Klarstein preserver

[jamesjoystick]

I bought this: http://www.elektronik-star.de/Klarstein-Biggie-Einkochautomat-Edelstahl-27-Liter-2000W-Timer_i188911.htm

Planning on doing all grain mashing+boil with it. I have done partial mashing before due to my equipment size limits but I think I can manage an 15 litre batch with this?

Should I use an grain bag?

Any suggestions, ideas and concerns are welcome.

 

[BadMrFrosty]

I use something similar for my brews but do my mash in a camping cooler. You may be able to mash in it if the heating element is concealed and yes I would use a bag, the tap can easily get clogged up. The only real issue I have with mine is the thermostat kicks in and shuts off the element just after it reaches boiling then starts back up 5 mins later meaning you wont get a constant rolling boil. There are a few ways round that, mod it to bypass the thermostat, use heat sticks to keep the boil or ignore it. I ignore it and aside from not getting as much boil off I havent notice any issues with the beer. Mine holds 30 litres and I can easily do 20 litre batches.