Electric BIAB

1. Jimmy's 15 Gallon eBIAB Build

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   First post by Jimyson, 8 years ago

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   Let me preface this with the understanding that I get this is a little overboard for what some of you think BIAB should be as it's not exactly KISS but that's OK. Feel free to comment though as I am always open to feedback.
   
   I decided to sell my 3 vessel keggle and cooler MLT setup along with one of my pumps so I could gather some funds for this. So here it goes:
   
   I decided on a 15 gallon kettle from Brewers Hardware that is all tri-clamp welded fittings. The kettle includes a tangential input...

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   I don't have a photo...I'm traveling right now so can't take one, but yes, I use it regularly. It's just a female threaded T turned on it's side. One side goes through the lid, where the spray head is threaded against it to hold it in place. The other side (which becomes the top, as the T is turned sideways) has a clover threaded onto it for a tri-clamp set up. The base of the T (facing sideways) has a temp probe threaded into it. Not my design...made by High Gavity Brewing. Simple, not...
   16 Replies
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   Last post by Rigging65
   8 years ago
2. GM's Journey To Electric BIAB

   27 Replies 31010 Views

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   First post by grantmichaels, 9 years ago

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   This will be my first ever brew, but I think I'd like to just use kit ingredients and BIAB it, using either or both my SVS (sous vide supreme), Sansaire, and/or water from an Zojirushi electric water dispenser (4L) + Hario pour-over (coffee) kettle ...
   
   As for related analog stuff, I have a 23 qt SS double boiler that I bought some time back for making cheese, and I have a 8 qt SS pot, and I have a 7 qt CI french oven ... and I have a SS strainer etc ...
   
   I have some muslin bags, two gal jug...

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   You've been busy there Grant. Welcome to the club of pressure fermenting. Be sure to post over on my thread, pictures, comments, questions, etc. over in the fermentation thread. Cheers!!!
   
   Will do.
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   Last post by grantmichaels
   8 years ago
3. Heating element in the mash tun?

   3 Replies 7731 Views

   First post by bionut, 8 years ago

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   Hi,
   
   As i said on another threads i plan to switch to electric brewing. Can i fire the heating element from the kettle during the mash to keep the mash temperature at the required value? Recirculation is a possibility to equalize the temperature from the mash. I will have a PID and a pt100 probe for controlling the element, that's why i want to make a constant temperature mash tun. It needs to be said that it will stil be a biab mashtun, but i don't exclude trying a traditional mash with...

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   Yes, my kettle is my mash tun, sorry for the confusion. The element in ULWD, but i have another one that i might use if the old camco will die. This is a chinese LWD (from my calculation, on ebay they say it's ULWD but seems shorter than a ULWD one).
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   Last post by bionut
   8 years ago
4. New Buffalo GL349

   14 Replies 16036 Views

   First post by adonwar, 8 years ago

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   Hi Guy's I ordered a 40 litre Buffalo CC193 but got sent the new version which is the GL349 as the CC193 was discontinued in January. The tap hole is different but that can be sorted with a QMAX cutter, my question is this, if the Thermal fuse blows on a rolling boil how do I replace it? On the underside of the Buffalo is one screw and that's it,there is another screw by the power cable but it looks like it is holding the cable in place. Short of taking a crow bar to it I can't seem to get the...

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   To be honest, I'm not sure which would be better.
   I think the main function is to remove the direct contact, but the exposed parts on the short version may pick up more heat from convection?
   14 Replies
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   Last post by mally
   8 years ago
5. Element options for 50L kettle

   37 Replies 35739 Views

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   First post by adamkse, 8 years ago

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   I am going to build a kettle for my first grain attempt and was thinking 50L sounded about the right size/I can get one for a reasonable price. I have read a number of different opinions on 1 large element, 2 smaller elements etc but I don't know what the best option for me is.
   
   I live in the UK, voltage is 230V and the sockets are 13A. My kitchen sockets breaker is 32A so can run 2 off 2.4kw heaters without any problems. The other option is I try to get access to the cooker socket which will...

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   I see, I have 3 people mixed up in the same thread.
   
