Help talk me off the ledge...

[Tagobolts]

Hoping to get some helpful insight...

Quick background. Started with a 10 gallon kettle, gas to do 5 gallon batches. Purchased one of those 15 gallon clearance Grounded Brewing kettles and had it stashed for a while then ordered their controller (30 AMP) 1 kettle 1 pump. Purchased a Spike CF15.

So what I need help with. I can do 10 gallon batches partially ok. I say partially because I only have a 10 Gallon Igloo Mash Tun and can not do high grain bill brews. That and can't really do any 15 gallon batches in it anyway. I can ferment it and keg it...

- Should I purchase a 20 gallon kettle to brew in (and is my 5500 watt element enough), and will my 15 gallon kettle work as a mash tun?
- Should I purchase a mash tun (15 or 20 gallon) to be able to do any type of 10 gallon batches I choose?
- Would a 20 gallon kettle used as a BIAB produce 15 gallon batches? (Never done BIAB but have thought of trying)
- Other ideas?

I am looking for insight from those who have a similar set up or went down a certain path before realizing they made a bad choice. Similar to the choices I have mad and keep upgrading for bigger and better.

 

[doug293cz]

For 15 gal BIAB, you will need a 25 - 30 gal kettle. 25 gal will get you up to about 1.060 OG, 30 gal would get you up to about 1.090 OG. Both of the previous are for full volume, no-sparge mashes, with 2 gal of freeboard in the kettle during the mash. You can always add a sparge step to get your mash volume lower. You will definitely need a pulley/hoist arrangement for 15 gal BIAB.

Brew on