Suggestions on vessel sizes

[HBC]

Curious to see input on vessel sizes. I have the option of buying all vessel sizes equal in size, or two-the same size and one about 3/4 size. I am looking at at 24-gallon vessel size and a 17.5 gallon option. My focus is to have the option of doing 20-gallon batches (25% of the time).. meaning the 24-gallon is probably ideal for a BK with a little headroom for boil over and boil down.

I just checked with an online calculator, and a common recipe that I do with a 1.060 OG calls for 40lbs or so of grain, which with strike water puts me at the 17-gallon necessity for basic conversion.

Therefore, would you do 2 of the 24-gallon vessels (HLT, BK) and one of the 17.5gallon for MT or all 3 the same?

 

[brooklanebrewing]

I think you'll definitely be happier if you stick to the same size in the long run. 17 gal in a 17.5 gal vessel will be very tight. Also, i generally start with 6.5 to 7 gallons for the boil for a 5.5 gallon batch. So, for a 20 gallon batch you would have to start with 24 - 28 gallons. Boil off is one concern and i would estimate .8 gallons for shrinkage from boiling as well. Basically you'd need 20.8 gallons of boiling wort to chill to 20 gal. ( from my experience anyway).
Hope this helps
Good luck!


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[nosnhojm20]

For the most part I've seen one larger and that's the HLT. Sometime the MLT.


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[tally350z]

I would def. go with all three the same size, but if you wanted to go with one smaller make the HLT the smaller vessel.