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Should I make a bag to fit the kettle or kettle basket?

Post #1 made 14 years ago
by OnACoffeeBreak
I just bought this 42-quart (39.7-liter) pot: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000BXHL3" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It comes with a basket that fits inside the pot. The basket has a handle that would work well for lifting with a pulley. It would also keep the grain about 3 inches (76 mm) from the bottom of the kettle, so there is less chance of melting the bag or scorching the grai).

I am concerned that the basket is not big enough to hold the grain for 5-gallon batches. If it is big enough, it will certainly constrict the grain more than just having the grain in the kettle without a basket. I don't know whether that's a problem.

Should make a bag for the kettle or the basket? Any thoughts and advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

(Kettle and basket dimensions are below.)

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Last edited by OnACoffeeBreak on 07 Jul 2011, 09:30, edited 5 times in total.

Post #2 made 14 years ago
by Squared
I say just make a voile bag. It doesn't cost much and if it fits into your basket without constricting the mash then it's a bonus for you.

I think that the beauty of BIAB is that the bag does it all and as long as you can find a way to hoist it (not hard for regular gravities) you can produce great beer without too many gadgets.

I could see how the basket would be good for step mashing as well as a mash out though

Post #4 made 14 years ago
by PistolPatch
OACB, welcome to the forum! Excellent detail you have given in your post above too!

I think that seeing as you have the basket, use it. I think this will be fine for your mash given the volumes you have illustrated above. To make sure, give it a stir every now and then throughout the mash and all should be fine. So, make your bag so that it lines the basket. Only problem I can see is how you will drape the top of the bag over the basket given that the handle is in the way. I'm sure this won't be a major issue though.

Will look forward to hearing how the first brew goes. :luck:
PP
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Post #5 made 14 years ago
by PistolPatch
I wouldn't josh. You are throwing the baby out with the bath water here. The lined basket will cover the grain heaps (the grain absorbs the water) even given the dead space. If there is any issue, an occasional stir should solve this.

I'd bet my bag OACB will have no problems if he gives the occasional stir through the mash. It will end up being quite intuitive I think.
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Post #7 made 14 years ago
by Yeasty
Taking that the cost of voile is peanuts I'd make 2 bags. One for the Pot and one for the basket, then if things don't work out with the basket you've a back up and you stand more chance of rescuing the situation.
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Post #9 made 14 years ago
by BrickBrewHaus
OnACoffeeBreak wrote:That's the current plan: two bags. I haven't decided whether to hand stitch them myself or take them to a tailor's to get done professionally.
If you're tailoring skills are in question I'd get them done by someone who is qualified...a blowout when suspending 10+ lbs of grains above 170 F wort would not be a good situation.
Last edited by BrickBrewHaus on 08 Jul 2011, 09:50, edited 5 times in total.

Post #10 made 14 years ago
by BobBrews
OnACoffeeBreak,

Have two or more bags sown by somebody that will do a good job of it. Pay them and sell some bags to recover all or most of the cost. My wife made four or five bags for me and I still use the first bag she ever made. Next beer club meeting someone who saw my demo at the brew in the park wants to buy an extra bag. Voile bags will last a long time if sown properly. Designs for the bag are on this forum (somewhere).

Edit: Thanks BrickBrewHaus, http://www.biabrewer.info/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=37
Last edited by BobBrews on 08 Jul 2011, 19:38, edited 6 times in total.
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