BIAB in a 4 gallon kettle

[rtstrider]

I had another thread in regards to using more grains with extract. Someone mentioned using biab for small batches. I would like to give this a try to get my feet wet and learn more about the brewing processes. What size batch should I realistically look at having as an end goal with this? Say a 3.5 gallon boil and 2.5 gallons in the fermenter when its all said and done? Or should I just boil 3.5 gallons of plain water on the stove in that kettle and see how much is left after an hour to size accordingly for boil off? Either way I'm a noob and have never done full on BIAB before. I just moved up to partial mashes (with sparging) two batches ago. I was going to do a simple on the whim (from scratch) blonde recipe just to get my feet wet. Next question all I would have available for this batch would be a 6.5 gallon bucket since I will be aging pumpkin ale in the 5 gallon carboy. Would that be too large of a headspace? Sorry for all the questions as I'm still a noob and been reading my tail off lol.

 

[ericbw]

I have a 4 gallon pot, and it is pushing it to do 3.5 gallons boiling. I can do 3 gallons in the fermenter, but that's maxed out.

It foams up and boils over if you're not really careful.

I usually boil off 1.25 gallons in an hour and then top up.

So I think a 2.5 gallon is a good size to try with the least frustration.

That's a little too much headspace, but it depends on how long you ferment. I've used 4 gallon buckets (not common to find) and 3 gallon water cooler bottles (preferred and easier to find).

 

[rtstrider]

I would be fermenting for 3 weeks in primary then bottle. Unfortunately the wife does not share the same enthusiasm I have for this hobby so I have to take baby steps and use what came with the beer kit lol

 

[ericbw]

I would be fermenting for 3 weeks in primary then bottle. Unfortunately the wife does not share the same enthusiasm I have for this hobby so I have to take baby steps and use what came with the beer kit lol

I think you'd be fine to try it with that bucket. During primary fermentation, there is outward pressure, which makes it harder for oxygen to get in. After it settles down, oxygen can permeate the bucket, enter the headspace, and oxidize your beer.

It will also write small checks from your bank account, such that you don't notice at first. Your kids will not go to bed when they should. Your neighbors might "borrow" your newspaper before you get it. Your best friend will betray you. It's worse than walking under a ladder with a black cat on Friday the 13th.

Realistically, 3 weeks probably is ok - don't open the bucket during that time. Not to "check on it," not to dry hop, not to take a gravity sample. Let it ride.

Look around and see if you can find a 3 gallon water cooler bottle. They usually cost less than $12 full, expecting you to return it for a deposit. So for less than $10, you have a new fermenter.

 

[rtstrider]

Hey Eric when you say 3 gallon water bottle do you mean something like this?

https://www.walmart.com/ip/3-Gallon-Stackable-Water-Bottle/180676866

The reason I like that design is the handle is not hollow so it seems like it'd be easier to clean. Also if that's the case did you just drill out a grommet hole, for the airlock, in the screw on lid or do you use a carboy bung?

 

[ericbw]

Hey Eric when you say 3 gallon water bottle do you mean something like this?

https://www.walmart.com/ip/3-Gallon-Stackable-Water-Bottle/180676866

The reason I like that design is the handle is not hollow so it seems like it'd be easier to clean. Also if that's the case did you just drill out a grommet hole, for the airlock, in the screw on lid or do you use a carboy bung?

Yes, like that. I use a drilled stopper (#10 I think).

The hollow handles clean up with oxy clean top.

 

[Weezy]

for a long time I used the cheap 16 quart $12 walmart pots for 3 gallon batches (valves cost more than the pots). BUT you can't do full volume BIAB really. Just use the bag as a false bottom. Get a second pot to dunk sparge. When i was doing stove top 3 gallon batches, which is the size I mostly brew, I usually mashed with 2 gallons of water and dunk sparge into the second pot with however much I need to get to 3.7 gallons after system losses and absorption by the grain. Squeeze the bag and dump the sparge pot into the first pot. You can gently boil 3.7 gallons in a 4 gallon pot. The boil just needs to be a gentle roll.

It's not illegal to top off in the fermenter with more water either if you have to brew with less water for whatever reason.

For a fermenter for sub-4 gallon batches, go with a 5 gallon corney keg with the dip tube bent up an inch. It's the best.

