OK, so every brew day has had it's issues. This one being no different. But, the issue seems to be the same each time with the GasOne ball valve. I do a BIAB setup and usually do a 60 min boil. Every time I get either blockage at the screen or, in this case, blockage at the ball valve. This time I had to actually sanitize my hand and arm, get elbow deep in the wort to unscrew the screen, then push a qtip thru the open ball valve to clear all the burnt crap that was plugging it up. The setup came with a "false bottom" thing, but I have never used it. Would it be smart to try and use it next time to see if it catches the sediment before it settles to the bottom and burns? I hate to have to keep dunking my hand and arm into the wort in fear of contaminating it. Any Suggestions would be most appreciated.
Frustration with my GasOne kettle
- Thread starter redrocker652002
- Start date
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What is burning and then getting stuck in the valve? All vegetable matter should be removed from the kettle when you pull your bag.
Is this a fair representation of your kettle set?
I'd start by not using the bazooka tube in a boil kettle. I'd think it was intended to be used if one was mashing in that kettle - in which case the tube would go under the false bottom. The false bottom, otoh, probably should be used as a bag rest, seems perfect for that. But it's not going to catch anything tiny, obviously...
Cheers!
I'd start by not using the bazooka tube in a boil kettle. I'd think it was intended to be used if one was mashing in that kettle - in which case the tube would go under the false bottom. The false bottom, otoh, probably should be used as a bag rest, seems perfect for that. But it's not going to catch anything tiny, obviously...
Cheers!
yes, that is the one I have. I thought the screen would catch any material once the boil is done and the transfer to the fermenting bucket is started.
I have the same unit, I brewed about a dozen brews before going to the electric brewzilla, I always used the false bottom, and after unclogging the bazooka tube twice, with hop.matter I ditched it, I did not brew in the bag, and used a traditional 3 vessel set up, as long as I had a good vourloff and used a hop spider I had no issues, if I let the hops go commando, there was always issues, it served its purpose, and is serviceable you play to its weaknesses, the Brewzilla all in one ,is a godsend..the gas fired pot is semi retired ( like me) it now makes a fine pot for lobster and crab boils.
I like the setup for the most part. One kettle and one cleanup. I think the clogging is because the ball valve has a small nylon washer in it that has shifted and probably catches the crud. I think it is hop matter and stuff that got past the bag, or it is the proteins from the mash? Usually when I use the bazooka screen I have to go in with a sanitized hand and arm to clear the screen towards the end. I don't use the false bottom because I was told it affects efficiency. My new to me Grainfather has been a breeze in the first brew session. I only used the kettle as the recipe called for some stuff that would have probably stuck in the pump. I like doing the kettle too, but the grainfather is so much easier.
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Don't use the screen. Whirlpooling before you drain is the key to keeping junk in the kettle.
The bigger issue is that the ball valve clogs up. But when I look into the ball valve there is a nylon washer around the ball part that looks to have shifted. I was thinking of getting a new ball valve. Also, you mention whirlpooling, I can do that with a sanitized spoon right? I don't have any whirlpool attachment but I am guessing a spoon would work out ok too?
If it isn't an obvious fix, maybe post a picture. I can't imagine any 1/2" ball valves clogging in normal use.
Also it's been shown time and again you don't have to worry too much about keeping trub in the kettle. If it goes against your inner nature, I totally get it, but I'd suggest try it at least once (not worrying about it) and see how it goes. If you're worried about a bunch of hops, consider a filter aka hop spider.
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