Does False Bottom Size Matter?

[Gravity]

Hi.

I will be upgrading my mush tun from the classic 10g Igloo cooler, to a larger stainless steel pot, mainly so I can brew larger batches.

my question is, can I use the same false bottom that i was using on the cooler for the SS pot, or do I need to upgrade to a false bottom with a larger circumference?

I know LBS sell the larger false bottom, however, you figure unless i'm applying direct heat (which i may in the future ) to the mash, then the bigger false bottom isn't really needed.

Thoughts?

 

[friarsmith]

Probably not. Is your current false bottom a circular metal perforated "plate" shape? If so, it should work fine, even if it is smaller than your kettle diameter.

I've used a variety of false bottoms over the years, from a bazooka screen to a Polarware fb that perfectly fits the circumference of my kettle and sits two inches above the bottom, to a Blichmann false bottom. If the grain crush is good and mash procedure is sound, they all are in the 70-80% efficiency range.

Regarding direct heat, just go easy on the flame and keep stirring while the flame is on, and you should be ok. Perhaps consider mashing on the thin side at 1.5 qt/lb with a direct fired mash to lessen the chance of scorching.