Braided supply hose or copper

John Long · 08-10-2009, 03:35 PM

My current MLT is a small cooler using a copper drain manifold. I'm looking to upgrade but I'm not sure whether to build one with a braided stainless steel supply hose or use copper again.

What are some pro's and con's of each?

Thanks for the help!

Denny · 08-10-2009, 03:37 PM

Braid is cheap, easy, and in my experience, clears the wort more quickly than a manifold.

BubbaK · 08-10-2009, 04:16 PM

I had trouble with my stainless steel braid. I have got some odd ball stuff around work, and I was able to come up with a piece of copper screening and a 1/2"diameter spring. I stretched the sprind so there was a few gaps between the coils. I then wrapped the copper screen around the spring to give it support. I folded over the open end and crimped it closed. The other end went on a hose barb and fastened with a worm clamp. I used it yesterday, and got barely any sediment even in the first open of the valve..

**Edcculus** · 08-10-2009, 05:13 PM

I tried a braid on 2 batches when I first built my MLT. Both got stuck. I built a manifold out of CPVC and haven't looked back.

**Homercidal** · 08-10-2009, 05:23 PM

I used copper for my manifold and it has worked flawlessly. I have not used anything else, so I really can't offer any comments about the other styles.

dfohio · 08-10-2009, 05:29 PM

I've read some don't like this design, but I use a straight pipe copper manifold with a braid over it. Zero stuck sparges, sediment is non existent, it stays on the bottom, and is very sturdy. I'm batch sparging though.

**Whiskey** · 08-10-2009, 05:32 PM

Circular 1/2 SS braid, zero stuck sparge, even with a 50% wheat Weizen recipe with no rice hulls.

**Bobby_M** · 08-10-2009, 06:10 PM

People who have stuck sparges with a braid need to be beaten over the head with the faux stainless plastic braid they bought. Just kidding. I know there are people who actually have stuck sparges with braids but I still have a hard time believing it.

CaptYesterday · 08-10-2009, 07:24 PM

I've gotta cast my vote for copper. It's a PITA to cut the slots (hacksaw) but it's worked flawlessly every time. I did Ed's Hefe with no rice hulls and the wort flowed perfectly.

Beerrific · 08-10-2009, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobby_M

People who have stuck sparges with a braid need to be beaten over the head with the faux stainless plastic braid they bought. Just kidding. I know there are people who actually have stuck sparges with braids but I still have a hard time believing it.

I have had the same SS braid for over 2 years. Brewed countless batches, 60% wheat beers, wits, beers with considerable amounts of flaked barley....no problems. Sometimes the run-off is slow, never stuck.