   Just for interest, I have the camco 4500 ulwd in my boiler for my other hobby . It is 3 years old and no signs of rusting
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   Last post by Bellybuster
   8 years ago
6. Buffalo boiler set up

   13 Replies 16321 Views

   First post by Ben85, 9 years ago

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   Hi all
   
   apologies if there is already to thread about this, I did use the advanced search but didn't find what I was looking for.
   
   I was wondering if anyone had any experience of using a 40l buffalo boiler for BIAB, and if so, how it's been set up. What mods are essential or advised? Which type of thermometer is best to use? Is there a specific bag I should buy or am I best making one myself? Apologies for all the questions!
   
   I'm hoping to do my first brew in it soon. I'm new to BIAB, having...

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   I just came across this thread. I've been using the circular sheet of voile for several years. To make life easier, you can take a shorter length of rope or twine, do a hangmans noose and incorporate a stainless steel hook into the opposite end. In the photo I also used a hangman's noose as it's the only knot I know apart from tying my shoelaces. The wee hooks are usually sold in hardware stores for a few dollars in bubble packs of two, four or whatever.
   
   At the end of your hoist rope also fit...
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   Last post by Beachbum
   9 years ago
7. Induction and Resistance Burner Questions

   18 Replies 20543 Views

   First post by Mattman, 9 years ago

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   Hi Folks,
   
   I'm new to this forum, but not new to brewing. I've been brewing for 20 years, but I am new to electric brewing and to BIAB. Both of these seem to offer enticing benefits. I hope I can realize those benefits.
   
   I typically brew 3.5 US gallons (~13L), but occasionally brew a 5-gallon (19L) batch. I'm thinking of going with an induction burner, hooked up to 240 volts, and I will be sure to purchase an induction-ready kettle. I have a few questions, though, as summarized below. Any...

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   Yes, I noticed that your cooker looks very similar to mine. I haven't used mine to brew yet. I'm jumping into the whole thing head-first, including trying to get the heat stick and automated temperature control and mash stirrer to work before I brew any new batches. It'll be several more weeks or maybe even a couple of months before I get all of that going, but I'll keep everyone posted.
   18 Replies
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   Last post by Mattman
   9 years ago
8. Brew-Boss Electric BIAB

   4 Replies 9783 Views

   First post by Jayb240, 9 years ago

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   My Brewery has upgraded to Brew-Boss and Electric BIAB.
   First batch is in the secondary - American Stout
   
   This solution uses a wireless Tablet to control heat
   timing and the pump. I recirculate over the grain
   during mash. Single keg design. I use a stainless basket
   to raise the grain out of the wort for boil.
   I put the grain basket back in the wort in order to
   hold my hops basket and copper coils for chill.
   
   Crab Eye Rising Brewery
   Saint Joe Beach FL
   
   Jay

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   I took the plunge moving from 3 vessel to the Brew Boss. I should finish up pulling 220 and my brew stand in a couple of days. I have not had a chance to brew with it yet but after putting everything together it looks like a quality bit of kit.
   
   I will update when I have a couple of brews under my belt with this system.
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   Last post by SansPants
   9 years ago
9. BrauMeister??

   1 Replies 4614 Views

   First post by HbgBill, 9 years ago

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   Anyone here using the Speidel Braumeister? It is, essentially, an 'automated' electric BIAB. I bought one last November and have finally got it up and running. A friend who has one came up and we had my first brew day using it. We brew an APA from Brewing Classic Styles. Hit all the numbers except the VIF which was about 2 L more than expected.
   
   One question I have is.. How might I use BIABacus with this gadget? One thing I'm not certain of is the measurement of the pot. In this case, the sides...

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   HbgBill,
   
   You may PM Lylo at
   
   And Check the Topic at
   
   JMHO.
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   Last post by joshua
   9 years ago
10. Best way to utilise a 27 litre electric urn for a 20 litre b

    15 Replies 15909 Views

    First post by hammoco, 9 years ago

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    Hi all,
    
    I decided against getting a big metal pot for the stove as we rent and our electric hob is not really up to the job. For budget and space the 1 pot approach was the only choice and I opted for an electric tea urn. I know its not an ideal volume but I got a Klarstein Biggie 27L. I am English living in Denmark and it was cheaper getting it from Germany. Very european. You can control the temp between 30 and 100°C. The element is hidden so should be perfect for BIAB.
    
    I figured I...

