Reduce Mash Tun Volume

[JayInJersey]

I want to do a bunch of "mini-batches" (~3G) in my 15G Blichmann Mash Tun but obviously that's going to be an issue.

So the question I ask is, has anyone ever reduced the size of their MLT using say 2L soda bottles?

I know this used to be the "green" way to reduce your toilet's GPF (that or using a brick in a Freezer bag, but I just don't think that idea bodes well with me)

I figure I can displace about 1-1.5G of water with each bottle. So 2 bottles + the 5G of mash would be about at the 8G mark which is well in the 15G MLT usable zone.


Thoughts?/Comments?/Concerns?

 

[maida7]

plastics can get nasty at mash temps. Many plastics will release toxic chemicals above 120F

Have you considered brew in a bag for these small batches? It's quick, easy and can make some great beer.

 

[JayInJersey]

Hmm...didn't think about the heat.
Yeah PET and HDPE are both "rated" to 160*

I suppose I could do the same thing with 4" CPVC...

 

[Pivovar_Koucky]

I agree that brew in a bag is probably the way to go if you are only mashing a few pounds of grain. A nylon bag costs ~$3-4 at the paint/hardware store and it should fit over the lip of a smaller stock pot.

 

[brettwasbtd]

If you have a rectangular cooler, you could always put something underneath one end to angle it down. That might work?

 

[Starderup]

i agree that brew in a bag is probably the way to go if you are only mashing a few pounds of grain. A nylon bag costs ~$3-4 at the paint/hardware store and it should fit over the lip of a smaller stock pot.

+1