Large hop filter baskets

[pretzelb]

Has anyone used or seen images of a hop filter the size of the kettle? I'm thinking something like a BIAB basket but for hops. It seems like the major complaint of hop filters is not getting enough out of the hops when they are contained in bags or a smaller filter. So I thought if the filter was nearly the size of the kettle then you'd eliminate that issue. But I don't think I've seen anyone try it.

 

[The_Bishop]

It has a major detrimental effect on the boil, as it effectively stops the convective heat movement of the wort.

 

[pretzelb]

It has a major detrimental effect on the boil, as it effectively stops the convective heat movement of the wort.

How? A filter should only stop the material too big to flow through. Hops should not move through but liquid still should. Especially if the basket is nearly the same size as the kettle and hops are just about as unrestricted as if the filter was not there.

 

[The_Bishop]

In theory, yes.

In reality... Not so much. you'll end up with steam bubbles under the 'floor' of the basket that will impede liquid flow.

 

[TechyDork]

We use a filer from these guys in our 20 gallon boil kettle. We use pellet hops and i have not noticed an issue with the boil, but the hop basket is only 10" in diameter and the kettle is 21". We are also using an electric element to boil and not propane.

 

[mcl]

I use one from Stainless Brewing. There are a lot of other companies making something similar now. I love mine.

 

[pretzelb]

We use a filer from these guys in our 20 gallon boil kettle. We use pellet hops and i have not noticed an issue with the boil, but the hop basket is only 10" in diameter and the kettle is 21". We are also using an electric element to boil and not propane.

What I wonder is how it would work if the basket were 20" in diameter for a 21" kettle. I don't see many examples of that.

 

[pretzelb]

In theory, yes.

In reality... Not so much. you'll end up with steam bubbles under the 'floor' of the basket that will impede liquid flow.

In theory you could replace the mesh bottom of a typical basket with a solid one and I think you'd still get flow laterally from the mesh sides. So any "bubble barrier" from mesh must not be huge. It as an alternative, you could make the mesh bottom cone shaped so bubbles are not trapped but instead quickly transition to the top. I assume most filters are flat on the bottom fur extra stability and easy storage.

 

[TechyDork]

What I wonder is how it would work if the basket were 20" in diameter for a 21" kettle. I don't see many examples of that.

I think having one that size would then cause the boil issues the earlier poster mentioned. Having a basket that is only a portion of the kettle diameter allows you to contain the hops while maintaining a solid boil. This may be why you don't see examples of people using full kettle sized hop baskets.

I think of it as the same as using a mesh bag in a hop spider type set up, or just bagging your hops. The hops are contained and the wort can still easily flow through them.

 

[Natdavis777]

We use a filer from these guys in our 20 gallon boil kettle. We use pellet hops and i have not noticed an issue with the boil, but the hop basket is only 10" in diameter and the kettle is 21". We are also using an electric element to boil and not propane.

I have one of these as well for my keggle. Whichever the biggest one is for that kettle size. Basically I needed something to stop clogging my plate chiller, but also gave me better utilization over bagging my hops.

Works great and hoppy beers come out... well hoppy. Easy to clean as well.

OP, I believe Utah Bioldiesel will custon make a basket. Here is another company that will do custom baskets. AIH also has a basket.