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    Unfortunate, but I feel that PP was properly responding to what was specifically asked.
    
    Best way to utilise a 27 litre electric urn for a 20 litre boiler .
    
    best way requires quite a bit of analysis, and ensuing response(s) with a high level of articulation to your contextual brewing situation. The recipe ingredients have a direct effect on your methods, and this needs consideration. It cannot be ignored. You received exactly what you asked for. Unfortunately, I don't think you actually...
    15 Replies
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    Last post by Rick
    9 years ago
11. How many Kettle elements do I need

    6 Replies 9184 Views

    First post by Philip321, 9 years ago

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    How many Kettle elements do I need for a 50 Litre pot to do a normal size brew.
    
    The elements are 2.4KW and the voltage in England is 240v

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    I have 2x 2.4kw in my 50L homemade boiler, one is enough to keep boil rolling.I like to have the backup and its handy if one fails.
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    Last post by Eurwynf1
    9 years ago
12. Do I need a temperature controller

    10 Replies 11522 Views

    First post by Philip321, 9 years ago

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    Do I need a temperature controller for mash temperature and boil?
    
    I intend having two 2.4kW elements.
    
    I read on amazon The stc1000 is rated for 10 AMPS, this is the comment:-
    
    3KW would be pushing it. From the instructions: Relay contact capacity:Cool (10A/250V); Heat (10A/250V) From school days; Volts times Amps equals Watts therefore 250v X 10A = 2500W or 2.5KW. Mine runs a fridge/freezer OK on cool and a 45w greenhouse heater on heat. 3KW is 3 bars of an electric fire, that is a high...

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    You beat me to it mally :lol:
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    Last post by nosco
    9 years ago
13. 4000 W for 15gallon

    8 Replies 10051 Views

    First post by subl, 9 years ago

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    Hello, im in the process of converting my 19g/70l kettle to electric and am wondering if this 4kw electric element will be enough to boil 15g/55l of water (ambient temperature is in the low 60s), i dont have acess to the 5500w low density ones as they dont ship them over here.
    My setup will be very simple with just the element and a switch connected to a 20a/220v outlet, it is biab so im planning on mashing in the same kettle.
    Also im wondering how far from the bottom should i mount it, im...

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    Sorry if I mislead you on the damaging element comment.
    What I was referring to was; I have no idea how much downward pressure wet grain will exert when in a liquid, but where you are relying on a silicone gasket as a seal. Any pressure on the element may cause problems at some point? (Who knows but I wouldn't want to risk it).
    
    However, the main reason is that I use a potato masher as a mash paddle. Smashing that thing up and down without knowing exactly where the elements are is not advisable...
    8 Replies
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    Last post by mally
    9 years ago
14. Stuck mash, Biab bags and recirculating

    6 Replies 9698 Views

    First post by Tytonegro, 9 years ago

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    Hi,
    
    I'm not sure if this post is in the optimal place....
    
    I'm designing an electric one-pot RIMS system where I use a BiaB bag to hold the grain during the mash. You could say: another Braumeister clone...
    
    I'm not a real metal worker and my wife is handy with the sewing machine ;-) Therefore I opted for this bag solution instead of some metal false bottom with slits/holes that act as a sieve. I see quite a few people making 'Braumesiter' clones, using malt pipes and the like. In my first...

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    I use the exact same setup (bag in the big ol' basket) and have never had a problem with flow. My thinking with your setup is that the grain is packing into the bottom of your bag, and the flexibility of the bag is allowing is the grain to compact to the point water won't flow through it. Using the basket forms a solid, well, basket, that is full width across the bottom and keeps the grain from packing into a corner and, if nothing else, the water can flow over the top of the grain and out the...
    6 Replies
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    Last post by Rigging65
    9 years ago
15. Pull or not to pull

    13 Replies 13320 Views

    First post by tim_n, 9 years ago

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    I left my bag in the boiler in a mash on a camco low watt element.
    
    It didn't burn. Am I lucky or is this the advantage of the low watt element?

