Category Archives: Tips

Tips for Fighting Homebrew Boil-Overs!

Thanks to HBF Reader Case for this photo! [8 Ways to Connect with HBF]

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

Start with a well-sized kettle. Having some margin, gives you a better chance to fight the dreaded boil-over.
Be alert! When your wort hits hot-break temperatures, boil-overs can happen quickly.
Adding hops is another potential boil-over inducing event that should be ready for.
Stir the Foam! If you’re fighting a boil-over… stir the foam. No need to stir the entire batch, just stir the very top to break up the foam more quickly.
A spray bottle of water (set to a moderate mist) works well to combat foam
A wooden spoon placed over the top of your brew kettle can help break up foam. Personally I would not use this as primary defense.
FermCap-S Foam Control – This is designed to control foam. It settles out during fermentation and actually helps increase head retention.
Search Amazon for “food safe spray bottle”
Search Amazon for “24 stainless whisk”
Related Review: Hands On: 24″ Stainless Steel Whisk – Extract, All Grain and Whirlpooling
Related Categories: Stirring, Mash Paddles, Propane Burners, Kettles

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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.

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

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rp:tips#23

Tip: Use High Quality Pitchers on Brew Day and Beyond

Pictured: Rubbermaid Commercial Products Bouncer Measuring Cup, 4-Quart, Clear, FG321800CLR via Amazon – Hands On Review

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

I recommend keeping a couple high quality pitchers around to use for measuring, mash recirculation, utensil storage, water and wort transfer, help cleaning and sanitizing smaller items and more.
Why having quality pitchers is great… 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. This pitcher, is one of those. 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 of these babies! What a difference.
The FG321800CLR is designed for food service, food safe, high temp capable – up to 212 deg F, has volume markers, has an easy to use handle and is sturdy.
Shop Around, Search Amazon for “4 quart measuring pitcher” – look for food safe materials and temperature ratings within your required range. Aluminum pitchers can work too, although a word of warning that Star San and aluminium do not place well together. Not a deal breaker, just something to keep in mind as you use your new pitcher.
Review: Hands On: Rubbermaid Commercial Product 1 Gallon Bouncer Pitcher
Related Categories: All Grain, Brew Day, Pitchers

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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.

rp:tips6

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

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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

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rp:tips2

Tip: Straighten Homebrew Tubing

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

If you have a length of tubing that is difficult to roll up correctly or otherwise sits incorrectly, try soaking it it warm or hot water (be very careful!) and then bend the tubing how you want it and let it cool.
Don’t exceed the maximum temp rating for your tubing
Search Amazon for “food safe tubing”
Related Top Post: Tips: Cleaning, Drying & Storing Tubing
Related Categories: Tubing

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

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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

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rp:tips#29

Tip: Using Undiluted PBW to Help with Bottle Label Removal

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

Soaking your bottles in hot PBW is not a new technique. It works well and I would venture a guess that a lot of homebrewers do this.
Here’s the tip… If you have a label or bits of adhesive that are being stubborn, Put a little bit of PBW right on a label or adhesive that’s giving you problems and scrub. The grittiness of the PBW combined with it’s full strength application generally dissolves the label and adhesive in short order.
PBW can be rough on your hands when diluted. That’s even more true when it’s undiluted. I recommend using protective gloves when dealing with PBW.
Search Amazon for “elbow length cleaning gloves”
Search Amazon for “PBW Cleaner”
Search Amazon for “scrub pads”
Search MoreBeer for “PBW”
Related Categories: Bottling, Cleaning

My PBW Quick Pick!

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Using Polypropylene Lab Bottles to Rehydrate Yeast

Pictured: (12) 500 mL Polypropylene Jars with 53 mm closures by Bel-Art Products 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.
In my opinion, Polypropylene is a good material for this. It is commonly used in lab bottles and has a higher heat resistance when compared to HDPE and LDPE.
The pictured bottle is what I personally use. There are lots of options out there. Search Amazon for Polypropylene Lab Bottles to see what else may be available, Some things to look for – proper temp ratings, use of food safe materials and microwaveable.
Consult your yeast manufacturer for specific amounts, temperatures and timing recommendations.

