Category Archives: Tips

Back in stock… 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.

Update 10/31: By my count these have been out of stock for a long time. As of this update they’re available again. Check the product page to see if they’re still in stock.

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


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

812325 Briess - Dry Malt Extract - Golden Light - 3 lbs.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.

Thank you to John Palmer author of How to Brew for this tip

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12 x Big Bands 7″ x 1/8″ Rubber Bands – good for affixing temp probe on fermenters – $1.91 + free prime ship

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

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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.

10/17 5:30 AM Central: These are selling for just $2.10. Shipping is also free to many US addresses with Prime Membership [Try Prime for Free] or a qualifying orderPrices and availability can change quickly.  Check product page for current info – More About Prices

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:



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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!

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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!

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Short On Time? Time Saving Homebrew Tips! + Flash SALE on MoreBeer’s Flash Kits!

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.


Limited Time Deal, Flash Sale on Flash Kits!

morebeer.com flash brewing

From MoreBeer:

Introducing MoreBeer!’s Flash Brewing Kits! Designed for both novice and seasoned homebrewers, these innovative recipe kits allow you to simply mix the ingredients with water and add yeast for fermentation. This streamlined process not only saves you valuable time but also simplifies brewing without sacrificing flavor. Say hello to a faster, easier way to craft exceptional beer at home.

Typically, brewing requires you to boil your malt and hops for one hour, followed by another hour for cooling. Flash Brewing eliminates the need to boil. Our Flash Brewing Malt recipes have been boiled and whirlpooled before they are dried. We then use a HopBite™ shot for bitterness combined with a mix of traditional hop pellets and extracts for flavor. Flash Yeast™ starts quickly and consistently produces clean beer that lets the malt and hops shine. The result is a high-quality beer that will absolutely surprise you.

Learn More About Flash Brewing!


For a limited time MoreBeer is discounting Flash Brewing Kits by 15% when you use coupon code 15FLASH

Flash Brewing Kit Sale! – remember promo code 15FLASH

How do I save time home brewing? Continue reading

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

homebrew tubing

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 Tubing

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 on Tubing

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.

adstarsan

Keep Reading – Loads More Tubing Tips!

Short On Time? 40 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

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

Updated: 5/22/2024

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.

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

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!


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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 12.20.10 toppost:wptray rp:tips#32 tag:tpr

Tip: Consider Oetiker Stepless Clamps for Kegerator Gas and Beer Lines

Pictured: Oetiker 16700010 Stepless Ear Clamp via Amazon

Updated: July 30, 2024

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 stainless steel Oetiker-style stepless clamps for most gas and beer applications.  I like the fact that they are, generally… stainless steel, stepless and the fact that they stay tight and will not loosen over time.
  • These clamps are designed so that there are no steps (gaps) on the inside.  That reduces the possibility that tubing will be torn or damaged.
  • These are single use clamps.  The upside of that is… Oetiker-style stepless clamps will not loosen over time.  When they’re tight, they’re tight.  I really like that for kegerator applications because… A: I don’t like to empty CO2 tanks for no good reason and B: I don’t like standing beer in my kegerator.
  • A sizing note – Oetiker-style Stepless clamp sizes generally refer to the largest diameter in mm.  So a size 13.3 means that the Oetiker Stepless clamp is 13.3 millimeters (about .52″) in diameter uncrimped.
  • Search Amazon for “Stepless Hose Clamps” to shop around and see what’s available
  • Related Top Post: Tips: Cleaning, Drying & Storing Tubing
  • Resource Page: Tips and Gear for your Kegerator
  • Related Categories: DraftTubing

Continue reading

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.


Limited Time Deal, Flash Sale on Flash Kits!

morebeer.com flash brewing

From MoreBeer:

Introducing MoreBeer!’s Flash Brewing Kits! Designed for both novice and seasoned homebrewers, these innovative recipe kits allow you to simply mix the ingredients with water and add yeast for fermentation. This streamlined process not only saves you valuable time but also simplifies brewing without sacrificing flavor. Say hello to a faster, easier way to craft exceptional beer at home.

Typically, brewing requires you to boil your malt and hops for one hour, followed by another hour for cooling. Flash Brewing eliminates the need to boil. Our Flash Brewing Malt recipes have been boiled and whirlpooled before they are dried. We then use a HopBite™ shot for bitterness combined with a mix of traditional hop pellets and extracts for flavor. Flash Yeast™ starts quickly and consistently produces clean beer that lets the malt and hops shine. The result is a high-quality beer that will absolutely surprise you.

Learn More About Flash Brewing!


For a limited time MoreBeer is discounting Flash Brewing Kits by 15% when you use coupon code 15FLASH

Flash Brewing Kit Sale! – remember promo code 15FLASH

How do I save time home brewing? Continue reading

Short On Time? 40 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!

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Homebrew Propane Tank Tips – Refill vs Swaps and Extra Tanks

propane tank tips

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



More Homebrew Finds!

Recent Deals!

10 Most Recent Homebrew Resource Posts & How-To’s!

We are Homebrew Review HQ!  Our 10 Most Recent Reviews


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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

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


  • 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
  • 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
  • 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!
  • OVEN MITT: Comes with 1 machine washable, USA manufactured, hot surface handler Comoke Ove Glove
  • 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!
  • Fabric Type: kevlar
  • 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!

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Putting Together a “Brew Day Box” – 13 Things to Make Brew Day Easier!

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.

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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…

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