Bag spreader, not really sure what to call it. Quick question.

[les6430]

I did a search, but wasn't able to find any posts on the terminology that I came up with. This leads me to ask.......

When mashing in to my keggle, the bag gets all twisted up as I'm stirring. Does anyone use some kind of spreader, for lack of a better term, to keep their bag open and from twisting up? It's not causing any harm, just takes time to reverse stir and what not. What do you all do to keep from having the same issue?

I just started brewing again after a 2 year hiatus, and I forgot all about this. Did 2 batches last weekend and am planning another double batch for next weekend. Any help that you all can offer would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Les

Primary:
1 - American Brown
2 - Vienna/Tettnang SMaSH

 

[flars]

Binder clips may be the simplest and least expensive solution.

 

[RM-MN]

I did a search, but wasn't able to find any posts on the terminology that I came up with. This leads me to ask.......

When mashing in to my keggle, the bag gets all twisted up as I'm stirring. Does anyone use some kind of spreader, for lack of a better term, to keep their bag open and from twisting up? It's not causing any harm, just takes time to reverse stir and what not. What do you all do to keep from having the same issue?

I just started brewing again after a 2 year hiatus, and I forgot all about this. Did 2 batches last weekend and am planning another double batch for next weekend. Any help that you all can offer would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Les

Primary:
1 - American Brown
2 - Vienna/Tettnang SMaSH

2 things to help with the bag twisting up. Us a stiff wire whisk to stir the grain in. That will break up the dough balls easier so you don't have to do as much stirring. Don't stir in a circle. Stir straight across and back. No circling, no bag twisting.

 

[jcaggiano]

Binder clips may be the simplest and least expensive solution.

+1. I use a bunch of the little clips to secure the bag to the rim of my kettle! I use them with a coated wire hanger I twisted up into a cross for keeping my hop bags suspended in the top of the boil, centered in the kettle as well.

As for the twisting bag I roll the grains from the bottom up vs circular stirring. It also help pull the warm water in the bottom if the kettle up through the grains. I started doing this originally because of the bag wrapping around my spoon but I think I get better mash this way.

 

[doug293cz]

2 things to help with the bag twisting up. Us a stiff wire whisk to stir the grain in. That will break up the dough balls easier so you don't have to do as much stirring. Don't stir in a circle. Stir straight across and back. No circling, no bag twisting.

+1 on the wire whisk. I wouldn't use anything else.

Brew on

 

[cannman]

View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1462731976.539933.jpg

4-5 around the edge! Never fails.

 

[maazak]

My bag has a drawstring so I just pull it tight with that around the kettle. Then a clip to keep it

 

[les6430]

Thanks for the suggestions! I do use binder clips already to hold the bag, so I will try the side to side stirring instead of circular to see if that eliminates the problem.

I have a restaurant supply store near me, so I'll check to see if they have the whisks that you guys suggested! That sounds like it may work great, as well. I don't remember seeing any at my LHBS.

 

[RedlegEd]

Thanks for the suggestions! I do use binder clips already to hold the bag, so I will try the side to side stirring instead of circular to see if that eliminates the problem.

I have a restaurant supply store near me, so I'll check to see if they have the whisks that you guys suggested! That sounds like it may work great, as well. I don't remember seeing any at my LHBS.

+3 on the whisk. If the restaurant supply store doesn't have one, you can get this one at Amazon for $12.33 (Prime.)

 

[BeardedBrews]

Update International (FW-24) 24" French Whip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002AGX3BK/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[BeardedBrews]

Gah! I was too slow

 

[wilserbrewer]

Along with back and forth stirring as opposed to circular, I suggest dumping the grain in and start stirring IMMEDIATELY, the longer you wait the more dough balls form and the more stirring is required.

Dump and stir within seconds and it is much easier IME

 

[krackin]

I guess there isn't much point in mentioning the anvil and binder strap trick now.

 

[cannman]

For ya'll with an extra $240 to burn

Matfer Bourgeat Giant Kitchen Whisk, 40-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ZJ8X8U/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[1MadScientist]

mash up and down with a potato masher

 

[Yesfan]

For ya'll with an extra $240 to burn

Matfer Bourgeat Giant Kitchen Whisk, 40-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ZJ8X8U/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Or one slightly longer for about a $100 less.

http://www.amazon.com/Paderno-World-Cuisine-stainless-oversized/dp/B001E41OTC/ref=pd_sim_sbs_79_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=316pJ6eQk6L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=00TYR9CZYCSF9PWM25YT


Amazon Prime too! :rockin: