Category Archives: Brew Day

Rubbermaid Commercial Bus Tubs for Brew Day and Beyond

Rubbermaid Commercial Products FG335100BRN Standard Bus/Utility Box, 7.125 Gal, Brown

More Info

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

The Rubbermaid 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box has rounded corners allowing for a smooth transition between doors and other equipment without damage
The 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box has reinforced handle bottom and ribs for added security when carrying
The Rubbermaid 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box features a 5″ deep capacity along with holding up to 7-1/8 gallon of product
Dimension: 21.5″ x 17-1/8″ x 7″, All-plastic, professional construction, 7-1/8 gallon capacity
Bus/Utility Box, undivided, 7-1/8 gallon, 21-1/2″L x 17-1/8″W x 7″H, reinforced handle, bottom & ribs, rounded corners, dishwasher safe, brown, NSF, S.O.S. (Special Order Smallwares) product
Made of durable, commercial grade plastic, with reinforced handles, bottom and ribs for added strength
Rounded corners for easy cleaning

I use these bus tubs (7 gallon size) on brew day and beyond for a number of purposes.

I use these to cart around gear and ingredients – saving trips back and forth.
As brew day starts, I’ll keep a dry/clean bus tub and a wet/needs to be cleaned bus tub. Having two helps me keep clean things clean. That means less unnecessary cleaning.
If I’m using my pump, I’ll keep one below that. It catches drips and also offers a place to store wet items such as stirring spoons, mash paddles, my mash stirring whisk and my equally invaluable 1 gallon pitchers.
The ridges on the bottom make these a great place to drain and dry just cleaned gear.
When these are unused, they stack together to save space and offer a nice place to store brew day items.
Another potential use: ice down your favorite beverages for get-togethers.
See: Bus Tubs for Brew Day & Beyond – Save Time and Effort When You Homebrew

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

Rubbermaid Commercial Products FG335100BRN Standard Bus/Utility Box, 7.125 Gal, Brown – 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!

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Rubbermaid Commercial Bus Tubs for Brew Day and Beyond

Rubbermaid Commercial Products FG335100BRN Standard Bus/Utility Box, 7.125 Gal, Brown

More Info

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

The Rubbermaid 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box has rounded corners allowing for a smooth transition between doors and other equipment without damage
The 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box has reinforced handle bottom and ribs for added security when carrying
The Rubbermaid 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box features a 5″ deep capacity along with holding up to 7-1/8 gallon of product
Dimension: 21.5″ x 17-1/8″ x 7″, All-plastic, professional construction, 7-1/8 gallon capacity
Bus/Utility Box, undivided, 7-1/8 gallon, 21-1/2″L x 17-1/8″W x 7″H, reinforced handle, bottom & ribs, rounded corners, dishwasher safe, brown, NSF, S.O.S. (Special Order Smallwares) product
Made of durable, commercial grade plastic, with reinforced handles, bottom and ribs for added strength
Rounded corners for easy cleaning

I use these bus tubs (7 gallon size) on brew day and beyond for a number of purposes.

I use these to cart around gear and ingredients – saving trips back and forth.
As brew day starts, I’ll keep a dry/clean bus tub and a wet/needs to be cleaned bus tub. Having two helps me keep clean things clean. That means less unnecessary cleaning.
If I’m using my pump, I’ll keep one below that. It catches drips and also offers a place to store wet items such as stirring spoons, mash paddles, my mash stirring whisk and my equally invaluable 1 gallon pitchers.
The ridges on the bottom make these a great place to drain and dry just cleaned gear.
When these are unused, they stack together to save space and offer a nice place to store brew day items.
Another potential use: ice down your favorite beverages for get-togethers.
See: Bus Tubs for Brew Day & Beyond – Save Time and Effort When You Homebrew

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!

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‘Ove Glove Heat Resistant Gloves – [Minding Yeast Starters & BBQ, Brew Day & More]

Ove’ Glove Heat Resistant Gloves

More Info

Highlighted Features

OVEN MITT: Comes with 1 machine washable, hot surface handler Ove Glove
FLAME RESISTANT: Made from heat & flame resistant material used by firefighters. Withstands extreme heat up to 540 degrees Fahrenheit.
FIVE FINGER FLEXIBILITY: Made with full finger mobility and can be used with your left or right hand. Each glove contains a silicone non-slip grip to protect against dropping pans.
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: Great for barbeques, kitchen, rearranging fireplace logs, car repair, welding, light bulb changes and more!
1 pack of Ove Glove

Learn More

I use an Ove Glove when I’m making yeast starters in an Erlenmeyer Flask. It’s really handy (pun intended) to swirl around the flask or to quickly remove to keep the flask from boiling over.

These are also handy on brew day for handling hot, (but not wet) ball valves and such.

These are not waterproof. Safety Note: Always use caution when handling hot items or ingredients and always read and follow manufacturer directions.

Ove Glove Hot Surface Handler Oven Mitt Glove, Perfect for Kitchen/Grilling, 540 Degree Resistance, As Seen On TV Household Gift, Heat & Flame,Tan – 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!

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Use Heat Resistant Gloves for Minding Yeast Starters & On Brew Day

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Hands On Review: Stainless Steel Portion Cups – for Brew Day Measuring & Samples

Hands on Review – Update International Stainless Steel Portion Cups for Brew Day

These are generally intended for serving condiments and small amounts of food. Considering their size, materials and efficient design, they are also well suited for use on brew day. I’ve kept these and similar portion cups in my Brew Day Box for years.

Check Current Price, Description & Availability:

Individual Condiment Sauce Cups- One Dozen – 2½ Oz. Ounce by Update International – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Other Options:

Similar offerings. Size and specifications vary

Artcome 18 Pack Stainless Steel Condiment Sauce Cups Great for Dipping and Portion Cups, 1.5 oz
Carlisle 602500 Ramekin Dipping Sauce Cup, 2.5 oz, Stainless Steel (Pack of 12)
Stainless Steel 2.5 Oz. Sauce Cup (Pack of 12)
Winco SCP-40, 4-Ounce Stainless Steel Round Ramekin Condiment Sauce Cups, 1 Dozen Pack
There are lots of similar cups out there Search Amazon for “Stainless Steel Ramekins” to shop around. Look for a good size, quality materials (like stainless steel) and good reviews

Individual Condiment Sauce Cups- One Dozen - 2½ Oz. Ounce by Update International

Winco SCP-40, 4-Ounce Stainless Steel Round Ramekin Condiment Sauce Cups, 1 Dozen Pack

Stainless Steel 2.5 Oz. Sauce Cup (Pack of 12)

CFS Stainless Steel Sauce Cup 2.5 Ounces

Artcome 18 Pack Stainless Steel Condiment Sauce Cups Great for Dipping and Portion Cups, 1.5 oz

Related Review:

Hands On Review: Winco 4 Ounce Stainless Steel Portion Cups – for Brew Day Measuring & Samples

You can use these to portion out hop additions and other boil additions and for pH and gravity sample containers. These are a great size and don’t take a lot of room since they nest together.

12 stacked cups take up minimal space

Continue reading →

Use Heat Resistant Gloves for Minding Yeast Starters & On Brew Day

Pictured: G & F Heat Resistant Oven Glove via Amazon

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 heat resistant oven glove when I’m making yeast starters in an Erlenmeyer Flask. It’s really handy (pun intended) to swirl around the flask or to quickly remove to keep the flask from boiling over.
These are also handy on brew day for handling hot, (but not wet) ball valves and such.
A lot of these types of gloves, including the pictured model and the ones I use are not waterproof. As such, they should not be used with hot liquids.
Some silicone models are available that may offer some water resistance. Generally speaking silicone gloves are going to be less flexible. That may make it harder to pick things up. You’re trading off some water resistance for grip.
Safety Note: Always use caution when handling hot items or ingredients and always read and follow manufacturer directions.
StirStarter Stir Plate – Hands on Review
Hands on Review: Propper Starter Canned Starter Wort
Search Amazon for “heat resistant oven glove”
Search Amazon for “heat resistant waterproof silicone gloves”
Ove Glove HH501-18 Hot Surface Handler Oven Mitt Glove affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
G & F Heat Resistant Oven Glove via Amazon
Top Post: Use Heat Resistant Gloves for Minding Yeast Starters & On Brew Day

