Brew kettle size for BIAB

[odie]

I'm so torn. I've got a 15G and a 20G and I'm trying to decide which to make into an electric, recirculating mash BIAB system. I do 6.5G into the fermenter to fill two 3G kegs (though it's possible I could do three kegs, so 9.75G at times?). Typically I'll do 7-9%abv, but as low as 6% and as high as 10%. I've made 13-15%, but wouldn't mind sparge or extra vessel if need called for it. I'm leaning 15G, but also want to add a steam condenser mounted on a 1.5" triclamp in the upper side wall. Also have a shorty Jaded chiller.

I have a 15 ish gal "kettle" (olive oil barrel) that I mounted a SS water heater element inside. Has a drain valve. I use a $10 12volt fountain pump to recirc while mashing. works wonders.

 

[Komodo]

I have a 15 ish gal "kettle" (olive oil barrel) that I mounted a SS water heater element inside. Has a drain valve. I use a $10 12volt fountain pump to recirc while mashing. works wonders.

Yes, mine is SS element, recirc pump, the whole thing. Just can’t decide if 20G will be too big for most, or 15G will make me regret not using the 20?

 

[odie]

Yes, mine is SS element, recirc pump, the whole thing. Just can’t decide if 20G will be too big for most, or 15G will make me regret not using the 20?

I do a RIS with about 25# of grain in my 15 gal kettle. It will be fine.

I really can't see making more than a 5 gal batch of RIS. You are just not gonna drink it that fast enough to wanna make a bigger batch.

I could be wrong

 

[Komodo]

My last RIS was a 15%, and I made 10 gallons. That was all bottled and I've since moved to 3 gallon kegs. I've brewed using a keggle and two 5 gallon cooler/tuns for almost 30 years. I have hit the ceiling and had to use an extra cooler, or had both coolers totally maxed with a lower water/grain ratio but again I was probably making ~10 gallons. I'm thinking the 15G is right, since I'm sticking to 6.5 gallon in fermenter. But, if I install a 1.5 TC into the upper sidewall, the 20 starts sounding better. The only reason I'm worried at all is because I'll be poking holes and welding up one of them. I guess I could do both and just try them out.