Rehydrating Yeast Step by Step

Place the appropriate amount of water in the bottle. Some manufacturers recommend 10 grams of water per 1 gram of yeast. Most packets are 11 grams. That’s 110 grams.
Use an accurate gram scale to weigh the water. For a common measurement like 110 grams, I mark my bottle with a Sharpie so I can easily measure out rehydration water without needing to weigh every time.
Place the lid on top of the bottle. Important: Do not thread or tighten the lid! It will burst if you do that. You just want the lid setting loosely on top so that it can be sanitized by the steam.
Microwave until the water comes to a full boil.
Cooling to Temp, Slow Option: Let the bottle sit with cap loosened until it reaches proper hydration temperature.
Cooling to Temp, Quick Option: Very carefully tighten the cap down. Run cool water over the bottle to reach proper rehydration temp. This is going to be hot, be very careful! I use heat resistant gloves for this. The cooling will most likely cause the container to collapse on itself and could slightly misform it.
I use an Infrared thermometer to check temp as cooling commences. Note that I do not open the bottle to check temp. Just aim the IR thermometer at the mass of water inside the bottle. I’m usually aiming for around 95 deg F.
Sprinkle the dry yeast in the container and place the lid on back on the bottle. Let this sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Gently swirl bottle to ensure the yeast is thoroughly mixed.
Pitch when you’re ready.
This method ensures a sanitary process. The initial container and water are sanitized and there is no touching of the water with thermometers or stirring devices.
You could use a similar method to produce yeast washing water.
Search Amazon for “Polypropylene Lab Bottles” – Some things to look for – proper temp ratings, use of food safe materials and microwaveable.
Search Amazon for “digital gram scale”
Search Amazon for “infrared thermometer”
Search Amazon for “heat resistant kitchen gloves”
Review: Hands On: American Weigh 100g x 0.01g Digital Scale
Related Categories: Yeast, Scales, Infrared Thermometers

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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

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rp:tips1

Tip: Get a Refractometer – Save Beer & Breakage!

$Anpro Brix Refractometer for Homebrew, Beer Wort Refractometer Dual Scale Specific Gravity 1.000-1.120 and Automatic Temperature Compensation 0-32% Replaces Homebrew Hydrometer, M$ Pictured: Anpro Brix Refractometer for Homebrew, Beer Wort Refractometer Dual Scale Specific Gravity 1.000-1.120 and Automatic Temperature Compensation 0-32% via Amazon

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

If you haven’t realized it yet… hydrometers are made out of breakable glass that can… break. They also require a healthy sample size.
With a refractometer you need a sample size of just a couple drops. That’s a lot of saved beer compared to a hydrometer. So much so that a refractometer may very well pay for itself over time.
For me, getting a refractometer was one of those small, inexpensive upgrades that made a huge difference.
An quick estimation of unfermented wort gravity is easy to calculate. OG is around 4 times the Brix reading obtained from your refractometer. That becomes more and more inaccurate as gravities increase.
Refractometers can also be used to measure gravity throughout the fermentation process. Just plug your numbers into a calculator for correction after fermentation begins. See: Sean Terrill’s Refractometer Calculator
If you have a refractometer AND a hydrometer you can estimate ABV without a starting gravity. See Tip 10 for more information on that.
Some shopping tips… Look for a dual scale (Brix and Gravity) model. ATC/Automatic Temperature Correction is another important feature. That automatically accounts for changes due to temperature within a certain range.
There are many offerings and they can change quickly. Shop Around, Search Amazon for “dual scale refractometer” to compare prices and see what models are currently available.
If you have a higher budget, consider a digital model. Generally speaking, those are not available with dual scale capabilities, but you get a digital readout of gravity readings. That’s a nice feature. Shop Around, Search Amazon for “digital brix refractometer” to compare prices and see what models are currently available.
Related Categories: Fermentation, Refractometers

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Tip: Use Metric for Hops, Water Salts and Yeast Starters

homerbrew metric

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

Grams are much easier and more accurate for measuring hops and water salts.
Of course, grams aren’t technically more accurate, a weight is a weight. What I’m saying is they are practically more accurate. For example 14 grams is .493835 ounces. If you have 6 digit precision when using ounces on your scale, whammo, it doesn’t matter much, but a gram scale with 1 digit precision (Example 14.1 grams) is a lot easier to come by and gets you really close with fewer digits to concern yourself with.
A starter is also easier in metric. Water to DME ratio is always 10 to 1. 1,000 mL (1 L) to 100 grams of DME. Example – Need to make a 1.5 L Starter? You need 150 grams of DME.
Search Amazon for “Digital Gram Scale”
Resource Post: Yeast Starters & Fermentation
Related Categories: Hops, Yeast, Yeast Starters, Fermentation

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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

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rp:tips#16

Tip: Second Easiest Way to Seal Mylar Bags using a FoodSaver-type Vacuum Sealers – hops & more

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

Why Mylar?

Mylar bags block oxygen and are a great way to store hops and other oxygen sensitive materials. As a testament to this, many hop distributors and sellers distribute hops in Mylar type bags. Sometimes those are vacuum sealed and sometimes they are nitrogen flushed.

