First AG: Batch Sparge?

[json2001]

Ok - so I've decided to get a 10g Rubbermaid drink cooler - they are selling them for $39 bucks at my home depot.

I WAS thinking that I would buy 2 of them and fly sparge - don't quite know why I had that in my head. But then I read Bobby_m's great primer PDF on getting started with all grain and figured that maybe it would be simpler (and cheaper) to just buy 1 10g cooler for my MLT and batch sparge.

I had a few questions:

• I'm planning on buying a false bottom - I know it's recommended for Fly spargers, but I kinda want to get it so that I don't have to buy/make anything else if I go on to try fly sparging. But, will a false bottom work equally well for a batch sparge?
• I noticed to improve efficiency, it's recommended to grind the grain finer than most home brew shops do - I don't have a mill, should I get a mill off the bat for AG or can I just ask for a finer milling?
• Is now a good time for a refractometer to get gravities of the different runnings and preboil?

Think that's it for now - love to hear everyone's thoughts. Thanks in advance.

 

[PintOfBitter]

I have the same setup (but in 5 gal size) and my false bottom works well for batch or fly.

If you're not buying grain online, you should be able to specify a finer grind at the shop. I bought a barley crusher, and though I love it, I realize it is one of those things that wasn't a necessity. The main benefit to having your own mill is the flexibility it gives you with regard to timing - you don't have to worry about pre-crushed grain going stale.

I don't have a refractometer, and just use temperature adjustment on readings. I can't comment much on that topic, since I never really bother with gravity readings until I'm done sparging.

 

[Walker]

• I'm planning on buying a false bottom - I know it's recommended for Fly spargers, but I kinda want to get it so that I don't have to buy/make anything else if I go on to try fly sparging. But, will a false bottom work equally well for a batch sparge?

Yes, it works fine. I have a false bottom and I batch sparge.

• I noticed to improve efficiency, it's recommended to grind the grain finer than most home brew shops do - I don't have a mill, should I get a mill off the bat for AG or can I just ask for a finer milling?

Not really sure about "standard" milling from LHBS. You can always try the LHBS's crush the first time and see how it goes. If it is unsatisfactory, ask them to mill it finer (or run it through the mill twice).

• Is now a good time for a refractometer to get gravities of the different runnings and preboil?

With batch sparging you don't really have to monitor the gravity of the mash. Just use the right amount of water to get the preboil volume you need and go with it.

 

[json2001]

Great! Thanks guys. I think I'll give it a go then with minimum equipment! This is good news.