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    I prefer the flying helmet and the feather duster.
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    Last post by tim_n
    9 years ago
16. I intend to chill in the boiler

    9 Replies 9866 Views

    First post by Philip321, 9 years ago

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    I have never BIAB before.
    I intend to let the wort chill overnight in an electric stockpot/boiler.
    ____________________
    I read this:-
    
    Hey Dick, I allowed my first 1/2 dozen brews chill in the kettle o'night. Just draped a flannel cloth over the top. I had no problems with infection
    
    _____________
    Question 1)
    Do I need a tap on the boiler. I really do NOT want to have a tap as it requires a clean after every brew. I don't mind using a syphon to rack off COLD wort from the boiler to the...

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    Thanx for the replies.
    
    I've bought a good 2 double pulley system that will give me a 4:1 lifting ratio.
    
    Because I will be no chill in the boiler over night I can't foresee any problems with weight.
    I will certainly insulate the boiler.
    9 Replies
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    Last post by Philip321
    9 years ago
17. New Build Recirculating BIAB

    4 Replies 10028 Views

    First post by aamcle, 9 years ago

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    I'm planning to eventually have two systems the BIAB will be the bigger of the two, its based on a 50litre pot with two elements, recirculating via a mag pump and a spray head all of which I got from Homebrew Builder.
    The bag is supported by a SS basket made of mesh and the remains of an old Burco. I did a water test this evening and all's well although even with the tubing insulated I seem to have a 2°C difference between the temperature at the spray head and that measured at the bottom of...

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    Brew-Boss in 2015
    Three Tier Retirement
    BIAB Bound
    
    Jay
    Crab Eye Rising Brewery
    4 Replies
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    Last post by Jayb240
    9 years ago
18. Getting ready

    7 Replies 8393 Views

    First post by GAZ9053, 9 years ago

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    Well the postie has been delivering bits all week.
    First nesbits
    
    Then some bits from thehomebrewshop and eBay
    
    So today, remove old tap, cut slightly larger hole for new ball valve, assemble ball valve with ptfe on threads.
    
    Attach said ball valve to boiler
    
    Fit hop bazooka
    
    Also had to go to ikea with SWMBO so made a couple of purchases there. Folding steamer basket to stop bag touching element.
    
    Strainer for after mash.
    
    Found a few bits at work and thought mmmm...

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    Cheers have ordered sommat else instead.
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    Last post by GAZ9053
    9 years ago
19. Apollo boiler

    2 Replies 5577 Views

    First post by Harmergeddon, 9 years ago

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    Hi All,
    
    I am about to make the jump from extract over to BIAB and looking for my first larger boiler. Found this one at Nisbets for what seems to be a good price.
    Think it will do the job?
    
    Cheers

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    Well I decided to get it. Ordered yesterday arrived first thing this morning. Power is 2600w according to the manual. Next on the shopping list is a grain bag and I'll make the hop strainer.
    2 Replies
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    Last post by Harmergeddon
    9 years ago
20. Polypropylene fermenter as a kettle

    5 Replies 7878 Views

    First post by InterCooL, 9 years ago

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    Hi everyone
    
    I'm looking to get into BIAB brewing, and I don't have much cash to throw around.
    I was looking at a crown urn for $270, but I came across a clip on youtube from brewerswarehouse.com.au where they used a polypropylene fermenter with a heater element. They sell this as a kit for $115. I rang them and the very helpful guy on the phone told me he had been using his setup for 3.5years with no fault and had done many batches in it.
    
    Do other people use polypropylene buckets as kettles...

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    Thanks for the ultra low density tip Josh. Looks exactly what i would need
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    Last post by InterCooL
    9 years ago
21. Brupak 29L

    4 Replies 5919 Views

    First post by jimbeefish, 9 years ago

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    Hi all, I'm nearly ready to make move to biab, still trying to gather as much info as possible, I'm looking at the brupak 29L heater but seem to be picking up confusing reads, so can I ask a quick question, sounds obvious but... Will a 29L boiler be big enough for a 23L Wort ? If I put 23L of water in boiler then add grain then add extra water through sprinkling grain bag will that make my 23L wort slightly weaker in body? Thank you for having patience with questions that's probably been asked...

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    Hi Joshua did download and... wow what a chart, in trying to calculate my (potential ) boiler size it asks boil time, does that mean mash time + final boil or just boil? Cheers jim Hi Jim,
    
    Mash time is what Josh has said above.
    
    After you pull your bag at the end of the mash (or mash-out if you do one), it takes some time to get your wort up to boiling point. There is no name for the period of time between the end of the mash and the beginning of the boil.
    