Mylar bags are not generally expensive, so that’s great! The problem is vacuum sealers that can seal Mylar bags ARE expensive. Sometimes very expensive. That’s not great!

The “Snorkel” Method for Sealing Mylar Bags

Cut a 1″ strip off the top of a vacuum bag.
Fill the Mylar bag with hops or whatever you’re going to store.
Insert the 1″ strip into the filled bag so that the strip sticks out of the Mylar bag.
Trim the end of this strip so that about 1/2″ is sticking out of the Mylar bag.
Insert the top of the Mylar bag into the vacuum sealer bag, ensuring that the 1″ strip of vacuum bag is sticking slightly out of the top of the Mylar bag. This acts as a channel.
Vacuum and Seal.
Because Mylar bags can be thicker that standard vacuum sealer bags, you may need to double seal the top with your vacuum sealer’s heat strip.
Trim the excess vacuum bag strip.
Trick Required: There is a trick here. Notice I didn’t say FoodSaver bag. I, initially, tried this with a FoodSaver bag and it wouldn’t seal correctly. FoodSaver bags are a bit thicker than most others on the market. Look for a thinner style bag to try with this technique.
See Tip 11 for another method
In my opinion, this is the second easiest way to seal a Mylar Bag using a traditional type vacuum sealer.
Shop Around, Search Amazon for “mylar bags for food storage”
Shop Around, Search Amazon for “vacuum sealer bags”
Review: Hands on Review: FoodSaver V2244 Vacuum Sealer
Top Post: Vacuum Sealing Mylar Bags Using Traditional Vacuum Sealers
Related Categories: FoodSaver, Vacuum Sealing, Hops

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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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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

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rp:tips#12

Tip: Use The “Spray Bottle Method” to Apply Star San

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

That fact of the matter is… there’s no need to submerge your equipment in gallons and gallons of this stuff. The open space in the middle of your carboy does not need to be sanitized. Just the surfaces do.
The key benefit of the Spray Bottle method is using what you need. This technique allows you to use very little Star San per batch. See our Star San Tips and Tricks post, linked below, for some cost savings estimations
Add 6 CCs of Star San to one gallon of distilled water. You can use a syringe to properly measure this.
Store the solution in a glass gallon jug as Star San can dissolve plastic over time.
Fill a spray bottle with the Star San solution.
Spray items in need of sanitizing instead of soaking them in gallons and gallons of Star San.
Top Post: Star San Tips, Tricks and Guidelines – Using Star San In a Spray Bottle – thoroughly explains the Spray Bottle Method + lots of guidelines, tips and tricks
Star San at Amazon
Star San at MoreBeer
Search Amazon for “10 ml syringe”
Search Amazon for “chemical resistant spray bottle”
Search Amazon for “1 gallon glass jug”
Related: What’s the Shelf Life of Star San? – Testing Star San’s Effectiveness
Related: My Favorite Size of Star San & Why
Related Category: Sanitation

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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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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

adamztop5

Tip: Easiest Way to Seal Mylar Bags using a FoodSaver-type Vacuum Sealers – hops & more

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

Why Mylar?

Mylar bags are not generally expensive, so that’s great! The problem is vacuum sealers that can seal Mylar bags ARE expensive. Sometimes very expensive. That’s not great!

The “Nested” Method for Sealing Mylar Bags

Insert a filled Mylar bag into a standard vacuum sealer bag.
Vacuum seal the standard vacuum sealer bag.
The only entry path for oxygen is now the very top of the Mylar bag. That very small opening is protected by the outer bag.
To access contents, trim a small amount off the outer bag and re-use as many times as possible.
See Tip 12 for another method
In my opinion, this is the quickest and easiest way to seal a Mylar Bag using a traditional type vacuum sealer.
Shop Around, Search Amazon for “mylar bags for food storage”
Shop Around, Search Amazon for “vacuum sealer bags”
Review: Hands on Review: FoodSaver V2244 Vacuum Sealer
Top Post: Vacuum Sealing Mylar Bags Using Traditional Vacuum Sealers
Related Categories: FoodSaver, Vacuum Sealing, Hops

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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!

greatdeals

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

adamztop5

rp:tips#11

Tip: Figure ABV Without a Starting OG Original Gravity

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

Forgot to take an original gravity and still want an estimate of ABV? No problem. You’ll need a refractometer and a hydrometer.
Take careful measurements with each. Thoroughly de-gas the sample to get a more accurate reading.
Run those numbers through this equation. SG is the gravity reading obtained from the hydrometer, Brix is the reading obtained from the refractometer. ABV = [277.8851 – 277.4(SG) + 0.9956(Brix) + 0.00523(Brix2) + 0.000013(Brix3)] x (SG/0.79).
This is a great reason to get a refractometer. There are many offerings and they can change quickly. Shop Around, Search Amazon for “dual scale refractometer” to compare prices and see what models are currently available.
More reasons to get a refractometer! See Tip 9.
Thanks to BYO for this formula. Not a subscriber? Subscribe to BYO
Related Categories: Fermentation, Refractometers

