5 gal batch in a 25 gal kettle?

Just got a job at the homebrew shop and I'm about to get my employee discount and replace my 5 gal all grain system with a shiny new 10 gal system. I want PLENTY of kettle room to be able to do extended boils and I get a killer deal on a 25 gal kettle. Might as well match for the mash tun... If I do a 5 gal batch, am I going to be fighting a system this big or do you think it's do able? Hoping to be able to push the occasional 15 gal as well. Thanks!!

 

I think it will be a hassle. I would brew bigger batches.

 

Sure you can use it, but you will boil off much, much more liquid. So do larger batches or use a smaller pot for 5 gallon batches. Personally, I do not like to do anything less then 8 gal batches. Its the same amount of work to do 5, 10 or even 15 gallons, and who does not want more beer?

 

lol I know, I know. But sometimes I think it would be nice to make 5 gal of a beer I'm just experimenting with. What about a 5 gal mash in that 25 gal mash tun?

 

in both cases you will be losing; in the kettle, volume and in the mash tun, heat.

 

It's what I expected... Shucks, I'll have to just make more beer. Thanks!

 

You will never regret having a bigger boil kettle, unless you don't like beer.

 

PERFECT! Brew a 10g batch, split into 2 carboys and you have a side-by-side yeast experiment.