next is a soak in hot PBW solution. I’d say 5 to 10 minutes is typical for me. Followed by a thorough rinse.

Reducing Water Spots: If you have a problem with water spots on your tubing, make your last step a rinse in a diluted mixture of Star San. Not only will you get some sanitizing benefits, the Star San acts as a surfactant that helps fight water spots.

Keep Reading – Loads More Tubing Tips!

3 Pack Metallic Sharpie Markers – Good for Dark Surfaces (like Kegs)

3 Metallic Sharpies by… Sharpie. Metallic Sharpies are great for writing on dark surfaces, like… keg handles and bases. Typical black Sharpies are black and don’t show up on… black very well. 🙂

Update: Since this post was published the price, availability or promotion has changed. Check the product page for current description, price and availability. Also: Today’s Deals on Amazon

Sharpie Metallic Fine Point Permanent Markers, 3 Markers, Colored

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!

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

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.

A Problem Spot…

Continue reading →