BIAB Brewing (with pics)

[Seven]

That turkey derrick is awesome! I like the flashy light on the top too. I may need to get one of those for my brew cave.

 

[Junkster]

Nice documentation on your process - well done! After years of brewing all-grain on a homemade 3-tier, propane-fired rig (which I recently sold) I'm building an all-electric BIAB setup and can't wait to put it to use!

 

[edecambra]

Kudos to the pics. I am a newer brewer and I do BIAB and I make much better beers.

I think I need one of those blichmann pots too though!!

 

[G_Brew]

Very nice Seven!

i've finaly finished setting up my kegging system, and I'm looking to make the leap to AG..

i really like your method, i'm sure it will have a good influence on the way i get myself setup.

Thanks.

 

[ChrisHansen]

How is the dip tube coming off your valve from the inside of the kettle affected by 20 pounds of grain in a steel turkey fryer pot laying on top of it? Im definitely inspired to make a kettle out of a keg and start brewing this way, but am trying to think of away around this problem.

 

[Seven]

How is the dip tube coming off your valve from the inside of the kettle affected by 20 pounds of grain in a steel turkey fryer pot laying on top of it? Im definitely inspired to make a kettle out of a keg and start brewing this way, but am trying to think of away around this problem.

So far I haven't had any problem with the basket resting on the dip tube. I'm sure the water volume does add some buoyancy to the grain so it's not the full weight of the grains resting on the dip tube.

Some other ideas to better support the grain basket:

• Add a wire rack or something else to the bottom of the kettle to support the basket
• Modify the basket by adding some legs or supports so it rests on the bottom of the kettle

This is a good question you've asked... be sure to let us know what you decide to do!

 

[wrench]

How is the dip tube coming off your valve from the inside of the kettle affected by 20 pounds of grain in a steel turkey fryer pot laying on top of it? Im definitely inspired to make a kettle out of a keg and start brewing this way, but am trying to think of away around this problem.

I haven't finished collecting and assembling for my keggle BIAB setup yet, but I plan to make a "shelf" out of this to cover the heating element, dip tube, etc. It will serve double duty to keep the weight of grain off weaker components, and also keep the bag from direct contact with the element to prevent melting. I just haven't decided if I'm going to cut and bend the sheet into an inverted U so that it acts as a 3-sided cage, or just cut it in a circle and use SS bolts as feet to raise it to the correct height (which would look like a tall, poorly fitting false bottom).

 

[gunner65]

I haven't finished collecting and assembling for my keggle BIAB setup yet, but I plan to make a "shelf" out of this to cover the heating element, dip tube, etc. It will serve double duty to keep the weight of grain off weaker components, and also keep the bag from direct contact with the element to prevent melting. I just haven't decided if I'm going to cut and bend the sheet into an inverted U so that it acts as a 3-sided cage, or just cut it in a circle and use SS bolts as feet to raise it to the correct height (which would look like a tall, poorly fitting false bottom).

I made a "cage" out of that same material but it was a PITA at times and the bag would get caught on it. I dithched it all together and my bag rest right on top of my 5500w ULWD element no problems with scorching the grain or burning the bag. The element easily supports the weight.

 

[Opivy]

Well, I did my first BIAB (and AG actually) last saturday.

Didn't have the proper equipment to take a gravity reading pre-boil so don't have much to say -

except for I ended up with 6 gallons after my 60 minute boil. (so my hops and irish moss and all that ended up staying in about 30 minutes longer till flame off)



---
but I was wondering if anyone does BIAB and sparges?

 

[ChrisHansen]

Some other ideas to better support the grain basket:

• Add a wire rack or something else to the bottom of the kettle to support the basket
• Modify the basket by adding some legs or supports so it rests on the bottom of the kettle

This is a good question you've asked... be sure to let us know what you decide to do![/QUOTE]

I like the idea of putting legs on the basket the best, I think I'll give that method a try once I get all the pieces together! Thanks!

 

[ultravista]

Thank you for the excellent write-up.

 

[jaginger]

---
but I was wondering if anyone does BIAB and sparges?

i do BIAB and sparge. i just heat 2 gallons of water in a second pot, and after the mash is done, i pull the bag out and dunk it in the 2 gallons. Stir, wait 10 minutes, then dump those contents into the main kettle.

i think it's pretty common to do this.

 

[Opivy]

thanks Jag!

I know it depends on the grain bill, but around how much water do you start with when you do sparge as well?

 

[jaginger]

thanks Jag!

I know it depends on the grain bill, but around how much water do you start with when you do sparge as well?

I start with about 5.5 gallons. Come to think of it, my sparge is actually 2.5 gallons b/c i lose 1 gal to grain and i shoot to end up with 7 gallons preboil.

 

[The_Dog_42]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9mq29BaLLk there ya go

Thanks Mystic, I completely missed the request. Good to know someone keeps up with things others write.

