Batch size

[redrocker652002]

When a recipe says Batch size of say 6.5 gallons, is that what goes into the fermenter? Or is that the finished amount after fermentation?

 

[hottpeper13]

The famous response; it depends! I make 6 gal batches, that is 6 gal in BK at end of boil and chilled. I put 5.25 in fermenter, and the rest in a pitcher to settle in the lagerator. The next day the clear wort is poured off and frozen for a starter.

 

[Hoochin'Fool]

When a recipe says Batch size of say 6.5 gallons, is that what goes into the fermenter? Or is that the finished amount after fermentation?

Only real answer is to ask the person who came up with the recipe. Tho I think for most recipes one sees here, people are stating their amount of beer for packaging/consuming. But that said, I call mine "3 gallon batches", and that's dumping everything from the boil kettle into the fermenter, and knowing that I'll usually lose 1 to 2 quarts of volume to trub.

 

[redrocker652002]

Thanks to both of you. I will pay more attention to what I end up with and that will be an add to my notes.

 

[kevin58]

Batch size is a phrase that no one seems to agree on. Some consider batch size the volume that goes into the boil kettle while others say its the volume that goes into the fermenter. Still others view batch size as the end volume that will be packaged (bottled or kegged).

 

[Skeeter686]

If you're using brewing software, you should figure out how that software uses the term. That will make the biggest difference to you, I think.

If you have the grain proportions and the intended OG & IBUs, you should be able to plug the recipe into your software and get to whatever batch size you're looking for. Note that the efficiency of your brewing system will affect OG and the amount of grist you need.

 

[Willy]

My own experience with BrewFather app... Batch size means Boil Kettle.

6 gallons will end up a little of 5 in the Ferm. My 11 g batch is about 10.3 into the fermenter.

I use a whirlfloc tab and whirlpool ... Followed by a rest... This clears it up a bunch and let's me use as much as possible.

 

[PCABrewing]

If you're using brewing software, you should figure out how that software uses the term. That will make the biggest difference to you, I think.

As an example, Beersmith considers "Batch size" to be "estimated batch size of the recipe as measured into the fermenter".

 

[hilljack13]

My own experience with BrewFather app... Batch size means Boil Kettle.

That depends. I use BF as well, however on my equipment profile it clearly states "Batch Volume (Fermenter)" I believe this is a setting somewhere, though I couldn't tell you where.

EDIT: The setting is just to the left of batch volume (your preference).

 

[Willy]

That depends. I use BF as well, however on my equipment profile it clearly states "Batch Volume (Fermenter)" I believe this is a setting somewhere, though I couldn't tell you where.

EDIT: The setting is just to the left of batch volume (your preference).

View attachment 876427

I saw that - but I go commando on my hops and the bottom 1/2" of the brew kettle is a murky layer of green hop sludge. It is a pump clogging mess.

I also found that BrewFather is on the low end of hop additions (it isn't as hoppy as it should be)... So I adjust.

Yeah... Different batches can yield a little more or less, but my experience for batch size is based on brew kettle not FV - regardless of the instructions. Ha.

 

[OakIslandBrewery]

When a recipe says Batch size of say 6.5 gallons, is that what goes into the fermenter? Or is that the finished amount after fermentation?

Besides all of the great information already posted, you need to be aware of your losses during your brew day. 6.5 seems high for a five gallon batch so the recipe might be for a 6 or 5.5 gallon batch. It's hard to guess.

I aim for eleven gallons to the fermenter for a ten gallon batch but it varies. After filling two kegs sometimes I'm filling some bottles too. Don't want to waste any beer!

 

[Kickass]

I call my batches 5.5 gallons. That’s what goes into the fermenter, after all accounted for losses between the brew kettle and fermenter. That usually gives me a full keg with a little bit of beer still in the fermenter when I rack off.

The only measurement that really matters is what your desired finished goal is. How you get there is by taking notes, adjusting and fine tuning on subsequent batches.

 

[Bobby_M]

In Brewfather, you have to select whether the batch size field refers to "in the kettle" at the end of the boil or "into the fermenter".

The 5 gallon "packaged" volume has been so standardized based on 2-cases of bottles or one full corny keg that whenever i see volumes in the 6 to 6.5 gallon range, I immediately assume it's a mid-process target.

 

[worlddivides]

Interesting. I've never even thought about this before because I've always just considered the "batch size" to be the amount that goes in the keg or in the bottles. If I say a 3 gallon batch, that's 3 gallons in the keg, maybe 3.4-3.5 gallons in the fermenter, and about 5-5.5 gallons in the kettle (with some of it absorbed by the grain and a lot of it boiled off).