Smaller(er) batch BIAB Bag

[Immocles]

Hi folks,
I'm looking to switch into the world of grains and bags in the coming weeks. I'm looking at NOT upgrading any equipment from what I currently have at this moment. Perhaps at a time when it isn't -25F outside, I will considering a burner and a larger pot, but for right now it will be stovetops and 5G kettles for me.

My question is on the size of bag for my 5G kettle. I'm looking to brew 2 - 2.5G batches, as I don't exactly run through beer the way I did in my 20s. Hell, I have about 2 cases currently bottled, and another ~3 cases sitting in fermenters in the basement, so brewing a 2-3G batch every 3 weeks sounds like a good happy place to be.

Are the 5G paint strainer bags I've come across several times on this very forum the best place to start? (Sorry if this question is super redundant to the regulars) Are these frequently thrown out after 2-3 brews or do they have a pretty long lifespan? It seems any quality, brew-specific bag I see mentioned otherwise are absolutely massive in comparison to a 5G kettle. Does that really matter? Does it make the most sense to start with those from a local hardware store, and then invest into a larger, quality bag if I end up upgrading to a larger kettle/burner set up outside (especially when my wife realizes this is going to be a regular smell in the kitchen...)

 

[MaxStout]

Wilserbrewer will make you a bag that fits your kettle, just send him the dimensions. Far better than the paint strainer bags--finer mesh and lasts much longer. And they're on sale.

 

[RM-MN]

Are these frequently thrown out after 2-3 brews or do they have a pretty long lifespan?

Yes. Some throw them out, some use them until they are used up. I tore my first paint strainer bag but the second one is still going several years later. I keep thinking about one of Wilserbrewer's bags to replace it but.....Maybe when it tears I will.

 

[chickypad]

The 5 gal paint strainer bags are usually not wide enough at the opening to line the pot so I don't like them because you can't really stir. I use these bags for my 3 gal batches in a 5 gal pot, fits very nicely without a whole lot of excess. I'm currently on about batch #20 of the current bag. They also make them with a drawstring if you want one.

https://www.morebeer.com/products/mesh-bag-24.html

 

[BongoYodeler]

Two words: Wilser bag. You won't regret it.

 

[Immocles]

I have read quite a few rave reviews on the Wilser bags, but I was unsure if I wanted to get one customized for such a small kettle size. Perhaps thats the route I should go, and if I do, in fact, upgrade for summer brewing, I'd have one for each kettle. I will take that into more consideration than I had been

 

[BongoYodeler]

I have read quite a few rave reviews on the Wilser bags, but I was unsure if I wanted to get one customized for such a small kettle size. Perhaps thats the route I should go, and if I do, in fact, upgrade for summer brewing, I'd have one for each kettle. I will take that into more consideration than I had been

I have one for my 15 gallon kettle and another for my 4 gallon kettle.

 

[LittleRiver]

...unsure if I wanted to get one customized for such a small kettle size...

I'll add my endorsement for a Wilser bag custom fit to your kettle. You won't regret it. The drawstring holds the upper end of the bag perfectly around the kettle, so you don't have to mess with clips, etc.

 

[balrog]

Been using my wilser bag going on 5 years, 100+ brews, no issues. Got it for my 40Qt and am able to brew without clips with the drawstring. It is, in a word, awesomesauce.

 

[Immocles]

The testimonies here plus all the other mentions I have read on the forum convinced me. I actually went ahead and ordered one and got a shipping email a short while later, so he must run a pretty quick operation haha. Needless to say, I'm excited for the arrival and the process of actually playing with it. Sometimes it pays to get nice things first. Thanks for the responses!

 

[Gravelscratcher]

Just get a Wilser Bag already.

 

[soccerdad]

You can certainly start with the More Beer bag or a paint strainer bag to see if small batch BIAB will work for you, but the testimony of others here - and from me- says several things. 1. Wilser will custom make the bag to your kettle 2. It will last a long time with proper care 3. You will appreciate the fine mesh 4. Your confidence will be boosted, and when your confidence is boosted you make good beer.

 

[BigJoeBrew]

You will enjoy your Wilser bag so much for this kettle, that you will need to get one for your other kettle that you will cuss because it's not a Wilser. His bags are a definite upgrade and make BIAB so much easier. Happy Brewing!

 

[Immocles]

Received my order yesterday after ordering on Sunday. Very impressive shipping time considering the post offices here were shut down for the temperature plunge. I'm excited to test it out this weekend, I hope!

 

[Griffin495]

You're going to love your Wilsesr bag. Great guy to work with, super fast turnaround time and the bags are amazing. I loved the bag I got for my 10 g kettle so much, I ended up getting one for my 5 gallon kettle (2.5g batches). And then later got two more on a buy 1 get one sale for my 2.25g kettle (1g batches) and a 4 g kettle.