I use a large one too. I don’t know the brand, I picked it up unused from a guy getting out of brewing. The mesh is somewhat open, and a portion of the hop fines go right through it. However, I like using it because it does allow me to withdraw a portion of the hops from the kettle before draining, seems to lessen the chance of a boil over at hop additions, and gives me a place to momentarily place my stirring spoon when I need to pickup something else.I have the huge Anvil version. First beer I made with it seems more hoppy than intended actually.
I think if the spider is big enough, it’s effective. I can definitely see how smaller ones and the bags/socks limit wort contact and utilization.
