Braid, Manifold, or False Bottom

BearsWickedBrew · 02-03-2009, 07:20 PM

I want to convert a 5g cooler to a mash tun for partial mashes (figure I'll eventually go AG so I might as well use 5g instead of 3g). As far as draining wort w/ a braid, manifold, or false bottom...are all of these pretty much subject to debate as to which works better...or is there a clear winner? I was eventually going to buy a kewler conversion peice...but then I came across Fly Guy's post...great post btw!

bashe · 02-03-2009, 07:33 PM

Fist off, if you have to purchase the 5 gallon cooler don't go ahead and get a 10 gallon cooler. I started off with a 5 gallon and used it about 4 times brewing partial mash. When I went all grain it was too small. I wanted to save a little bit of money and get the smaller cooler but in the long run it cost me more because I ended up buying two.

I have used both a braid and a false bottom and have not been able to tell a difference with either one. I am using the false bottom almost exclusively now because that is what I have on my 10 gallon cooler.

JesseRC · 02-03-2009, 07:33 PM

I do a braid, but can't tell you which is better cuz i havn't tried the others. My reasoning is that Braid is cheap, if it doesnt work , not much is lost and you can upgrade. If you start with a false bottom and hate it , your out some cash. I have heard good things about the manifold, but it's a bit more work . The braid is easy and cheap. I've done 3 AG's and no problems. I'm doing a wheat beer soon, that should let me know if it was a good choice.

avaserfi · 02-03-2009, 07:38 PM

I just built a manifold and chose the design because if I choose to it will allow me to fly sparge, unlike a braid. On top of that I had a bit of copper laying around so it cost me about the same as a braid. False bottoms are pricey so I avoided that one.

Boerderij_Kabouter · 02-03-2009, 07:40 PM

Subject to debate but False bottoms are clearly superior

Evan! · 02-03-2009, 07:44 PM

I love my domed false bottom. Someone gave me the 10gal cooler (free!!!) and it already had the valve assembly plus 2 12" SS domed false bottoms (I guess in case I lose one?) I never get stuck sparges, vorlauf is quick, and it generally rocks. Yes, they're kind of pricey, but worth every penny IMHO.

**BierMuncher** · 02-03-2009, 07:52 PM

I had spare copper laying around already so it was a no brainer.

Either way...you can use this in either a 5-gallon cooler (as shown) or in a 10-gallon cooler (which I use now).

BearsWickedBrew · 02-03-2009, 08:32 PM

If I purchase this...

9" Stainless Steel False Bottom :: Midwest Supplies Homebrewing and Winemaking Supplies

...and then connect it to the ball valve with some high temp plastic tubing..am i good to go?

(drinking my 1st glass of apfelwein- wow...so much for that "wait for 3" disclaimer..i've only had a few sips and i'm already sold)

BearsWickedBrew · 02-03-2009, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bashe

Fist off, if you have to purchase the 5 gallon cooler don't go ahead and get a 10 gallon cooler. I started off with a 5 gallon and used it about 4 times brewing partial mash. When I went all grain it was too small. I wanted to save a little bit of money and get the smaller cooler but in the long run it cost me more because I ended up buying two.

I have used both a braid and a false bottom and have not been able to tell a difference with either one. I am using the false bottom almost exclusively now because that is what I have on my 10 gallon cooler.

I thought of this. However- I'm already taking up to much of the limited apartment space with brewing equipment...and decided to go 5 instead of 3. Will 5 gallons work for AG...when i do hit that point?..or is 10 gal the standard?..I also ask..bcuz i noticed I will need larger false bottom as well. So i dont want to buy 5 gal and 9" false bottom only to have to buy 10 gal and 10 or 12" false bottom...altho I'm sure this is a good amount of time away.

**Malticulous** · 02-03-2009, 09:23 PM

A five gallon will work great for five gallon batches up to around 1.060 or so.

I think that with fly sparging the right size false bottom is best. With batch sparging just about anything would work. If you could batch sparge with a 9 inch false bottom in a 10 gallon water jug or probably even in a rectangle cooler just fine.