BIAB Kettle Size

[user 108580]

Looking to switch from all grain to BIAB. My LHBS is about to place an order for kettles and I'm just trying to figure out what a good kettle size would be. I've found other threads that talk about kettle size for BIAB but none of them really stated a proper size; they all just say "yeah, your 8 gallon kettle is big enough." I'm not really looking for big enough but a proper size.

I am going to be doing 2.5 gallon batches and would like to be able to make higher gravity beers from time to time (say 10% or so). Don't worry about telling me to get a bigger size so that I can expand later as I am already down sizing from a 10 gal all grain system to this. My LHBS can get kettles from 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 gal pots etc.

Any and all tips are greatly appreciated.

EDIT: Thats 2.5 gallon batches AFTER fermentation so assume 3-3.5 gal going into fermenter

 

[doug293cz]

Looking to switch from all grain to BIAB. My LHBS is about to place an order for kettles and I'm just trying to figure out what a good kettle size would be. I've found other threads that talk about kettle size for BIAB but none of them really stated a proper size; they all just say "yeah, your 8 gallon kettle is big enough." I'm not really looking for big enough but a proper size.

I am going to be doing 2.5 gallon batches and would like to be able to make higher gravity beers from time to time (say 10% or so). Don't worry about telling me to get a bigger size so that I can expand later as I am already down sizing from a 10 gal all grain system to this. My LHBS can get kettles from 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 gal pots etc.

Any and all tips are greatly appreciated.

EDIT: Thats 2.5 gallon batches AFTER fermentation so assume 3-3.5 gal going into fermenter

First of all, BIAB is all grain, just fewer brewing vessels.

The general rule of thumb for BIAB kettle sizing is 2X the batch (post-boil) volume. You can get by with less, but you need to sparge to get all your pre-boil volume.

Edit: If you want to do full volume mashes of beers bigger than 1.065 OG, then you should get a kettle 2.5X the post boil volume.

Brew on

 

[pricelessbrewing]

For 3.5G into fermenter I would probably do a 7 or 8 gal kettle. Just to make sure you can fit a big grain bill. However you could easily do it with a 6 gallon kettle too if you were willing to do a small bit of sparging.

 

[chickypad]

Doug and priceless as usual have good advice, you probably want in the 7-7.5 gal range if you're planning full volume mashes and some big beers. I do BIAB batches of 3 gal (post boil and chill) in my 5 gal pot and need to sparge all but the very lowest gravity beers, which I don't mind but you might. Also I don't usually brew super high gravity beers, and even the ones I do in the 1.080-90's range usually have some added sugar like Belgians and bigger IPA's so it's easier to get away with the smaller pot/smaller mash volume.

 

[soccerdad]

I agree with the brilliant brewers above, but I would go min 8 and maybe even 9 to reduce risk of boilover. I hate boilovers.

 

[chickypad]

Just thought of something, one nice thing about the small kettle is it fits easily in even a smaller oven, my pot is like 11" tall. I've tried a few different ways of maintaining mash temp on these small batches and putting the pot in a preheated oven is by far my favorite. Might keep that in mind if you're considering that technique, some of those 7 gal pots are pretty tall.

 

[DurtyChemist]

Buy a turkey fryer because it's way cheaper than anything your brew shop will order. I think the bayou one I have also has stuff I use during thanksgiving.

 

[user 108580]

Thanks y'all. I went with an 8 gallon pot.

I'm part owner of a brewery so downsizing my homebrew setup is the clear choice at this moment. I can always get kegs from there!