Electric BIAB

1. Small batch size brew in 40l urn

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   First post by jester28, 12 years ago

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   Just thinking about trying some smaller (say 10 litres into FV) brews in my crown urn. Curious as to others experience in doing this as personally like the idea for me of being able to experiment more and fit 2 ferments in my fridge at the same time
   
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   I do it you can do it lets all do it! I found putting a layer of l foil over the mash is good. Thinking head space? Heat etc. U cam no chill a 20l batch split into 2 10l cubes. Diff yeast diff hops. Ferment when ready. One cube @ a time.
   
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   Last post by urbanbrewer
   12 years ago
2. Rims biab

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   First post by pist, 12 years ago

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   Hey guys
   
   Im currently on a 50l gas fired keggle setup. Whilst its simple and makes beer well...ive been doing some reading up on other systems people have come up with...and my current situation and equipment have got me thinking...
   
   Firstly...i like the idea of being able to flick the powerpoint on and come back to water heated to strike temp whilst doing other things. I get quite nervous walking away from a gas burner and leaving it unattended for obvious reasons. So im toying with moving to...

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   Im loving my electric kettle. Its 5500w on a 65l pot which is a bit over the top but I have the luxury of an electrician mate who installed a new power point. I got a cheap potentiometer control of ebay too rated at 9500w. I think 2200 will work on a 50l pot. I went electric so I could brew indoors away from my 18 month old son but out of the weather. It was 3 weeks between my 2 and 3rd brew. I gave every thing a rinse and then boiled again after my 2nd brew. After 3 weeks I opened the kettle...
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   Last post by nosco
   12 years ago
3. Frustrated with poor efficiency. Trying to improve.

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   First post by damn, 12 years ago

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   I feel like I'm chasing my tail here. I just trying to find the right figures for my equipment. I think, as you will read/see I'm getting poor efficiency. Attached is a fairly straightforward recipe in the aim to confirm my figures. From recent brew(s) I calculated my 50L Alum pot with a KegKing 2000 watt element to be 58% and from what I've read that's pretty poor? The last brew I did I aimed for 23.0l in the fermenter. I got 22.5. That's ok as I partially left the lid on for a more vigorous...

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   Damn, thanks for the update and that's great to see things have come good. Bob taught me everything I know :).
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   Last post by PistolPatch
   12 years ago
4. Buffalo Blues

   10 Replies 13543 Views

   First post by Niimus, 12 years ago

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   Bought my nice new Buffalo boiler from Nisbits (£170) - arrived last week (as it arrived they dropped the price by £30.00 :( )- had to wait for the BIAB Bag and ball valve which arrived Wednesday.
   
   'Wet Run' - boiler works and gets to a boil.
   
   Fitted new ball valve (after punching hole).
   
   Fitted tubing to thermostat as per instructions in this forum.
   
   First full volume (23L) brew today.
   
   Heat to mash temp fine .... mash - heat to mash out @ 76c still fine.
   
   Pull the bag ..... and start boil...

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   Very nice
   
   Enjoy, glad you are back on the road and sorted :)
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   Last post by Yettiman
   12 years ago
5. false bottoms

   12 Replies 15899 Views

   First post by tim_n, 12 years ago

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   Having now done a couple of brews, I'd like to use the element to maintain the mash temperature - after all what's the point of having all these fancy electronic gadgets to sit dormant whilst my brew drops in temp?
   
   Worried about scorching the bag though, so I think a false bottom is the way to go.
   
   My pot is straight walled - so I assume the only way of doing this is to drop a round stainless steel plate with holes in it with several bolts to keep it off the element in?
   
   I haven't read of any...