 

[ericbw]

for a long time I used the cheap 16 quart $12 walmart pots for 3 gallon batches (valves cost more than the pots). BUT you can't do full volume BIAB really. Just use the bag as a false bottom. Get a second pot to dunk sparge. When i was doing stove top 3 gallon batches, which is the size I mostly brew, I usually mashed with 2 gallons of water and dunk sparge into the second pot with however much I need to get to 3.7 gallons after system losses and absorption by the grain. Squeeze the bag and dump the sparge pot into the first pot. You can gently boil 3.7 gallons in a 4 gallon pot. The boil just needs to be a gentle roll.

It's not illegal to top off in the fermenter with more water either if you have to brew with less water for whatever reason.

For a fermenter for sub-4 gallon batches, go with a 5 gallon corney keg with the dip tube bent up an inch. It's the best.

I agree with all of this, too. I know a full volume, no sparge BIAB would be easier, but it's not that much harder to do a 2-vessel dunk sparge like this in a bag.

There are many right ways to do it!

 

[rtstrider]

Alright guys here's what I'm doing today. I have borrowed another 4 gallon pot. I'm just going to double the batch size. aka do the identical batch in both pots. For the mash rest I'm going to stick both pots in the oven on keep warm, then carry on using the identical schedules. I'm keeping it very simple too. The reason I'm doing this is I have everything but the 2nd pot (normally) to do this. This way I can use the 6.5 gallon bucket fermenter without issue. I know it's not conventional but the wife is coming around and liking the fact that I can brew a 5 gallon batch of beer for much less than extract. If all goes well I may just be able to convince her that it's worth it to step up to a full 10 gallon pot BIAB setup. I'll let you guys know how it goes!

 

[ericbw]

You better make it a beer she likes! Before you start, make sure they both fit in the oven together.

So you're doing a 5 gallon batch that will ferment in a 6.5 gallon bucket? That should be good.

When you go to a 10 gallon, you probably will need to also get a burner. The stove top will likely struggle with a large boil. Our stove has one "power burner," one "simmer" burner, and two normal burners. I wish they were all power burners - hard to even boil water for spaghetti on the regular sized burner.

 

[rtstrider]

That's definitely in the plans! I told her I'd much rather screw up my beer than hers. Wanted to do this as a trial run first and just get a process down. If all turns out well I'll be brewing her an Irish Stout (mainly for car bombs) soon. Right now I just want to see if BIAB is definitely something I'm comfortable with before investing in a big pot/burner. Good news is turkey seasons right around the corner so if all goes well maybe I can find some good deals You aren't kidding about the stovetop burners either!

 

[wilserbrewer]

Ok good for you, by all means go for it!

Not sure my recommendation for a first ag biab batch would be to run two batches simultaneously, but you'll work it out I'm sure

 

[rtstrider]

Verdict is...Thanks for the ideas! I ended up at 4 gallons with a tad too high final gravity for my recipe. I ended up adding a gallon of top up spring water to 5 gallons and FG was spot on at 1.050! Now we wait 6 weeks for the final verdict! Have to say I'm sold on the price and ease of biab!

 

[rtstrider]

I just wanted to pipe in with an update and say since swapping to this method I now do split batches. Meaning I biab on the stove top with 2 4 gallon kettles and combine it (plus top up water) to make 5 gallon batches. I have done at least 10 - 15 batches since starting this method and have learned a TON! Will say if you can do it make the switch yesterday! I now have so much more control over my brews and the end result has gone up to microbrew quality. The other good thing with this method is the cost has gone WAY down so I can brew more and learn more in the process. I would be glad to make a BIAB post documenting the methods, with pictures and the recipe (blue moon clone) I use if anyone would be interested as I'm hoping to get a brew in this weekend.

 

[Palmettoflyer]

I just wanted to pipe in with an update and say since swapping to this method I now do split batches. Meaning I biab on the stove top with 2 4 gallon kettles and combine it (plus top up water) to make 5 gallon batches. I have done at least 10 - 15 batches since starting this method and have learned a TON! Will say if you can do it make the switch yesterday! I now have so much more control over my brews and the end result has gone up to microbrew quality. The other good thing with this method is the cost has gone WAY down so I can brew more and learn more in the process. I would be glad to make a BIAB post documenting the methods, with pictures and the recipe (blue moon clone) I use if anyone would be interested as I'm hoping to get a brew in this weekend.

I'm very interested in hearing and seeing your method and learning from your experience on this. Would love the details on the Blue Moon Clone too!

Thanks,

 

[rtstrider]

Will do! Should be brewing either tomorrow or Sunday so I'll post up sometime next week.