G & F 1689L Dupont Nomex® & Kevlar® Heat Resistant Oven Gloves, for BBQ, Fireplace,and Grilling. Commercial Grade, Large, Sold by 1 Piece

Same material used by fire fighters
Maintains integrity and strength at high temperatures
Thermal regulating
Ambidextrous, fits right or left hand
Soft and pliable for easy grasp

G & F 1683-1 Dupont Nomex & Kevlar Heat Resistant Gloves, 13-Inch Extra Long Cuff Oven Gloves, BBQ Gloves, Large, 1 Piece

Made of DuPont Nomex and Kevlar
Both side silicone palm provide extra heat resistant and griping
Quality cotton and poly lining for perspiration free
One piece fits either right or left hand
Extended 13.5" Extra Long cuff for extended protection

$14.78

The Ove Glove - Superior Heat & Flame Hand Protection - 2 Pack Glove

THE 'OVE' GLOVE: Comes with 2 machine washable, hot surface handler The 'Ove' Glove
FLAME RESISTANT: Made from heat & flame resistant material used by firefighters. Withstands extreme heat up to 540 degrees Fahrenheit
FIVE FINGER FLEXIBILITY: Made with full finger mobility and can be used with your left or right hand. Each glove contains a silicone non-slip grip to protect against dropping pans.
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: Great for barbeques, kitchen, rearranging fireplace logs, car repair, welding, light bulb changes and more.
JOSEPH ENTERPRISES INC: is the only legal manufacturer and distributor of the trademarked The 'Ove' Glove.

$21.99 ($11.00 / Count)

Ove Glove Hot Surface Handler Oven Mitt Glove, Perfect for Kitchen/Grilling, 540 Degree Resistance, As Seen On TV Household Gift, Heat & Flame,Tan

OVEN MITT: Comes with 1 machine washable, hot surface handler Ove Glove
FLAME RESISTANT: Made from heat & flame resistant material used by firefighters. Withstands extreme heat up to 540 degrees Fahrenheit.
FIVE FINGER FLEXIBILITY: Made with full finger mobility and can be used with your left or right hand. Each glove contains a silicone non-slip grip to protect against dropping pans.
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: Great for barbeques, kitchen, rearranging fireplace logs, car repair, welding, light bulb changes and more!
1 pack of Ove Glove

$17.99

Ove Glove BBQ Superior Heat & Flame Protection- Extended Wrist for Additional Safety- Outdoor Cooking, Grilling, Barbeque

EXTRA LONG SLEEVE for extra protection when reaching into BBQ grills, fireplaces, and more!
MADE FROM HEAT & FLAME RESISTANT MATERIAL USED BY FIREFIGHTERS. Withstands extreme heat up to 540 degrees Fahrenheit.
OVEN MITT: Comes with 1 machine washable hot surface handler. Machine washable up to 140 degrees F (60C)
FIVE FINGER FLEXIBILITY: Made with full finger mobility and can be used with your left or right hand. Each glove contains a silicone non-slip grip to protect against dropping pans.
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: Great for barbeques, kitchen, rearranging fireplace logs, car repair, welding, light bulb changes and more!

$19.99

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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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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:oveglove rp:tips#31 tag:tpr

Putting Together a “Brew Day Box”

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

Why a Brew Day Box?

Over the years I’ve homebrewed, I’ve utilized a number of storage and organization strategies. Some could be defined less as strategies and more as “piles”. These strategies have ranged from, cardboard boxes, to big totes that I threw everything under the sun into to using smaller shoe box size containers and breaking everything out into categories. The shoe box size organization method has worked well and other than a few large totes for bigger items, it’s what I’ve settled on. At some point after going to that, I realized that when brew day rolled around, I had to collect items from a number of these containers. I usually forgot something and had to look around, multiple times per brew day trying to find whatever I needed. That evolved into putting together a container just for brew days. I cleverly 🙂 call that my “Brew Day Box”. This container houses nearly all the small odds and ends that I use when brewing. I’ve also tried to make sure those things don’t really need removed at other times. For example I use a refractometer regularly, not just on brew day, so… I bought another refractometer. Everything that’s in my Brew Day Box generally… stay in my Brew Day Box. This keeps everything in one place and I’m not wasting time trying to find stuff when I should be brewing.