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   Have a look at how the bayou classic kettles are designed with the new false bottoms, maybe you can rig up something like that. I bought one of these 16 gal kettles with a false bottom and it has enough room under it for the element. The kettle has a ring stamped in it though, but the principle is the same. Maybe one of those false bottoms will fit your kettle? they have a 10 gal size and 16 gal size I think with different diam.and they already have feet on them. I use a pump to circulate with...
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   Last post by madmatt
   12 years ago
6. Element scorched badly

   13 Replies 22799 Views

   First post by blitz, 13 years ago

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   Hi everybody,
   new ebiaber here, long story short...i've setup a new rig with 2 near low watt density element (2 x 2kw 220v elements, 77watt/square inches), 100 litres stainless steel pot and a basic regulation panel(triac dimmers).
   
   After a couple of test boil with simple water i've done 2 batches, first batch (Amarillo APA) went well,i had low efficiency due to grain crush very large (0,075), but elements after boil were clean with just a little lime on it that scrubs easily. Second batch i...

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   Thanks Thughes, I've readed carefully your posts about pump problems, and i'm a bit worried about it....however i've to find a solution, stirring during temp. ramps is a pain.
   
   I've seen these little pumps (solarproject) that output from 6litres/hour to 11 l/h, maybe i can fine tune one of this to do the job, i want to build also a distributor block , something like this
   
   There is a picture at the end of the page
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   Last post by blitz
   12 years ago
7. Wiring my PID controller for electric BIAB

   6 Replies 13031 Views

   First post by panoz, 12 years ago

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   I've started building my own electric BIAB equipment and I want to add a PID temperature controller on it. I could use some advice wiring wise...
   
   My set up consists of a 3kW element, a pid controller, an SSR and I would like to add the necessary buttons to bypass the PID for the boiling process. Indicating lights to let me know if the element or other parts are in use could be useful. Securing it in terms of safety would be nice as well...
   My thought are to have a mains switch and then...

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   Hello panoz .jusy contact your local homebrewers association president who is willing to assist you on your equipment. ;-)
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   Last post by sokinsilihok
   12 years ago
8. Brewing Wheats with electricity

   6 Replies 8672 Views

   First post by JackRussel, 12 years ago

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   I have been seeing a fair bit of scorched wort on my element when I brew Wheat beers. I'm just wondering if there is a way to cut this down. Would a protein rest help? If so, would decoction be the way to go?

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   Can't say but my problem was using water from an ion exchange softener. I now brew exclusively with RO which I treat
   
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   Last post by Lars
   12 years ago
9. New 45L pot and OTS element

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   First post by sb944, 12 years ago

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   First real BIAB down. It was a 5kg grain bill, a bit smaller than my last two pot attempt, this time with my new 45L SS pot, 2400W over the side element and a gas stove as a booster to speed things up. I have to say, the OTS element works wonders for this size pot.
   
   First things first, the pot is a lot bigger, so I now see why people get hoses going from their hot water taps, because to fill this I had to put it in my bath, and it's a heavy brute to get back to the kitchen, and onto the stove....

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   I guess when I said work on accuracy, I meant like knowing how much water I'll lose with my element and my pot, with my tap water, in my brew area, as it would differ to other setups by quite a bit I'm sure. I had more water than I thought I'd have last time, so I planned to use just a little bit less this time, and not pour the trub in.
   
   And so I had a 2nd go at it this week. Looking at your 3 points, I improved on each of these points. I realised the bag is easier to hold over a pot on the...
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   Last post by sb944
   12 years ago
10. Question for all brewers using urns

    17 Replies 23172 Views

    First post by Lars, 14 years ago

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    Guys, after my first brew with my 40litre buffalo I ended up with a load of scorched material on the element which caused the boiler to cut out a few times during the boil.
    It looks like my strainer stopped the buildup where it hangs over the element, lookin at the pic. A brewer I know reckons that my custom BIAB bag isn't find enough and there's more flour getting through than I should have. I've bought but haven't used an scr based dimmer switch to reduce the boil ferocity if needed. Can...

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    Just wanted to thank you guys for the great intel, I have been scrubbing my Burco element down at the end of a brew day. Lots of work, the lemon trick (and the washing soda) both work great.
    
    And ....
    
    They work away, while I relax with a brew.
    
