Hopstopper vs. Domed False Bottom

[trinitone]

why not use a hop bag?

Better hop utilization.

 

[Ryan_PA]

Better hop utilization.

Exactly. I am a slight ho head.

 

[aekdbbop]

how does the bazooka screen hold up? can it deal with pellets?

 

[Ryan_PA]

how does the bazooka screen hold up? can it deal with pellets?

According to the research I have done, they hold up to a point, but smaller hop particles do get through.

I am okay with hops in the primary, I am not okay with creating a possible infection in my chiller

 

[brewhead]

Better hop utilization.

with all due respect that's bs when it coms to real world tongue analysis

our club has basically tested this on a weekly brewing schedule. most of the hard core members use the hop bag.

you say better hop utilization - i say prove it. we have - we can't tell the diff.

if there ever were a bunch of hop heads dude - let me intoduce you to the USB

i think second place in the Carolina Brewer of the Year circuit is proof positive tha hop bags work

 

[roggae]

would it work to just bind a hopbag to a copper pipe connected to a 1/2" male fitting?

would this work?

 

[Ryan_PA]

would it work to just bind a hopbag to a copper pipe connected to a 1/2" male fitting?

would this work?

That may work if you find a way to suspend out the hop bag. Otherwise it would clog almost instantly. You need surface area...that is the key.

FWIW, I am going with the hopstopper. I know it works. I have over 2 pounds of pellets in my freezer. I plan on switching over to leaf hops starting now, but I still would like the insurance this product has proven. Besides, the email support he has given me, more than earned him the sale.

 

[brewhead]

cheaper than a hop stopper - and it works

 

[user 574]

Thats an interesting little number you got there brewhead. DIY? What's the mesh material and how does it fare in the boil? (need to replace every <n> times?)

 

[brewhead]

well yes it's totally diy

i use all thread rod as you can see to suspend the pvc coupling above the boil. the hop bag as it were is either a hop bag from your local hbs or a paint strainer from home depot. either works as they are basically the same construction and same consistancy.

in the boil it fares well - with both pellet and whole hops

i toss my hop bags in the washing machine after every use without detergent and i have yet to change them in a years time

the hop bag is held onto the pvc coupling with a pipe clamp

yes i know there are those that would counter with hop utilization - but in all seriousness - i nor any of my fellow hop heads can tell the diff - and we brew some VERY hoppy beers. if you are concerned - drop two more pellets in the bag and be done with it

i don't want to sound harsh to those who are more mathmatically inclined and calculate alpha acid utilization ratios - but seriously - i cannot tell a dff

 

[user 574]

Interesting; thanks for sharing & the bug is in my head as I contemplate false bottoms, hopstoppers etc. in my kettle. I think I know the answer and is probably above in this thread, but you do whole and/or pellets in there eh? That's a much bigger surface area than the "hop socks" my LHBS has.

I know my chaos IPA inside/out as its always on tap. I might give a bag a shot the next time I brew this beer which is probably real soon.

 

[Glibbidy]

So it's sound slike it's a PITA the build a hop stopper, Who has built a false bottom for your kettle?
Seems that they are both pretty close in price. I sure would like to get another .5 gallons out of my batches. I'm nailing gravity, but missing volume from all the hop material and trub.
I'm now actively seeking a solution, anf would consider this as a DIY if I can make it cost effective.