Continue reading →

Hands On Review: Rubbermaid Commercial Product 1 Gallon Bouncer Pitcher

Updated: 11/27/2024

Small Upgrade = Big Difference

There are several equipment purchases that I look back on and say… I’m really glad I got that, it’s made a big difference. Sturdy, Food Safe One Gallon pitchers fit that bill. I went from a mish-mash of too small plastic pitchers, found around the house, that bent under the weight of wort, dripped and leached who knows what into my beer to two commercial quality 1 gallon pitchers. What a difference.

I started out with pitchers similar to these those worked well, but have a couple of drawbacks, namely… aluminum does not play nicely with Star San. I still use those for some purposes. From there, I picked up a Rubbermaid Commercial’s 4 Quart Bouncer Pitcher

Check Current Price, Specs & Availability, Review Continues Below:

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Bouncer Measuring Cup, 4-Quart, Clear, FG321800CLR – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Bouncer Clear Measuring Cup, 16-Cup/4-Quart, Clear, Strong Food Grade, Easy Read for Liquid/Dry Ingredients, for Home/Professional Kitchen

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Bouncer Clear Measuring Cup, 8-Cup/2-Quart, Clear, Strong Food Grade, Easy Read for Liquid/Dry Ingredients, for Home/Professional Kitchen

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Bouncer Clear Measuring Cup, 4-Cup/1-Quart, Clear, Strong Food Grade, Easy Read for Liquid/Dry Ingredients, for Home/Professional Kitchen

Continue reading →

Rubbermaid Commercial Bus Tubs for Brew Day and Beyond

Rubbermaid Commercial Products FG335100BRN Standard Bus/Utility Box, 7.125 Gal, Brown

More Info

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

The Rubbermaid 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box has rounded corners allowing for a smooth transition between doors and other equipment without damage
The 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box has reinforced handle bottom and ribs for added security when carrying
The Rubbermaid 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box features a 5″ deep capacity along with holding up to 7-1/8 gallon of product
Dimension: 21.5″ x 17-1/8″ x 7″, All-plastic, professional construction, 7-1/8 gallon capacity
Bus/Utility Box, undivided, 7-1/8 gallon, 21-1/2″L x 17-1/8″W x 7″H, reinforced handle, bottom & ribs, rounded corners, dishwasher safe, brown, NSF, S.O.S. (Special Order Smallwares) product
Made of durable, commercial grade plastic, with reinforced handles, bottom and ribs for added strength
Rounded corners for easy cleaning

I use these bus tubs (7 gallon size) on brew day and beyond for a number of purposes.

I use these to cart around gear and ingredients – saving trips back and forth.
As brew day starts, I’ll keep a dry/clean bus tub and a wet/needs to be cleaned bus tub. Having two helps me keep clean things clean. That means less unnecessary cleaning.
If I’m using my pump, I’ll keep one below that. It catches drips and also offers a place to store wet items such as stirring spoons, mash paddles, my mash stirring whisk and my equally invaluable 1 gallon pitchers.
The ridges on the bottom make these a great place to drain and dry just cleaned gear.
When these are unused, they stack together to save space and offer a nice place to store brew day items.
Another potential use: ice down your favorite beverages for get-togethers.
See: Bus Tubs for Brew Day & Beyond – Save Time and Effort When You Homebrew

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!

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prod:B0001N4700

Rubbermaid Commercial Bus Tubs for Brew Day and Beyond

Rubbermaid Commercial Products FG335100BRN Standard Bus/Utility Box, 7.125 Gal, Brown

More Info

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

The Rubbermaid 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box has rounded corners allowing for a smooth transition between doors and other equipment without damage
The 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box has reinforced handle bottom and ribs for added security when carrying
The Rubbermaid 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box features a 5″ deep capacity along with holding up to 7-1/8 gallon of product
Dimension: 21.5″ x 17-1/8″ x 7″, All-plastic, professional construction, 7-1/8 gallon capacity
Bus/Utility Box, undivided, 7-1/8 gallon, 21-1/2″L x 17-1/8″W x 7″H, reinforced handle, bottom & ribs, rounded corners, dishwasher safe, brown, NSF, S.O.S. (Special Order Smallwares) product
Made of durable, commercial grade plastic, with reinforced handles, bottom and ribs for added strength
Rounded corners for easy cleaning

I use these bus tubs (7 gallon size) on brew day and beyond for a number of purposes.