    Thanks chaps
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    Last post by Yettiman
    12 years ago
11. Icelandic homebrewersgo Electric BIAB

    2 Replies 5906 Views

    First post by BobBrews, 12 years ago

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    February 20, 2014 - High Tech Brew in a Bag
    
    Icelandic homebrewers Eyvindur Karlsson and Sigurdur Gudbrandsson talk about the brewing culture in their country and their method of stepping up BIAB.
    
    - Watch a YouTube video of Eyvi and Siggi's setup

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    alymere,
    
    Not it's not necessary. In fact it can lead to more problems than it's worth. Ask Todd H.! He is the expert on that! I haven't finished the program the Boss said she wanted me??? Yes. it was just another job to do, nothing good!
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    Last post by BobBrews
    12 years ago
12. Fowlers Vacola urn

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    First post by fancypants, 12 years ago

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    Hi,
    
    I'm looking at getting an urn for BIAB and have found a Fowlers Vacola - looks like between 25-30L capacity. I believe these are used for preserving (making jams).
    
    I was wondering if anyone has any experience using these for BIAB? Anything I should look out for (i.e. element size, minimum size of urn for BIAB)?
    
    I'm completely new to this so any advice would be appreciated.
    
    Thanks
    FP

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    Yeah, the safety cutout and power are my biggest concerns.
    
    Looks similar to the website link (which is also largely devoid of information/specifications.
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    Last post by fancypants
    12 years ago
13. 5.5kw, PID temperature control @ boil point

    7 Replies 13027 Views

    First post by tim_n, 12 years ago

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    Last weekend when I made some sweet, sweet beer nectar, I used the PID to get to strike temperature, but when I got to boil everyone says 'switch the pid to manual mode'
    
    I found that to maintain a proper temperature, I had to have the PID constantly heating. It may be due to the ambient temperature being between 4-7'C and the extractor fan (a freestanding fan I found in a skip that blows the steam out the garage doors) keeping it cooler than it would normally be.
    
    Is this normal?

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    100% power on my rig will blow the liquid right out of the kettle! 65-70% gives the desired vigorous rolling boil.
    
    ah fair enough! I have a 70ltr pot and when doing a 5g brew it's only about half full.
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    Last post by tim_n
    12 years ago
14. eBiab - UK Stockpot conversion

    19 Replies 23904 Views

    First post by tim_n, 13 years ago

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    Hi All,
    
    I've decided to take the plunge into all grain using a 70l stockpot. Originally I decided I was going to do it on the cheap, but having installed a 32A socket in my garage I realised it was fairly pointless to cheap out on the pot.
    
    The biggest issue is whether to follow US based guides, or compromise with more locally sourced items. The cost of importing from the US is in most cases, the same price as you pay in the UK. Trouble is, much of the supporting gear such as chassis punches...

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    Cheers for the reply bob!
    
    Got a text from the wife that both fermenters are bubbling away equally - one has a bit of a head start, so if they're equal then it sounds fine.
    
    Means I've still got a spare vial of Yeast for the next batch, though I want to see how it turns out before going for another on the same recipe.
    
    I think wheat beers have to be drunk fairly young, and I was aiming to take some with me camping in August (I'm aiming to take several kegs with me to setup a bar), so looks...
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    Last post by tim_n
    12 years ago
15. Buffalo 40 litre vs brupaks 29?

    3 Replies 7196 Views

    First post by James, 13 years ago

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    Hi all,
    
    Been extract brewing for about 3 years and thinking of progressing to biab.prefer to use an electric boiler for ease and safety. Between a buffalo 40l and the brupaks 29l - which would be most suitable for biab? Thanks all

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    Thanks for the advice all. Decided to bite the bullet and went with a 50l kettle with hop strainer/tap and propane burner. Nice!
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    Last post by James
    13 years ago
16. So I just bought this kettle

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    • 1
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    First post by balli1990, 13 years ago

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    After hours of contemplation I decided to upgrade from my 15L stove top setup and invested in an electric setup.
    