    In the BIABAcus, in Section B, it...
    4 Replies
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    Last post by PistolPatch
    9 years ago
22. Glass top stove or alternative?

    8 Replies 9882 Views

    First post by laserghost, 9 years ago

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    I use a 12.5 gal aluminum kettle on the stovetop, supplemented by a 2000w heat stick in the boil. At my previous apartment the kettle fit nicely on two gas burners. I recently moved and the new stove is electric with a glass top. The kettle doesn't completely cover two burners but I am assuming I could boil ~8 gal on one burner with the heat stick.
    
    However, I'm a little nervous about cracking the glass top as the kettle is definitely way larger than what the stovetop is designed for. I'm...

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    Good Day, I have a couple of links about Watts and BTU's for Brewing.
    
    BTU's...
    
    Watts...
    
    I hope this helps, with 10 Gallon Batches.
    
    _________________________________________________________________________________
    There are only 10 types of people in this world. Those that understand binary, and those that don't.
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    Last post by joshua
    9 years ago
23. Induction Burners

    16 Replies 15933 Views

    First post by HbgBill, 9 years ago

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    Anyone using induction burners? I've been having a lot of trouble maintaining my mash temps despite wrapping in blankets and insulating the bottom of the kettle. Have no idea why.. but, my thought was to either do a double boiler on the stove or using induction.
    
    Double boiler would require a larger pot to put my kettle in while sitting the kettle on a bread/cake cooling rack.. bringing the water up to something beyond my mash temp and stirring every 10 minutes or so.
    
    Induction heater would be...

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    I've just bought a portable 2000W induction cooktop and read through this thread and many others on same topic.
    
    I'm yet to use it (until now I've been using the glass/ceramic radiant stovetop in my kitchen). Will be using a 19L kettle.
    
    So here are some observations, questions and maybe some answers to other people's questions-
    
    The surface of the induction cooktop doesn't get hot (the metal pot is what gets hot, because it is basically acting as the element). So the lack of residual heat...
    16 Replies
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    Last post by kaiserben
    9 years ago
24. Countertop Induction Brewing - BIAB 2.5G 9.5L with pics

    14 Replies 22478 Views

    First post by sammy33, 10 years ago

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    A different take on electric BIAB using an induction cooktop. I saw a few of these type setups here and thought I would share mine. The cooktop is an 1800 watt Vollrath Mirage Cadet with a 5.5G 20.8L induction ready kettle.
    
    The bag is Swiss voile custom made by a vendor here in the USA. I also wanted to say thank you to biabrewer.info and the members here contributing the knowledge. Couldn't have done it without you! :thumbs:
    
    First brew on the new induction system went well. I tested the...

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    Looks a lot like what I have going. Bought a induction burner and did my last brew on it. I'm doing full volume 3 gallon batches and have a much larger pot wrapped with that reflectex material.. However, I'm only use it to get up to mash temp and maintain it there for my 90 minutes. After the mash is over, I put the pot on an outdoor burner and boil for the 90 minutes. It's much quicker to get the temp up to boiling than on the Ind Burner.
    
    This is the burner I bought:
    
    My current pot is a SS...
    14 Replies
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    Last post by HbgBill
    9 years ago
25. T500 (Turbo 500) Still for BIAB - Opinions & Comparisons

    5 Replies 8144 Views

    First post by brouwer, 9 years ago

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    Has anyone used a T500 Still? They seem to be Brewers Choice's.. choice for an electric urn / kettle. I've also seen that a lot of people use the Crown 40L. Both the T500 and Crown have enclosed elements but the T500 has no handles, no external water level gauge and holds only 27L.
    
    I'm after any information people have on whether the T500 is a viable BIAB option and what would be better than it and why.

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    No Problem brouwer.
    
    The Biabacus can be a little tricky to find until the site is re-structured.
    
    There are actually 2 available, one is a pre-release PR1.3K and can be found here .
    
    The second is a less official version PR1.3T and can be found here .
    
    You should be OK with either of them, but I think there were some calculation changes in the newer version. :scratch: (citation required).
    Just be careful where you post them as it is a good idea not to have them distributed throughout the site...
    5 Replies
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    Last post by mally
    9 years ago