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Newmarket, NH USA

I see different brewers on line some have heating units some dont why is this and does it really matter? I want to use tea this year and am just starting to explore many options but I have many questions as well. Is a home built brewer as effective as some of the on line models that can cost up to 1000 dollars? Hope to get lots of opinions on this to get me started in the right direction.

3/1/2009 10:40:39 AM

Upstate S.C.

Matt, I have been brewing a while now, while tad is the guy on here that everyone goes to for compost tea tips, I would tell you to make your own to start out with. There are plenty of plans that are on the net. I have mine on my diary take a look, it came from the ohio state web page.

3/1/2009 3:45:24 PM

Seattle, WA

Matt,

Optimal temps. for brewing are between 65-70 degrees F. That being said, I know Dr. Ingham recommends brewing at ambient temperature that you'll be applying the tea at. If you are brewing at colder temps or high elevation, you'll need to extend your brew time.

You can spend as much or as little as you could possibly want on a brewer. If you do buy a commerical unit, make sure they can provide testing to support that their system makes good tea (after all, it just looks like brown water to the naked eye).

While I haven't personally tested SCTROOPER's design, it seems to be sound and many people have reported good anecdotal success using that system. It may be a good starting point for you.

I know that Tim Wilson at www.microbeorganics.com has a free design for a vortex brewer on his website. I trust his system and know he's done microscope work on it. In fact, we carry his 50 gal. unit on our website due to the fact it makes excellent tea for a very inexpensive price comapared to everything else on the market.

Remember that the ingredients are just as important the brewer itself!

Good luck!
~Tad

3/2/2009 4:07:45 PM

Seattle, WA

PS- I hope everyone feels like they can contribute in here, I don't want to dominate the conversation. I just like to share the information that I have gathered over the years from doing this for a living. I don't want to discourage people from experimenting or making their own system though. Thanks!

3/2/2009 4:12:58 PM

Upstate S.C.

Tad, I think you have help so many of us and given such good advice that you have earned your place on this board..Great job...

3/2/2009 7:19:23 PM

Barrington Nh

matt newmarket kleaze here pro piping piping of al types is my game .brewing is a large intrest for me. would like to neet up and get a plan to help usFOR 2009 GROWING SEASON. thanx to all responders. 2nd try grower emailmaciverama@AOL.COM BARRINGTON nh 6039885786

4/23/2009 10:49:26 PM