    49L stock pot (40cm diameter - 39cm depth) with ball tap, thermometer and 2x 2.2kw elements.
    
    So I need all your opinions on false bottoms/lifting the bag off the elements during the mash. Im having trouble finding a suitable stainless cake cooling rack.
    If i were to purchase a cake rack how can I make legs so it sits above the elements? the highest part of the element is...

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    All good points!
    
    I've got a firm I've used before - but again, postage may be a PITA. I might design it with my brewery name using the letters as holes.
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    Last post by tim_n
    13 years ago
17. BIAB recirculating mash

    4 Replies 12369 Views

    First post by BungBrew, 13 years ago

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    After looking at different systems such as Braumeister etc I am toying with the idea of modifying my current very basic BIAB system to one that has a controlled temp recirculating mash .. apologies for my dodgy drawing but hopefully it is understandable.
    
    Is it worth the effort? I already have all the bits I would need apart from the thermowell/thermocouple and the rod through the lid for the wort to circulate back into the mash.
    
    What is everyone's thoughts? I would certainly give me greater...

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    Thanks everyone for you replies and advice. I think I'll do as the majority have suggested and KISS!
    
    Cheers!
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    Last post by BungBrew
    13 years ago
18. Brewing in a cask

    3 Replies 5710 Views

    First post by tim_n, 13 years ago

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    I have a cask.
    
    Obviously it has a large hole in the side that needs welding. Has anyone seen these converted for BIAB?
    
    I have the ripple 5.5kw element. I'm not entirely sure it's going to fit in there...
    
    Worse comes to worse I do have a large aluminium pot, but it's quite shallow. I'm installing a 30A line to the garage for this btw... No faffing with the dodgy electrics in the house, fresh new line!

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    Hi - it's got magnetic results so I'm assuming it's steel. I may yet go down the route of using a pot.
    
    Just laid in the 10mm cable from the fuse box to the garage. Bought 25m, should have got 15... Never mind
    
    Drilled a couple of holes in my weatherboarding, ran the cable out of the roof, through my lean to. Then drilled a diagonal hole through the corner of the garage.
    
    I've got my friend (electrician) coming over to do the actual wiring in. I don't trust my wiring on 32A lines.
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    Last post by tim_n
    13 years ago
19. Converted and never going back!

    6 Replies 9416 Views

    First post by BrewBagMan, 13 years ago

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    I'm pretty excited and know that you guys will get it.
    
    Just over a year ago I was looking at getting into AG brewing but was really daunted with traditional 3V brewing due to; cost, the process, time involved, space requirements etc. But then I remembered reading about BIAB. So I discovered this marvellous site and read. Lots of reading.
    
    I decided that maxi BIAB with a 19 ltr pot and the stovetop was my best bet. Brew days were often messy as I was often pushing the pot and stove to their...

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    :lol:
    
    Great read Lee. Looks like you have found the beauty of pure (full volume) BIAB :thumbs:. Simple as!
    
    Give it heaps ;),
    PP
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    Last post by PistolPatch
    13 years ago
20. First Brew

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    First post by FlipFlopLife, 13 years ago

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    IMG_1127.jpg
    IMG_1125.jpg
    
    It turns on, lights up, heats water, holds temperature ... the alarms might work (not sure I fully understand that part of the Auber PID logic...). So today is the big day --- first brew -- ebiab, no chill, ferment in cube is the plan. I have a slightly modified amarillo apa recipe from the biabacus that i'm using (not sure i fully understand the biabacus but i would like to learn the finer point whilst brewing beer). attaching 2 pics ... i think (?)
    
    step one ---...

