Wilser BIAB

[Syncman]

2 Gal batches , Electric 110V 1500W in a Bayou classic with insert strainer, 12V ebay re-circ pump, Auber controller.

Upgraded from paint strainer to Wilser bag. Much finer strainer, but cheapie Ebay pump is too efficient. Seems to drain the wort below the insert, around the element, quicker than it seeps back through the bag, causing pump to "stall" and level to rise in kettle. Could be the holes in the Bayou strainer insert are not enough to allow a decent flow through the bag. Any solutions? Maybe something to keep sides of bag off the steel sides?The strainer is to keep bag off the element.

 

[LittleRiver]

Unless you are step mashing, there's no need for the bag to be in the kettle while the element is on.

Assuming you are not step mashing:

Lose the basket, just use the bag. Your full volume of water will be available to the grains.

Lose the pump, you don't need it. Plenty of people get low 80's efficiency without sparging at all.

If you grind very fine (.025") conversion will be over very quickly (~10 min), before you lose too much heat. You'll want to mash longer than that for flavor, but conversion happens very quickly with finely milled grains. A little insulation over the kettle will help hold temps, and is a lot less hassle than a recirculation system.