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Polarware vs. Blichman for 5500W single-vessel BIAB

Post #1 made 13 years ago
by UncleBuckO
I am considering moving my BIAB to a larger vessel. I currently use a 9g (34L) pot with an electric element in the bottom. I have now done 2 batches & am quite taken by this simpler method.

I may have access to a Blichman 15g (56L) or a Polarware 15g (56L) brew pot. I would be able to install an element in one of these, as well. Just wondering what the benefits are to these pots to help make a sound decision.

Cheers!
My girlfriend told me she would leave me if I brewed today.....

I sure am going to miss her.

Post #2 made 13 years ago
by thughes
I believe the Polarware is a shorter, larger diameter pot which would affect your boil-off rate a bit BUT it's much cheaper than the Blichman too, right? The Blichmans are nice but I just could not justify the expense when a "pot is a pot" for the most part. I use a Bayou Classics 15 gal aluminum ($50 USD on sale) pot......makes pretty good beer as far as I am concerned and had lots of $$ left over to buy grain and hops with. ;)

My .02,

---Todd
WWBBD?
    • SVA Brewer With Over 100 Brews From United States of America

Polarware vs. Blichman for 5500W single-vessel BIAB

Post #3 made 13 years ago
by UncleBuckO
Todd,

Well played. I have looked into the Bayou Classics & am considering that, as well. I would have to put a few holes (weldless) for valve, thermometer. I do like the option of using the basket in the Bayou Classics - Seems quite suited to BIAB. Is this your experience?

That said, I have a Polarware & a Blichmann from my days of 3-vessel brewing. Might need a spot of courage to put a hole in either of them for an element, but could be swayed if an argument proved worthy. Of course, spending ~$50 USD for a new Bayou wouldn't be too horrible, either.
My girlfriend told me she would leave me if I brewed today.....

I sure am going to miss her.

Post #4 made 13 years ago
by thughes
You've already got the Polarware and Blichman? Hell, punch some holes in either one and get going man! Or....sell them both, buy the Bayou and you should still have lots of $$ left over for ingredients.

If you decide to go the Bayou route you can find some tips and tricks here:

http://www.biabrewer.info/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=1026
Last edited by thughes on 19 Aug 2012, 22:20, edited 2 times in total.
WWBBD?
    • SVA Brewer With Over 100 Brews From United States of America

Post #5 made 13 years ago
by UncleBuckO
That's a great thread - thanks.

I also had another thought -
If I install the element in the Polarware, I can make sure it is below the level of the Polarware false bottom (this would not work with the Blichmann). That makes things a little easier since I can keep my BIAB bags from burning. Of course, a non-issue with the Bayou's + basket.

Brewing up a Kolsch on my 9g with an element installed later this week. This will be my first eBIAB. I used this pot (http://morebeer.com/view_product/11854/ ... y_9_Gallon). Good price and quite capable. I purchased my element & set-up from KegKits.com (The owner, Tom, is a great resource & is getting into the electric brewing himself. He sells a nice kit that includes a 110v element with installation kit). This should give me a little more insight for things to look for in the Polarware vs. Blichmann vs. Bayou discussion.
My girlfriend told me she would leave me if I brewed today.....

I sure am going to miss her.

Post #6 made 13 years ago
by UncleBuckO
Todd - Just looked over that thread. Wealth of information & most-helpful. Those Bayous look quite promising.
My girlfriend told me she would leave me if I brewed today.....

I sure am going to miss her.

Post #7 made 13 years ago
by thughes
Word to the wise: A 15 gallon pot is plenty large enough for any gravity 5 gallon batch BUT......if you think you may ever do a 10 gallon batch I would advise to get a 20 gallon pot (especially if your shopping aluminum Bayou pots).
WWBBD?
    • SVA Brewer With Over 100 Brews From United States of America

Post #9 made 13 years ago
by UncleBuckO
i've taken the plunge & purchased a SS bayou classic with the basket. after looking at your build & a few others on here, it seems like a great way to go. i will need to build a better controller box, too, as i fancy the idea of using a thermoprobe / thermocontroller unit. seems like something i could learn to wire.
My girlfriend told me she would leave me if I brewed today.....

I sure am going to miss her.
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