I use these to cart around gear and ingredients – saving trips back and forth.
As brew day starts, I’ll keep a dry/clean bus tub and a wet/needs to be cleaned bus tub. Having two helps me keep clean things clean. That means less unnecessary cleaning.
If I’m using my pump, I’ll keep one below that. It catches drips and also offers a place to store wet items such as stirring spoons, mash paddles, my mash stirring whisk and my equally invaluable 1 gallon pitchers.
The ridges on the bottom make these a great place to drain and dry just cleaned gear.
When these are unused, they stack together to save space and offer a nice place to store brew day items.
Another potential use: ice down your favorite beverages for get-togethers.
See: Bus Tubs for Brew Day & Beyond – Save Time and Effort When You Homebrew

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!

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Hands On Review: Messermeister Take-Apart Scissors – part of my Brew Day Box

Tired of my janky brew day scissors, I looked for a quality alternative.

Enter the Messermeister 8 Inch Take-Apart Kitchen Scissors!

Features:

8-Inch take-apart shear rated number 1 by several gourmet magazines; stainless steel construction
Functions include a screw driver, nut cracker, jar-lid opener and gripper, bottle opener, and bone and twig cutter
Separates for hygienic cleaning and is dishwasher safe
Offset style provides a different cutting angle
Right or left handed use

In package

Back of the package. Features Listed: 1. Perfect for the chef, sportsman, in the workshop or for creative crafting. 2. Tension Tightening Rivet 3. Dual Purpose Stainless Edge & Knife 4. Screwdriver 5. Jar lid opener and gripper 6. Bottle Opener 7. Bone & Twig Cutter 8. Dishwasher Safe 9. 100% Messermeister quality 10. Lifetime Warranty

Messermeister – “The Knife for Life”

Just laying there

Bottle opener, caught in the act of opening a Founders KBS – Kentucky Breakfast Stout. Great Beer! I gave it a 4.5 on Untappd.

These 8″ scissors are 8″ long!

Probably the most unique feature of these scissors is the fact that they easily come apart for cleaning. That was a draw for me. The second most unique feature is the probably the name. Messermeister just sounds like a pair of scissors that mean business. 🙂

These are great scissors. They have a quality feel to them and they look and function great. I like the bottle opener and the fact that these come apart for easy cleaning. They have earned a spot in my brew day box.

Messermeister 8-Inch Take-Apart Kitchen Scissors – 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!

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OxiClean Free Versatile Stain Remover Powder, 3 lb

Vacuum Sealer Machine with 55 Count 8"x12" Food Sealers Bags and 8"*79' Vacuum Sealer Roll, Inkbird Automatic Vacuum Sealers Machine with Built-in Cutter, Dry & Moist Sealing Modes for Food Storage

Gamma2 Vittles Vault Airtight Dog Food Storage Container - Fits up to 35 Pounds of Dry Pet Food - Perfect for Cat and Puppy Kibble - BPA-Free Plastic - Made in the USA - 12" L x 16.75" H

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.

Meat Thermometer Digital for Grilling and Cooking - ANDAXIN Waterproof Ultra-Fast Instant Read Food thermometers with Backlight & Calibration for Kitchen, Deep Fry, BBQ, Grill(Red/Black), LCD

VEVOR Magnetic Stirrer, 0-2000 RPM Stir Plate with Adjustable Speed Knob, 3000mL Plate Stirrer Kit, Stir Bar Included

JUNZHIDA 1/2" ID Silicone Tubing, Food Grade 1/2" ID x 3/4" OD 10 Feet Length Pure Silicone Hoses High Temp for Home Brewing Winemaking

adamztop5

review:messermeister

Rubbermaid Commercial Bus Tubs for Brew Day and Beyond

Rubbermaid Commercial Products FG335100BRN Standard Bus/Utility Box, 7.125 Gal, Brown

