False bottom for my cooler, any preferences?

DPB · Jan 10, 2010

I posted this already...in the wrong forum, so here goes.

I'm turning a 10 gal igloo cooler into a MLT. Does anyone have a preference in regards to one company's false bottom as opposed to anothers?

I thought this one may do the trick http://www.defalcos.com/products/Kettles/2967461.html but I am flying blind as I've never used one and really don't know what to look out for; I've also read somewhere that the grains get under some types of false bottoms.

I'm hoping to have all the parts necessary for my first all grain brew (kettle, sparge arm, extra burner, false bottom) in April. Thanks for any input you can provide.

DavidP · Jan 10, 2010

I have the same cooler with a similar false bottom and like it. Cons: takes about 2 gallons of runoff to get clear wort. Pros: Sturdy, easy to clean, and almost never results in a stuck sparge.

The few times I have had a stuck sparge were from 50%+ wheat beers when I didn't rake the top of the mash thus breaking up that layer of goo. Works great as long as I rake the top.

DPB · Jan 11, 2010

What kind is yours? I see quite a few online, all similarly designed with slight differences. I'm concerned that the one I happened to purchase will either be a pain to install (too big and won't make it past the bulkead apparatus) or it will allow the grain to go underneath causing it to float. Thanks for the response!

DavidP · Jan 11, 2010

Mine is likely from NB. It is tricky to get it past the bulkhead assembly, but it can be done with the bulkhead installed; you have to insert the screen sideways and then wrap it around the bulkhead. Sort of like getting a couch through a narrow doorway, really.

The only time it lets grain past is during vorlauf, and then only a few bits. Once the bed settles it's fine. It has never floated on me.

splobucket · Jan 11, 2010

I have a stainless steel false bottom from northernbrewer.com, and it works perfectly. No floating. I agree with DavidP, i do have to wedge it in the cooler a little bit to get it past my fitting. But no big deal.