12" Domed False Bottom in 16" kettle

Ok I have been searching a reading and really can't find a great answer. I'm buying some new equipment 15 gallon kettle and the 10 gallon (11.7 gallons per the website) cooler with domed false bottom. I have another 15 gallon kettle as well. I was wondering if I could use the 12" bottom in the 16" diameter kettle to mash when I want to do 10 gallon batches of higher gravity beers?

 

Probably not. I think you really want that thing to reach from end to end, otherwise, the grain can compact around the bottom and possibly under the bottom. You may wind up with stuck sparges.

 

Yes, you'll be fine with that false bottom as long as you're not using direct fire. Since it doesn't cover the whole bottom some grain will be in contact with the very hot bottom and could scorch.