More Info

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

The Rubbermaid 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box has rounded corners allowing for a smooth transition between doors and other equipment without damage
The 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box has reinforced handle bottom and ribs for added security when carrying
The Rubbermaid 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box features a 5″ deep capacity along with holding up to 7-1/8 gallon of product
Dimension: 21.5″ x 17-1/8″ x 7″, All-plastic, professional construction, 7-1/8 gallon capacity
Bus/Utility Box, undivided, 7-1/8 gallon, 21-1/2″L x 17-1/8″W x 7″H, reinforced handle, bottom & ribs, rounded corners, dishwasher safe, brown, NSF, S.O.S. (Special Order Smallwares) product
Made of durable, commercial grade plastic, with reinforced handles, bottom and ribs for added strength
Rounded corners for easy cleaning

I use these bus tubs (7 gallon size) on brew day and beyond for a number of purposes.

I use these to cart around gear and ingredients – saving trips back and forth.
As brew day starts, I’ll keep a dry/clean bus tub and a wet/needs to be cleaned bus tub. Having two helps me keep clean things clean. That means less unnecessary cleaning.
If I’m using my pump, I’ll keep one below that. It catches drips and also offers a place to store wet items such as stirring spoons, mash paddles, my mash stirring whisk and my equally invaluable 1 gallon pitchers.
The ridges on the bottom make these a great place to drain and dry just cleaned gear.
When these are unused, they stack together to save space and offer a nice place to store brew day items.
Another potential use: ice down your favorite beverages for get-togethers.
See: Bus Tubs for Brew Day & Beyond – Save Time and Effort When You Homebrew

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!

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prod:B0001N4700

Rubbermaid Commercial Bus Tubs for Brew Day and Beyond

Rubbermaid Commercial Products FG335100BRN Standard Bus/Utility Box, 7.125 Gal, Brown

More Info

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

The Rubbermaid 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box has rounded corners allowing for a smooth transition between doors and other equipment without damage
The 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box has reinforced handle bottom and ribs for added security when carrying
The Rubbermaid 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box features a 5″ deep capacity along with holding up to 7-1/8 gallon of product
Dimension: 21.5″ x 17-1/8″ x 7″, All-plastic, professional construction, 7-1/8 gallon capacity
Bus/Utility Box, undivided, 7-1/8 gallon, 21-1/2″L x 17-1/8″W x 7″H, reinforced handle, bottom & ribs, rounded corners, dishwasher safe, brown, NSF, S.O.S. (Special Order Smallwares) product
Made of durable, commercial grade plastic, with reinforced handles, bottom and ribs for added strength
Rounded corners for easy cleaning

I use these bus tubs (7 gallon size) on brew day and beyond for a number of purposes.

I use these to cart around gear and ingredients – saving trips back and forth.
As brew day starts, I’ll keep a dry/clean bus tub and a wet/needs to be cleaned bus tub. Having two helps me keep clean things clean. That means less unnecessary cleaning.
If I’m using my pump, I’ll keep one below that. It catches drips and also offers a place to store wet items such as stirring spoons, mash paddles, my mash stirring whisk and my equally invaluable 1 gallon pitchers.
The ridges on the bottom make these a great place to drain and dry just cleaned gear.
When these are unused, they stack together to save space and offer a nice place to store brew day items.
Another potential use: ice down your favorite beverages for get-togethers.
See: Bus Tubs for Brew Day & Beyond – Save Time and Effort When You Homebrew

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!

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prod:B0001N4700

Hands On Review: Fast Weigh MS-500 Scale

The Fast Weigh MS-500-BLK by American Weigh Scale features a 500 gram capacity and weighs in .1 gram increments. It has a backlit LCD display and is powered by 2 AAA batteries. The protective cover that doubles as a weighing tray. It has the requisite (in my opinion) tare feature that allows you to get a net weight of the item by subtracting container weight. It displays in both ounces and grams.

Here’s a hands on look at the MS-500…

In the box. A note on appearance. The image on the product page is different from the item that I received.

Here’s the scale with a 10 g calibration weight. Hey… it reads 10 g.

Here’s the scale with a 20 g calibration weight. Again, right on the money.

Here is the scale with a total of 28 g (very close to one ounce) and it’s reading right at 28 g.

