New Kettle for BIAB

[arnobg]

I got an extra $100 during the holidays that I wasn't expecting and am considering putting it towards a new brew kettle for my BIAB setup.

I currently have a 9 Gallon Bayou but want something larger so that I can do a full volume mash with no sparge. I do 5-5.5 gallon batches but have an interest in MAYBE doing 8-10 gallon batches in the future if brewing for family events. I am considering between 10/15 Gallon and either SS Brewtech/Spike. Likely only need a thermometer and ball valve.

Open to all suggestions and advice including kettles not listed. I have also considered using the old kettle as a HLT and moving away from BIAB because it looks more fun, but I don't know right now that may be a dumb idea.

 

[Gavin C]

Don't bother with a dial thermometer. Got one and have since removed it. Save your money put it toward a good thermometer like a Thermapen.

 

[wilserbrewer]

A 15 or 20 gallon concord kettle and DIY valve, just a suggestion.

 

[mcgimpkins]

Bayou Classic makes some 10-25 gallon pots that come with steamer baskets that you can line with a bag and hang over your pot when you are done. You just need a DIY valve.

In addition not sure if you are doing anything electric, or have the money to burn, but Colorado Brew Systems, High Gravity Brewing, and Brew Boss all make some pretty neat BIAB automated systems that make the brew day pretty easy.

 

[sillbeer]

I have a 80 quart Concord kettle and couldn't be happier. I picked it up on eBay for just under $100. I put another $35 into fittings and about $90 to a shop for welding.

 

[arnobg]

Any suggestions on a Spike vs SS Brewtech?

 

[Sconnie12]

Any suggestions on a Spike vs SS Brewtech?

I like SS for conicals but Spike for their kettles. Spike offers welded fittings (the welds are immaculate), nice sight glass design, awesome false bottom along with their domed bottom design and there pickup tubes are all push to connect so they just pop in and out. No contest for me!

 

[arnobg]

I'm having issues deciding between the 10 gallon and 15 gallon. The spike 10 gallon kettles give you 11 gallons of space which is an extra gallon. My mash with BIAB is usually around 8 gallons volume as it is for normal grain bills.

15 gallons seems like it would leave a lot of unused room and after the boil the entire chiller might not even be submerged? I know it would be great for larger grain bills though or bigger batches but will also have increased boil off.

Any suggestions on which might be best?

 

[Bobby_M]

If you plan to stick to 5 gallon batches, 11 gallons is enough to make just about any strength without sparging. You mention stepping up to larger batches and that where 11 gallons won't cut it. The bayou 62 quart is a good size because I can do any strength 5 gallon batch and up to 1.075 OG of 10 gallons. Yes, a 5 gallon batch would require an immersion chiller that's a bit wider and flatter, but so what?