If I ever get around to finishing my ferm chamber, the derrick will be my next project for a BIAB vanilla porter.

 

[ChrisHansen]

Seven,

quick question, what are the real dimensions of that 44-quart Bayou Classic model B144 stainless steel perforated basket that you use? I've been looking around on the net and I keep finding 2 different measurements for the same basket. Is it 13.5" deep by 11" wide? If so that would be perfect for my kettle, thanks

 

[Seven]

Seven,

quick question, what are the real dimensions of that 44-quart Bayou Classic model B144 stainless steel perforated basket that you use? I've been looking around on the net and I keep finding 2 different measurements for the same basket. Is it 13.5" deep by 11" wide? If so that would be perfect for my kettle, thanks

My basket is 13.5" wide by 12.75" height.

 

[ChrisHansen]

Thanks a ton for the quick response seven! you just saved me a headache from having to return a useless item! cheers!

 

[ChrisHansen]

Unfortunately I'm working with a 12" opening on the top of my newly converted kegel, so the only basket I can find that fits is this one: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00062VZOW/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

downside is it's only 30 qts. do you think it can adequately do the job for an AG BIAB setup? thanks again

 

[Mysticmead]

Why bother with the basket? It's not needed. The bag won't burn or melt as long as you stir while heating

Sent from my Epic 4g using Home Brew Talk

 

[ChrisHansen]

true but seven's setup is sweet! It takes lifting work out of it

 

[Seven]

Unfortunately I'm working with a 12" opening on the top of my newly converted kegel, so the only basket I can find that fits is this one: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00062VZOW/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

downside is it's only 30 qts. do you think it can adequately do the job for an AG BIAB setup? thanks again

This basket may be a little on the small side for some of the bigger beers but it's worth a try. It may work fine depending on the type of beers you like to brew.

I'm in the same situation as you; I have a keggle but the opening at the top is only 12" wide... so I'm limited in the size of the basket that I can use. I may try brewing without the basket one day. As mentioned before, the metal basket isn't absolutely necessary for BIAB.

Be sure to let us know what you end up doing!

 

[gingervitis]

Unfortunately I'm working with a 12" opening on the top of my newly converted kegel, so the only basket I can find that fits is this one: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00062VZOW/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

downside is it's only 30 qts. do you think it can adequately do the job for an AG BIAB setup? thanks again

There is a little over 3/4 cubic feet available in that basket. Not sure how much space wet grain takes up in BIAB, but that gives you an idea if you can get an estimate of how much the grain will expand.

 

[Amity]

Here's what I use for helping to drain my grain bag:

It's a strainer intended for vegetables and such, with extendable arms for a sink. It supported my 10 lbs of wet grain very easily. I was able to squeeze the bag very easily (except that it was hot...).

I got 85% efficiency today.

 

[Mysticmead]

those work great. I've been using SWMBO's colander but have been meaning to buy one of those just for brewing.

 

[robcj]

Here's what I use for helping to drain my grain bag:

It's a strainer intended for vegetables and such, with extendable arms for a sink. It supported my 10 lbs of wet grain very easily. I was able to squeeze the bag very easily (except that it was hot...).

I got 85% efficiency today.

Nice. Where did you buy the colander?

I'm curious about your setup because we both have very similar gear and processes. I notice you have a valve on your larger aluminum kettle. Do you use it and was it difficult to install? Where did you get it? I could really use one on both my 17 gallon and 7.5 gallon kettles because I no-chill. I'll probably install one on my much less expensive 7.5 gallon kettle first.

 

[ultravista]

I've seen those at Wal-Mart. I may get one of those too, looks like it works well and an adjustable system will work great.

 

[wedge421]

Really nice walk through! Love the hoist as well. THis is the one method of brewing I have still yet to try. I bought a game bag and all for the grains just havent done it yet. Let us know how it comes out. Cheers

 

[Amity]

Nice. Where did you buy the colander?

I'm curious about your setup because we both have very similar gear and processes. I notice you have a valve on your larger aluminum kettle. Do you use it and was it difficult to install? Where did you get it? I could really use one on both my 17 gallon and 7.5 gallon kettles because I no-chill. I'll probably install one on my much less expensive 7.5 gallon kettle first.

I think I got the strainer at Canadian Tire, actually. Just like both of my brew pots, heh.

On our 17 gallon kettle, it was easy. The walls are pretty thick, and it didn't take much to get it leak-free. The smaller aluminum kettle was difficult because it was so thin. It took some adjusting to seal properly. In the end, though, both are leak-free.

I have valves on both because I also use the no-chill method, and need a way to get the wort into a jug at boiling temps. A valve and silicone hose is the way to go. I bought mine on Bargain Fittings, but i'd buy one from HopDawgs.ca now.

 

[mountainman13]

Has anybody had any problems with tannins from squeezing the bag? It always seemed like a no-no from what I have read, but everybody here seems to do it.