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    Theres the report for posterity. All in all -- my lurking here set me up pretty well. And what a great report :clap:. Thanks FlipFlop, I really enjoyed that read ;). Things I wish I had known/done better:... I think any of those things that you have mentioned warrant a new thread and that BIABrewer now has enough brewers who could answer them very well :thumbs:.
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    Last post by PistolPatch
    13 years ago
21. Newbie eBIAB element advice

    3 Replies 6422 Views

    First post by BungBrew, 13 years ago

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    I am after some advice on element sizing though, it seems that on a standard 10A power circuit the biggest element I can go for is 2400W, if I have say 42L of water in the pot how long would this take to get to mash temperature (ball-park)?
    
    Is it worthwhile having a fixed 2400W element mounted plus a second immersion element to get the wort to the boil faster?
    
    Is it worth the expense to get a 15A or 30A socket put in to support high wattage elements?
    
    I haven't ruled out a gas fired system...

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    Thanks DaveRobbo,
    
    Was that from cold or water that was already warm?
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    Last post by BungBrew
    13 years ago
22. Mash out with OTS element

    2 Replies 5362 Views

    First post by dicko, 13 years ago

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    Hi Folks,
    
    I'm in the process of thinking about upgrading from a 40L urn to a 70L stock pot.
    
    My preference would be to use 2 x 2400w over the side elements.
    
    Does anyone else use these?
    
    How do you do a mash out without scorching?
    
    Thanks in advance
    
    Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

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    I thought that may be the case!
    I've decided to install a couple of elements instead!
    
    Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
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    Last post by dicko
    13 years ago
23. Electric Element Opinions (yours)

    7 Replies 12384 Views

    First post by AJ Lenkowski, 13 years ago

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    New to forum. I live in New York. Brewed many extract batches, but want to do all grain. I would love to do 10 gallon finished batches, but ......can't really afford to rewire my house so I can plug in a 3500 or 4500W element. (Also, can't imagine moving 10 gallons of wort/beer, and cleaning large equipment w/o a large sink, and i wouldn't be able to take it to buddy's house to brew).
    Long story short: I came across this:
    
    Would this have enough power to get 6-7 gallons of wort boiling? In...

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    I ended up building an all-electric, single-vesseal, BIAB system using two of the following 110V, 1650 Watt heating elements:
    
    They're only about $10 each.
    
    As mentioned above, you'll need to plug each element into a different circuit in your house. Running both at full power is perfect for boiling wort in my 11 gallon kettle. I built a little PID controller to control the elements for mashing.
    
    I got much of my inspiration from the howto in this thread:
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    Last post by cmcquistion
    13 years ago
24. A few urn questions

    11 Replies 18344 Views

    First post by Brendandrage, 13 years ago

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    Hi all,
    I have been considering moving to a crown urn but have one question which the search feature couldnt help me with.
    I am curious how you deal with the hot break? In my current 50 litre keg the hot break come right to the top but can controlled with the gas controller but im concerned there is not enough head space.
    
    Is there a 50litre urn?
    
    Brendan

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    If anyone has questions about using an urn, you might like to have a look at the sticky at the top of the Electric Biab page that I wrote about 3 years ago now (a little out of date, I should re write it but still mostly current).
    
    I am currently using a 40L exposed element Crown urn - as Pat and I agreed at a meeting several years ago, wouldn't it be great if they did a 50L, but such a model may come up in the future. For now I get perfectly good results, and most of my brews are up around...
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    Last post by Beachbum
    13 years ago
25. Temperature controller - how to connect AC sockets?

    4 Replies 7544 Views

    First post by Yirg, 13 years ago

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    I found plenty of cool looking temperature controllers on eBay*, but none of them seem to come with sockets to connect the oven to (I'm planning to put the pot in the oven while mashing). Are there any instructions for connecting the AC sockets?
    
    * The controllers that caught my eye have eBay item numbers 190803901394, 251339796949 and 370887730110. None of them feature AC sockets.

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    Choices are limited only by your imagination: an old winter parka, sleeping bag, military surplus wool blanket, foam sleeping pad borrowed from your camping gear, that ugly Christmas sweater with the snowman on it that your Aunt Mabel gave you, etc.
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    Last post by thughes
    13 years ago