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rp:tips#10

Tip: Cut pH Strips in Half and Save 50%

ColorpHast pH Strips – 4.0 to 7.0 (100 Strips) via MoreBeer

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

Cut pH Strips in half length-wise.
They are generally still easy enough to read and you’ve just saved 50% by effectively doubling your pH strips
ColorpHast pH Strips – 4.0 to 7.0 (100 Strips) via MoreBeer
COLORPHAST PH STRIPS 4-7 – 100 PACK via Brew Hardware
pH Strips – ColorpHast – 4.0-7.0 via Amazon
Search Amazon for “ph strips for beer”
Review: Hands on Review: Milwaukee MW102 and PH55 pH Meters
Related Categories: All Grain, pH

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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

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rp:tips#17

Tip: Filling a quick bottle or growler from your kegerator faucet

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

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Tip: Dissolving DME More Easily – Cool or Hot Water?

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

It may seem counter-intuitive, but Dry Malt Extract (DME) dissolves more easily, with minimal clumping, in cool water.
DME at MoreBeer
DME at Adventures in Homebrewing
Search “Dry Malt Extract” at Amazon
Credit for this technique goes to John Palmer. Learn more about John via his Author Page at Amazon
Related Categories: Malt Extract, Extract Brewing, Yeast Starters

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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

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rp:tips#15

Tip: Save Money by Buying Homebrew Keg O-Rings in Bulk

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

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Tip: Use a US Nickel as a Calibration Weight

Weighing a US Nickel Using an AWS-100 Digital Gram Scale – Hands on Review

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

According to the United States Mint a Nickel weighs 5 grams.
That makes a cheap and easy calibration weight to calibrate or check the honesty of your gram scale – Details
Note: for scales that can be calibrated, you may need a specific weight. If it’s a smaller amount, you can use multiple US Nickels. “Checking the honesty” of your scale can be done with any scale. A US Nickel should weigh 5 grams on your gram scale.
Search Amazon for “digital gram scale”
Search Amazon for “calibration weight set”
Related Tip: Use Two Scales if You’re an All Grain Brewer
Related Resource Page: Homebrew Scale Deals, Discounts and Coupons & Reviews
Related Categories: Scales

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Homebrew Grain Storage Capacity Rule of Thumb

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

My rule of thumb for unmiled malt storage is… 5 lbs per gallon or 1.25 lbs per quart.
That’s a rough estimate, actual storage capacity will vary.
Search Amazon for “airtight pet food storage” – look containers made from food safe materials
Top Post: Storage Options – Base Grain, Specialty Grain and DME
Related Review: Hands On Review: Ultraship 55 lb Digital Scale
Related Resource Post: All Grain Tips & Gear
Related Categories: Storage, Containers, Grain Storage

Get a Deal on Grain!

Storage Options Resource Post!

Vittles Vault Review!

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Tip: Fix it, Instead of Replacing It

Fix it, Instead of Replacing It

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

Many things we use around our home breweries can be repaired. If possible, fix something rather than replacing it. The challenge can be fun and you can save money.
When possible, rehab kegs instead of replacing them. Most kegs are designed for commercial service, they should have long lives and most parts are replaceable.
See Resource Post Bulk Keg Orings and Keg Repair Part Numbers for a slew of replacement keg replacement parts.
Keg Connection has a number of diagrams and parts lists to help you repair draft related items. These are neat because not only do they show you how things go together, they offer an easy way to get what you need. As of this posting, they have parts pages for pony pumps, stout faucets, keg disconnects, Perlick 600 series faucets, Perlick 525, standard faucets and shanks. Searching “parts” at Keg Connection should get you headed in the right direction to find their current resources
If you’re having trouble figuring out how to fix something or source repair parts, join our Facebook group and ask your fellow homebrewers.
For general repairs and projects I like to keep an assortment of hardware on hand at the ready to help fix and build things around the brewery – some Amazon searches – “screw assortment”, “clamp assortment”, “electrical nut assortment”, “heat shrink assortment”, “hardware assortment kit”
Related Top Post: Repairing Loose Cornelius Keg Handles and Bases
Related Categories: Draft, Kegs, Keg Parts

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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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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

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rp:tips#30

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!

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