For accuracy, I recommend weighing hops in grams. For simplicity I recommend weighing Dry Malt Extract for starters in grams. See the Tips Page for more information.

I am very happy with the accuracy of this scale. In fairness, there were some combinations of of calibration weights that did not read out exactly. With some combinations, I noticed a variance of .1 to .2 grams. Very acceptable.

The Fast Weigh MS-500-BLK is part of my Brew Day Box. I’ve used it for years and years. This is great for hops, spices, starter DME and small amounts of specialty grains. If you’re looking for a scale for water salts, I would recommend a scale with a .01 gram resolution like the AWS-100 [Review]

Fast Weigh MS-500-BLK Digital Pocket Scale, 500 by 0.1 G – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

A 600 gram capacity version is also available…
Fast Weigh MS-600 Digital Pocket Scale, Black, 600 X 0.1 G

Also Consider

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!

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Homebrew Propane Tank Tips – Refill vs Swaps and Extra Tanks

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

Propane Tank Tips

Refill vs swap: The capacity of the standard 20 lb propane tank is, well.. around 20 lbs. Several years ago, some swap services started to underfill tanks. For example, it’s my understanding that Blue Rhino fills to 15 lbs and Heritage Propane fills to 17 lbs.

For me, refilling a tank to 20 lbs is actually less expensive than swapping it out. For the purpose of comparison, let’s say that refilling and swapping are the same… $20 to swap and $20 to refill. The fill costs you $1/lb. If you’re refilling with a vendor that fills to 15 lbs, you’re paying $1.33/lb or 33% more.

When you refill your tank – You’re, generally, saving money, You’re supporting a local business and saving yourself time because you don’t have to get propane as often.

Extra tanks: I suggest having an extra tank (or two) of propane on hand. Running out of propane mid brew is a bummer. It is inconvenient and you can end up with a different beer than you intended because of the delay. This can also be a money saving thing too if your refiller charges by the tank. Since you don’t want to run out of propane on brew day, you may be more likely to swap or refill a tank that still have propane left in it.

Larger tanks: Another approach to saving trips for propane is to get a larger 30 Pound or 40 Pound tank.

Search Amazon for “Propane Tank” – offerings vary

Flame King YSN201b 20 Pound Steel Propane Tank Cylinder with Type 1 Overflow Protection Device Valve, for Grills and BBQs, White

Flame King YSN-301 30 Pound Steel Propane Tank Cylinder with Type 1 Overflow Protection Device Valve DOT and TC Compliant, White (Package May Vary)

Flame King YSN230b 20 Pound Steel Propane Tank Cylinder with OPD Valve and Built-in Gauge, 20 lb Vertical

GASPRO Propane Tank Gauge, Propane Level Indicator for 5-20LB Tanks, Perfect for RV Camper, Propane Heater, Fire Pit, Gas Grill and More, QCC1/Type 1 Connection

Champs Propane Tank Gauge Level Indicator Leak Detector Propane Gas Gauge Pressure Meter for RV Camper QCC1 Type1 Cylinder BBQ Gas Grill Heater

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Using a Pedal Foot Switch for Easy Pump Operation

Pictured: MLCS 9089 Billy Pedal Foot Switch, 2 Step ON-OFF Continuous Running

I use an on/off foot pedal foot switch for easy, hands free control of my brewing pump while brewing. I keep it at the base of my brew stand, relatively close to where my pump sits. One foot press turns the pump on or off.

Always use caution when using your pump with hot liquids. Likewise use caution when using electricity around liquids. Hot liquids and electricity can be dangerous. Always read and follow manufacturers directions.

Another style of deadman style foot switch is available. That version requires you to hold your foot down to engage the switch. As soon as you release it is disengages and turns off whatever is plugged in. I went with the on/off, but understand that the deadman style is also available if that suits your needs. Depending on what you’re trying to turn on and off is GE’s Handy Switch is another option that’s out there. I use that for my keg cleaner and draft line cleaning pumps.

Search Amazon for “on off foot switch” to shop around.
Search Amazon for “gfci plug”
What are Other’s Saying? Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “brew” – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

MLCS 9089 Billy Pedal Foot Switch, 2 Step ON/OFF(Continuous Running) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

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