jeffdill

Recipes 

I have about 10 extract batches under my belt and I think it's the right time to make the switch to all-grain. Problem is, it seems like everyone is recommending something different in how you build the mash tun.

I see different types of filters being mentioned - false bottom, braided stainless steel, high temp PVC, etc etc. How do you choose which of these is best? Does it matter?

I'm planning on using a Coleman Xtreme 50 qt rectangular cooler, it seems like those are popular.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-Xtreme-50-Quart-Wheeled-Cooler/14574676

vlucchetti

Recipes 

Same boat as you. I just jumped in, chose one and see how it goes.

Quadrupled

Recipes 

The sparge method you choose will dictate this for you (to a degree). Look at Denny Conn's site (http://hbd.org/cascade/dennybrew/). I expect you'll end up doing a batch sparge - braided stainless or a bazooka will work well.

Keep in mind preferences (like mine above) are often based on what the brewer uses and not everything that we have tried.

Good luck.

JDSanders

Recipes 

I have the braided steel filter. It works great for me (I have only done 3 AG batches). The first time I did an AG batch the braided steel was not secured properly and came off, it was a huge pain in the a$$. If you build it correctly it works great though.

jeffdill

Recipes 

I can't say I'm too familiar with fly sparging, just watched a video on it, but it seems like most people do batch sparging?

Yooper

Recipes 

To be honest, it really doesn't matter. Most of the time, cost and ease of use are the prime factors in choosing a false bottom/manifold/braid.

If you're fly sparging, you'll probably want a false bottom, since you want to avoid channelling and a false bottom covers the bottom well and helps with that. But otherwise, it doesn't matter.

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poislb

Recipes 

I have 2 set ups, one with a false bottom when I fly sparge and one with a cpvc manifold when I batch sparge. I do get better effeciancy when I fly sparge if that helps ya decide.


false bottom= fly sparging
manifold, bazooka tube, braid= batch sparge

Aschecte

Recipes 

I use two different setups if I'm doing a single step infusion I tend to use a 10 gallon igloo with a false bottom. I've had very little issues with stuck sparges etc. with this setup. My other is a 10 gallon mega pot with a bazooka tube I find easier for step mashes, the bazooka tube occasionally has clogged on me but I find that is a rare event especially if I add hulls and loosen my grind up a bit as well as add a .5 lb more base to compensate for efficiency.

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Funky Onion Brewing est.2010
Primary-Turbid mashed Lambic
Primary-Flanders Red
Primary-Aaron's Ordinary Bitter

BrewinHooligan

Recipes 

Only have 2 AG brews under my belt, but I use a stainless braid and built my tun following the instructions here: http://www.donosborn.com/homebrew/mashtun.htm. I am all about econo brewing and this was cheap and easy. I batch sparge and have been getting 70% efficiency. The stainless braid works great.

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On Tap: Simcoe/Amarillo IPA, Centennial Blonde
Bottled: Milk Stout(bronze and gold medals), Spiced Punkin Ale, White House Honey Porter (ag), Mango Wine, Gerwurztraminer
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idahobrew

Recipes 

Or you can try BIAB if you have a big enough pot. That's what I did and it wasn't very complicated at all, just make sure you have a good thermometer.