Utilization with Stainless hops filter or spider?

[okiedog]

Does hops utilization change when using a Stainless Steel hops filter? I've been wanting to get one of these: http://www.homebrewing.org/Stainless-Hop-Filter-4-x-10--300-micron-mesh_p_3180.html

 

[dthompson79]

I believe it does though someone may correct me. I have only brewed one batch with my arborfab. Set it at 90% came out good. More testing will have to be done to be conclusive

 

[jerbrew]

I can't really think of any reason why it would. And if it did, I wouldn't expect it to be in any noticeable amount.

 

[IslandLizard]

It doesn't quite boil inside those baskets, it gets to about 208-210°F, depending on size. Heat is transferred through convection from the boiling wort surrounding it.

So the lack of agitation and lower temps inside the basket, and reduced movement of wort in and out, all together contribute to somewhat lower utilization. Hop sacks behave similarly. 90% seems a valid correction factor to start with.

 

[IslandLizard]

This guy actually makes them, in all different sizes and configurations. You can buy directly from him, and enjoy free shipping, while keeping his bottom line higher:

ArborFab.com

4" is pretty small, only about 2 quarts. Depending on your kettle size, and hop charges you use, a 6" wide one or larger may be better suited. The wider and taller, the more mesh surface is exposed to the boiling wort. Keep the bottom about a 1/2 inch above the kettle's bottom.

 

[arnobg]

Not much difference, about 2 IBU's to be exact in this experiment, which could have come from other factors.

http://brulosophy.com/2016/03/21/kettle-hops-loose-vs-bagged-exbeeriment-results/

End of question.

 

[okiedog]

I seem remember reading somewhere that for best results, the hop basket should be roughly half the diameter of your boil kettle, and reach within 1 -2 inches from the bottom. Maybe it was here: https://www.utahbiodieselsupply.com/brewingfilters.php