Kettle screen vs. ss mesh braid

[gotbags-10]

So just picked up a 10g igloo cooler. Wanting a mash tun. For now a good false bottom is too pricey. So I was wondering which works better. A bazooka/kettle screen or a mesh braid from the hardware store? Certainly don't want any stuck sparges so open for opinions. Thanks nick


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[acidrain]

I assume batch sparging?
Mesh screens don't work too well without support. They will lay on the bottom and only the area right in front of the drain will filter the grain. Then you'll get a clog.
A bazooka tube might work better unless you are going to support that screen somehow while keeping a seal at the perimeter.

 

[brewbama]

I use a rectangle drink cooler with a bazooka tube for a mash tun. Works great. Denny Conn and a bazillion other people use a hardware store mesh cover from a toilet supply line.

I'm not sure why a round cooler would make any difference.

If a toilet supply line cover doesn't work your sunk cost is like 5 or 10 bucks. Go for it.


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[gotbags-10]

What about a cpvc manifold? 1/2" with slots cut on the bottom side? I could do a couple of rows


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[JayDubWill]

I used a cpvc manifold I made for about a year. I didn't use any glue or anything on it since I didn't want those chemicals in my wort. It worked great for the first 6 months but eventually got looser and looser over time. A couple brews ago it feel apart while adding my sparge water. I ended up dumping the entire mash into my brew pot, fixing the manifold only to have it fall apart again. I tossed it in the trash and bought a bazooka screen. I should have bought one a long time ago. Well built, works great.

 

[Darken99]

I am currently using an 8' stainless braid and it filters very good. I am wondering if it is almost too good. My question would be at this point is anyone is achieving 70%+ efficiency with a braid.