smashed4
Well-Known Member
I am looking for the best way to seperate the hops and break material from the kettle before transferring to the fermenter. I am using an IC.
I am considering a few techniques:
Whirlpooling after chilling in the kettle, then racking while not disturbing the hop/trub mass in the bottom. I have tried this technique before and the whole hops would clog the racking cane at some point and it would not work properly.
My new kettle will have a ball valve at the bottom so I could try the whirlpool technique again but this time just have to open the valve. Will whole hops clog the valve? Will it not clog the valve but still pass through it?
I have also seen stainless mesh tubes like this one:
http://www.northernbrewer.com/pics/fullsize/mashscreen.jpg
and I am wondering if it is worth it? By being constantly at the bottom of the kettle it will prevent to do a proper whirlpool, but I guess whirlpooling is not required with this thing anyway?
The northern brewer description says it will filter whole hops in the kettle but will pellet hops pass through it or clog it?
NORTHERN BREWER: Weldless Fittings
I have also seen a similar item named the "Bazooka screen".. seemed to be pretty much the same but more expensive?
The other technique I have seen involves using a hop bag like this one:
Hop Bag - Home Brewing Wiki
Can the hop bag device be used alone or is it better to use another technique above (whirlpooling or stainless screen) in conjunction?
Any other techniques I am missing? I have seen false bottom for kettles also but it seems a little overkill..
Thank you!
Cedric
I am considering a few techniques:
Whirlpooling after chilling in the kettle, then racking while not disturbing the hop/trub mass in the bottom. I have tried this technique before and the whole hops would clog the racking cane at some point and it would not work properly.
My new kettle will have a ball valve at the bottom so I could try the whirlpool technique again but this time just have to open the valve. Will whole hops clog the valve? Will it not clog the valve but still pass through it?
I have also seen stainless mesh tubes like this one:
http://www.northernbrewer.com/pics/fullsize/mashscreen.jpg
and I am wondering if it is worth it? By being constantly at the bottom of the kettle it will prevent to do a proper whirlpool, but I guess whirlpooling is not required with this thing anyway?
The northern brewer description says it will filter whole hops in the kettle but will pellet hops pass through it or clog it?
NORTHERN BREWER: Weldless Fittings
I have also seen a similar item named the "Bazooka screen".. seemed to be pretty much the same but more expensive?
The other technique I have seen involves using a hop bag like this one:
Hop Bag - Home Brewing Wiki
Can the hop bag device be used alone or is it better to use another technique above (whirlpooling or stainless screen) in conjunction?
Any other techniques I am missing? I have seen false bottom for kettles also but it seems a little overkill..
Thank you!
Cedric