[ethanjhall]

(although a quick forum search will demonstrate that the latter is not usually necessary and is even becoming a somewhat disfavored practice).

I've been gathering that...

Thanks to everyone for the answers.

Oscarvan - you said "this is what I use..." and then nothing. Am I missing something?

Idophor - why is that preferred over StarSan? Cheaper? Faster? Better? Or, what else do people use?

Refractometers - I love technology. And getting a big sample, cooling it, etc to use the hydrometer. Pain in the ass. A refracto seems way cool.
http://morebeer.com/view_product/18739/ - This is what we're talking about, right? There aren't "crappy cheap ones" and "nice ones" really, are there?


Also - any good brewing podcasts that people can recommend? It's nice to learn while driving

[oscarvan]

Oscarvan - you said "this is what I use..." and then nothing. Am I missing something?

Yes, the word "this" is a link (not in this post, in the previous one).

Which leads to a case in point. On the "suggestions for the forum" forum I have asked if the color/contrast of hot links can be improved.....

[ethanjhall]

Awesome I would second the "greater contrast in links" request

Why do you use that instead of starsan?

[oscarvan]

Awesome I would second the "greater contrast in links" request

Why do you use that instead of starsan?

Well, that's what the dude in the LHBS shoved in my hands when I first started, and I'm happy using it...... no better reason.

[euge]

Awesome I would second the "greater contrast in links" request

Why do you use that instead of starsan?

Well, that's what the dude in the LHBS shoved in my hands when I first started, and I'm happy using it...... no better reason.

I have both. Iodophor is a quick-use disposable type that is good for soaking things. It's efficacy is short-lived, unlike Starsan which will last nearly forever if treated properly.

My experience is that I had problems when using Iodophor on my fermenters.

[oscarvan]

My experience is that I had problems when using Iodophor on my fermenters.

What kind of problems?

[kgs]

Also, as a meta-observation to OP, I once again highly recommend the Basic Brewing DVD series. They're reasonably-priced and well-made, and a picture is worth a thousand words. Their (free) podcasts are great, too. James Spencer understands how to produce radio shows and gets right to the point in a friendly, humorous, but always "safe for work" manner.

Their new DVD for new brewers:

http://basicbrewingshop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=26

[Hokerer]

Refractometers - I love technology. And getting a big sample, cooling it, etc to use the hydrometer. Pain in the ass. A refracto seems way cool.
http://morebeer.com/view_product/18739/ - This is what we're talking about, right? There aren't "crappy cheap ones" and "nice ones" really, are there?

One thing to know about refractometers is that they're not accurate once alcohol is present.  Measuring hot wort as you progress through the various stages is fine but, once you get things fermenting, you'll need to use correction tables to manually adjust your refractometer readings to account for the alcohol.

[denny]

My experience is that I had problems when using Iodophor on my fermenters.

What kind of problems?

In my case, I developed a persistent low level infection that iodophor couldn't knock out.  I decided to try StarSan due to the lo pH.  It knocked out the infection and I've stuck with StarSan ever since, although I still use iodophor sometimes. 

[euge]

My experience is that I had problems when using Iodophor on my fermenters.

What kind of problems?

In my case, I developed a persistent low level infection that iodophor couldn't knock out.  I decided to try StarSan due to the lo pH.  It knocked out the infection and I've stuck with StarSan ever since, although I still use iodophor sometimes. 

Ditto. Problem disappeared when I went back to Starsan. Sorry baby I shouldn't have left ya!

[ethanjhall]

In my case, I developed a persistent low level infection that iodophor couldn't knock out.  I decided to try StarSan due to the lo pH.  It knocked out the infection and I've stuck with StarSan ever since, although I still use iodophor sometimes.  

Why do you still use it? Cheaper?

Also, (and I know this has been asked many times, but I'm curious about YOUR opinions for good resources) I'd like to brew an IPA - where can I find some good recipes?

We've got LME on the way, as well as some fun hops, but don't really know how to pick yeast, and REALLY don't know how to pick out grains.