Another BIAB Pot question

[jekeane]

Iv'e seen dozens of how big of a pot do I need for X gallon batches threads. I can't however find a "how big of a pot is too big for smaller BIAB batches" thread.

I am looking to do some supplemental 2.5g (to the fermenter) batches on weekdays. BIAB is the perfect way to do this in my mind. My current pot choices are a 15g mash tun with a false bottom from my 3 vessels setup or a spare 30 quart kettle. Would the 15g kettle (with or without the fb) be to big for 2.5g batches?

While I do have a 30 quart kettle, I would like to give it to a friend and get it out of my garage.

ps. the 15g kettles is 15.8¨ wide by 18.9¨ tall without the fb and has an elbow dip tube.

 

[pricelessbrewing]

No real thing as too big, only issue would be that the boil off would be large in proportion to the batch size. As such you may have to pay attention to the mash pH.

Otherwise I'd use the 30qt pot in the mean while unless your friend is needing it.

 

[Foosier]

the other issue is the false bottom. I imagine in that pot there is quite a bit of wort trapped under the FB. that will get in the way of the grain contacting that wort which could make mashing a bit more fun that you want. It would probably work if you can take it our though. Just my 0.02.

 

[pricelessbrewing]

Good point, could always remove it if that's an option. Otherwise you might want to stir intermittently to compensate, although it probably comes in hand when you need to raise the temp during a mash.

 

[rupert130]

I have a 25 gallon pot for my 10 gallon BIAB setup. Whether I brew 10 or 5 gallons boil off is always the same. I haven't had any issues come up when brewing a smaller batch.

 

[jekeane]

I can remove the false bottom and guessed it would be best to do so. If there aren't any problems mashing a 2.5g batch in a 15g kettle. How would you suggest keeping mash temps steady with he extra dead space?

 

[pricelessbrewing]

Throw a bunch of towels on it, or apply low heat slowly while stirring continously andor lifting the bag slightly.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Just my opinion, but I feel there is an advantage in using size appropriate tools. While one could certainly use a 15G pot for 2.5g batches, I feel the 15g would be inconveniently large, and also be much more difficult to maintain heat during the mash rest.

Will you be brewing outside on a burner, or stove top? I feel the 2.5g batch is a good match for indoor stovetopping, one can also mash in the oven, and chill right in the kitchen sink with smaller batches, during inclement weather year round.

For me, small job = small tools, you can drive finish nails with a framing hammer, but that doesn't mean you want to , or will enjoy doing it. I would use a batch size appropriate pot, which is 2X intended batch size, unless you plan on doing very high gravity beers, then 2.5 - 3X intended batch size is good. 15g, or 6X batch size is inconveniently large IMO.