Pot Size

[TheFreeman]

Full-volume no-sparge BIAB is popular because of the simplicity, and a 60 minute boil. You must be using a different process.

For a 5.5 gal (~21L) batch of mid-gravity beer, I typically need around 8 gal (~31L) of water to cover losses from boil-off (5qt/~5L) and grain absorption (5qt/~5L).
By heating the water to mash temp, it will expand roughly 2%, adding about 1 quart (~1L).
So that's approx 8.25 gal (~32L) of water in the kettle.

Then you add the grain.
12 lb (5.5kg) of grain takes up about a gallon (~4L) of space (displacement).

That's about 9.25 gal (35L) in the kettle. Then you need to put in the mash paddle to stir (which adds a bit of volume) and actually have room to stir without spilling the mash everywhere.

These are rough numbers for an average gravity beer at at average efficiency and everyone is going to have a different profile, but it's clear that you at least need double the batch size for a comfortable full-volume no-sparge BIAB.

Understood, so a 36L for 18L batches would be perfect. If in the future I decide to go bigger and start struggling I can then do batch sparging in coolers and transfer my wort to the kettle, since to grain will be in the kettle a 36L should be quite future proof.

 

[RM-MN]

Understood, so a 36L for 18L batches would be perfect. If in the future I decide to go bigger and start struggling I can then do batch sparging in coolers and transfer my wort to the kettle, since to grain will be in the kettle a 36L should be quite future proof.

Sparging can be done in a bucket if you have an extra. It doesn't need to be a cooler nor does it need hot water to be effective. Pull the bag out of the kettle, set it in a bucket and pour in the water (or the reverse). Dunk it up and down a few times, pull the bag of grains out to drain and you're done. Pour the collected wort into your kettle for the boil. You can do a double sparge for a little more brewhouse efficiency if you need the extra amount of water.

 

[Miraculix]

Full-volume no-sparge BIAB is popular because of the simplicity, and a 60 minute boil. You must be using a different process.

For a 5.5 gal (~21L) batch of mid-gravity beer, I typically need around 8 gal (~31L) of water to cover losses from boil-off (5qt/~5L) and grain absorption (5qt/~5L).
By heating the water to mash temp, it will expand roughly 2%, adding about 1 quart (~1L).
So that's approx 8.25 gal (~32L) of water in the kettle.

Then you add the grain.
12 lb (5.5kg) of grain takes up about a gallon (~4L) of space (displacement).

That's about 9.25 gal (35L) in the kettle. Then you need to put in the mash paddle to stir (which adds a bit of volume) and actually have room to stir without spilling the mash everywhere.

These are rough numbers for an average gravity beer at at average efficiency and everyone is going to have a different profile, but it's clear that you at least need double the batch size for a comfortable full-volume no-sparge BIAB.

You are correct sir, I use indeed a different process. I mash with ten to 12 l water, squeeze the bag out, add water till I reach my desired og and then boil. I also ferment in the same pot and use the kitchen sink as a chiller. It cannot get much simpler than this

 

[TheFreeman]

Sparging can be done in a bucket if you have an extra. It doesn't need to be a cooler nor does it need hot water to be effective. Pull the bag out of the kettle, set it in a bucket and pour in the water (or the reverse). Dunk it up and down a few times, pull the bag of grains out to drain and you're done. Pour the collected wort into your kettle for the boil. You can do a double sparge for a little more brewhouse efficiency if you need the extra amount of water.

When you refer to sparging in your comment you mean rinsing right? So I start BIAB in the Pot/Kettle then I pull the bag out and "rinse" it in more water in a bucket.

 

[RM-MN]

When you refer to sparging in your comment you mean rinsing right? So I start BIAB in the Pot/Kettle then I pull the bag out and "rinse" it in more water in a bucket.

Exactly right. Which is easier to say, sparging or rinsing the wort out of the grains after the mash is done? That's where a lot of specialized words come from, a shorter way to say things.

 

[TheFreeman]

Exactly right. Which is easier to say, sparging or rinsing the wort out of the grains after the mash is done? That's where a lot of specialized words come from, a shorter way to say things.

Understood, thanks for your help. Just wanted to make sure I am understanding you correctly.