Keggle False Bottom

[kenny_d]

I plan on converting a straight wall keg in to a keggle and using it to do 5 gallon batches of BIAB. How big of a false bottom do I really need? I was thinking about going with Nor Cal Brewing's 13" false bottom conversion kit. Will this be enough to keep the bags off of the bottom? There should only be about 2 inches around the false bottom, right?

 

[ColoHox]

A proper false bottom is an expensive addition just to keep your bag off the bottom. I guess if you buy one, you can more easily make the switch to all-grain. The size and coverage of the false bottom on the keg is more important when doing all-grain (for a proper vorlauf).

When I was doing BIAB, I used a stainless steel pasta strainer I found at walmart to keep the bag off the bottom.

 

[kenny_d]

I like the idea of the false bottom helping with filtering out hops and other trub when transfering the wort to my fermentor after cooling as well. I do plan on eventually going to traditonal all grain one I get the equipment too.

 

[ColoHox]

A stainless steel mesh is more effective at removing small particles such as hop debris and break material, compared to a false bottom. Although it is probably a worthwhile upgrade if you are planning the all-grain move.

 

[kenny_d]

I'll look in to the mesh too, thanks for that info. So do you think the 13" false bottom will suffice for BIAB and eventual transition to all grain? Or should I go bigger to 14 or 15?

 

[ColoHox]

My suggestion would be that if you are going to buy it anyway, go with a larger one. Bobby M and brewhardware.com sells a full diameter false bottom that is excellent quality.

 

[tsb22]

The price difference between the 13" and 15" is only $20. Personally I would invest the extra $20 now. It is nice to have a false bottom that fits the entire width of the pot/keggle.

I had a no-name 10" originally, and have moved up to the hinged 15" from Nor cal brewing. It is awesome, and seems to fit perfectly. I like that it doesn't slide around like the 10" did.

I do all grain, no bag, and love my 15" FB.

 

[vinylicious]

I've got an extra 15" Hinged FB that I might be looking to get rid of. PM me an we can discuss.