MeanLowerLow
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- Feb 18, 2016
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So I wanted to start a separate thread from the "Grainfather!!" to specifically discuss sparging.
How is everyone doing it?
I have been using a kettle, heating it on my stove then transferring to a pitcher to pour slowly over the grainbasket. But this is a pain. Plus, I'd like to automate this more.
So now my ideas are to either:
A) Get a small kettle with a ball valve and thermometer (similar to the new anvil kettle, but brand isn't the point here), then elevate the kettle and set the valve to sparge - of course I would need to set the kettle on something that could withstand the heat. Price around $130-150 for decent quality kettle with valve and thermometer, but then I have to monitor the temperature myself (which hasn't been too difficult so far). I suppose I could also get an electric induction countertop burner for around $60 that would prevent me having to move 4 gallons of hot water.
B) Get a GF electric sparge water heater, hook up a ball valve to it, and use that for in the same way as above, Price around $200 for the heater and the ball valve - but can control and maintain the temp on its own.
My buddy at the LHBS suggested a Blichman auto-sparge, but I don't think that would work for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the GF basket is not 12", and also 1-2" of wort on top of the basket is way more than the recommended 10mm, and would likely go down the overflow.
What are your thoughts? How are you sparging on your Grainfather?
How is everyone doing it?
I have been using a kettle, heating it on my stove then transferring to a pitcher to pour slowly over the grainbasket. But this is a pain. Plus, I'd like to automate this more.
So now my ideas are to either:
A) Get a small kettle with a ball valve and thermometer (similar to the new anvil kettle, but brand isn't the point here), then elevate the kettle and set the valve to sparge - of course I would need to set the kettle on something that could withstand the heat. Price around $130-150 for decent quality kettle with valve and thermometer, but then I have to monitor the temperature myself (which hasn't been too difficult so far). I suppose I could also get an electric induction countertop burner for around $60 that would prevent me having to move 4 gallons of hot water.
B) Get a GF electric sparge water heater, hook up a ball valve to it, and use that for in the same way as above, Price around $200 for the heater and the ball valve - but can control and maintain the temp on its own.
My buddy at the LHBS suggested a Blichman auto-sparge, but I don't think that would work for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the GF basket is not 12", and also 1-2" of wort on top of the basket is way more than the recommended 10mm, and would likely go down the overflow.
What are your thoughts? How are you sparging on your Grainfather?