BIABrewer.info

Hey everyone, how are you these days?

As I mentioned on my last post (the 'how to...' one.. yeah, the one which PP got depressed ) I'm planning a brew-rig for BIAB.

So here's the details:

The brew rig is planned to be as simple as possible, just like BIAB, a pot, a bag and a burner (and a brew-rig at some point ).

I'm not getting into details regarding the burner and other stuff, as I want to complete the "foundation" first 100%.

I'll glad to hear any opinions and ideas.

These are the sketchs:

Looks simple yet elegent. You might also want to consider making the bag rig pivot so that you can swing it out of the way after draining. Should be simple enough to incorporate.

Great work Timos, I like what your doing. I also agree with SS, that the bag rig should pivot, so when the bag is fished draining you can swing it around to untie without it falling into your boiling kettle.

I'd also, perhaps, make #3 into a permanent shelf with a cupboard underneath. You would still have use of the shelf and also storage for all your bits while not brewing.

Thanks for the comments guys. That's a great idea which I'll add to the brew-rig for sure. Very handy.

*update*
So I've added a few small things, as an edition to your advices.


More updates to come. Hope to hear more voices an opinions (:
Thanks for the responders.

Hi there Timos,

Thanks for throwing your plans up - it's always fun to see projects like these develop and can't wait to see the end result. It's looking good though I was a bit disappointed to see you are already thinking about putting a hole* in it .

The only worries or suggestions I can think of are...

1. Having the gas bottle immediately under the burner may cause the gas bottle to get too hot. Probably not but it would definitely be something to check out.

2. Heavy duty (perhaps lockable) wheels are pretty expensive but would be nice to have. Makes cleaning underneath easy and avoids rusting issues.

3. You may not think so now but it is possible that one day you might decide to increase your brewing output by buying a second pot and burner. Maybe see if you can work out a way of construction that will allow you to add another section to the stand if this becomes necessary. If you did this, the gantry would have to be able to service two kettles.

To help you get some further ideas on the gantry, maybe look at the thread here.

Hey btw, what material are you thinking of using?

Good stuff Timos,
PP

* You can sell your holesaw kit to help pay for the rig because you won't be needing that anymore will you?

Timos we're thinking on the same page I've been making drawings since last week that are pretty much identical to yours.
I figured since i am new to brewing and don't ever plan on building a three tier system :figured I would build a nice single vessel brew cart. My thoughts on the cart are pretty much identical, but will be on casters and electric/propane
Nice work, like the design

LOL PP! In my case, I can make a whole lot of money by selling the very well experienced holesaw
I hope that's the last time I gonna use it... hopfully.


You're right. While brewing, the gas tank will be placed away from the rig. When in storage, the tank will go back to its place.


I'm not sure yet how many wheels I'll use. Four wheels for the fermentor cart for sure, but if gonna use wheels for the whole brew-rig I've yet decided. I guess it will depend on the price.


Do you mean two BIAB brewings simultaneous?



I'm considering two main options: the first one is using profiles. The second option (which I prefer) is using stainless steel only. It is much more expensive, but a family member of mine works in this industry so I'll have to see if he can make any difference with the costs.

jmbingham, I'm happy to hear that. It would be lovely if you could share your thoughts with us. We can always learn from each other.

Hey Timos,

Just reading your post. In order, "LOL," "Glad to hear that," "Wheels can be tricky," "Yes, I did mean two BIAB's simultaneously," and finally, "Steel profiles are good but if you have a family member in the industry then, no worries!"

Great to hear you are thinking wheels and metal. I was a bit worried when I saw your original pics as they looked like they were based on wood and I immediately thought, "That wooden work."

Looking forward to "lamest brewing joke ever" prize,
PP

P.S. Seriously, I did mean two simultaneous side by side BIAB's. Any brew day I do now is almost always actually two "double-batch" simultaneous BIAB's. I also now have 8 kegs but when I initially, "planned," my first fridge purchase I could not see myself possibly needing more than 3 kegs - ever!

I now have 8 kegs, three fridges (one has been set aside for food) and no girlfriend (where was I going to put her?) and I live in an apartment!

There is hope for you Timos as I don't think you live in an apartment so your wife (I think you have one) and girlfriend (if you have one) can probably stay. I also don't think 3 fridges and 8 kegs are absolutely necessary to a successful brewing career because I have only found four recipes so far that are worthy of keeping them full. The other four kegs are all experimental. The former are usually pretty good and so almost always empty!

8 kegs is probably not the way to go in hindsight???


PP

16 would be better

PP, a double-batch does sounds logical (after reading your post) now, so I'll seriously think about it.
LOL, no wife, just a girlfriend who complains about my passion for home-brewing which, according to her, is much stronger than most other common boyfriend-girlfriend things (:

My family member is planning a trip (for his 50 years old birthday) so the practical side of the project will be on hold Meanwhile I'll sketch a new model with real dimensions.

Cheers!

hashie - Yep, you are right . I never thought of it before but as I am in a ground floor apartment maybe I can start digging for more room? If I turn the music up full blast maybe no one will hear the jack-hammer? I'll have to give this some thought. Mmmmm.

Timos - Will look forward to seeing your new plans. I was also really pleased to hear you have a girlfriend. If finances ever become tight and you have to choose between brewing and your girlfriend, it is far easier to get rid of a girlfriend than a wife. Well played mate .