Hey HBT folks!
I've been brewing for 6 or so years with extract and partial grain brewing 5 gallon batches in a single pot. I've been wanting to take the next step for some time to larger all-grain batches, but I can't afford any of the off the shelf systems. Planning to DYI, I bought an old Keg to convert to a keggle last year but haven't cut it yet. After finding HBT, I've been really intrigued by the BIAB systems and electric brewing and plan to build my own panel with a Craft Beer Pi type setup. I like the idea of being able to manage the brew from a PC or tablet and with just a single 5500W element, and one pump, I'm hoping it'll be a simpler build than some of the one's I've seen on here.
I was just about ready to cut the top off my keg when I came across several posts suggesting cutting the bottom instead so that you can use the Sanke as a drain. I really like the idea, but I'm having doubts about how that might affect things with BIAB method. I intend to use a pump to recirculate during mash to maintain uniform temps and to pump into the fermenter. Would you use a false bottom of some kind to prevent any solids from going down the drain? How does that affect whirlpooling with the drain in the middle?
I figure a basket of some kind would be the way to go, but they are way more pricey than I expected. I found this Bayou Classic on Amazon for $89. Man it all adds up quick! This means I'd have to cut a bigger hole that the 12" one I had planned, but I guess that's not a huge deal. I'll just need a bigger lid.
I'm hoping some of you experienced brewers could give me you thoughts on what I'm planning so far. Thanks in advance!!
I've been brewing for 6 or so years with extract and partial grain brewing 5 gallon batches in a single pot. I've been wanting to take the next step for some time to larger all-grain batches, but I can't afford any of the off the shelf systems. Planning to DYI, I bought an old Keg to convert to a keggle last year but haven't cut it yet. After finding HBT, I've been really intrigued by the BIAB systems and electric brewing and plan to build my own panel with a Craft Beer Pi type setup. I like the idea of being able to manage the brew from a PC or tablet and with just a single 5500W element, and one pump, I'm hoping it'll be a simpler build than some of the one's I've seen on here.
I was just about ready to cut the top off my keg when I came across several posts suggesting cutting the bottom instead so that you can use the Sanke as a drain. I really like the idea, but I'm having doubts about how that might affect things with BIAB method. I intend to use a pump to recirculate during mash to maintain uniform temps and to pump into the fermenter. Would you use a false bottom of some kind to prevent any solids from going down the drain? How does that affect whirlpooling with the drain in the middle?
I figure a basket of some kind would be the way to go, but they are way more pricey than I expected. I found this Bayou Classic on Amazon for $89. Man it all adds up quick! This means I'd have to cut a bigger hole that the 12" one I had planned, but I guess that's not a huge deal. I'll just need a bigger lid.
I'm hoping some of you experienced brewers could give me you thoughts on what I'm planning so far. Thanks in advance!!
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