Hello all. Following my terrible performance in the winter warmer competition I have decided to blame my tools. Talking to a few of you it was suggested that a brew in the bag system might be an appropriate set up for a beginner like me. I so far have managed to secure some mesh stuff for the bag...

But I have big plans!

I'm thinking of a 33L stock pot (any ideas of where to get these relatively cheap would be appreciated), I'll build a wooden stand, so post boil I can just use gravity to transfer the liquid into some other vessel for cooling/fermentation. I'm planning on using a kettle element, (are these best installed in the flat base of a pot or is it ok in the curved side?). Ill probably use an arduino with some sensors to turn it on/off at the right temperature. That has the advantage that I can set it to start before I wake up so it saves a bit of time on brew day and I already have an arduino so no shelling out for PID controllers or anything. For a tap to get the wort out are there any rules I should worry about (any metals that leave a funny taste etc?).

As for cooling wort I've been reading around on here and some suggest just decanting into plastic jerry cans and cooling overnight. Is this a good method, does it affect clarity to cool so slowly?

I'll try and post pictures as I build although I probably wont be doing anything until mid Jan.

Cheers,
Lawrie

For pots, try....

Rajanis? http://www.rajanis.co.uk

MrLard? https://www.brewbuilder.co.uk/brew-pots.html

This is not a personal recommendation, just a seller I've had bookmarked for some time as the pots look well made and are reasonably cheap even including delivery from Italy e.g. £51 delivered for a 35L pot (I was mulling over the 70L, £64 delivered). Also, I can't see the stainless spec in the listing (304?).

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351294552197

Yes to rajanis - you can use Aluminium without any worries. kettle element in the side, with at least 1/2" clearance from the bottom of the element to the base of the pot. Mr. lard will sell you a good stainless tap, kettle element and I would also recommend the stainless shroud for the element connection. I have used the no - chill method with success and no issues with clarity. IMO BIAB and no chill is a sound and low cost method. You can just use an old sleeping bag or similar to insulate the pot while you mash. I know you say you have the mesh but I bought a bag from brewinabag.com and would recommend it for ease of use.

cheers
steve

Thanks gents, I'll probably go for rajanis seeing as its Bristol based and Mr lard for an element. why does the element need to be 1/2" off the bottom? so water can circulate?

Yes, also in case you need to mod the pot for example to have a hop filter underneath.
cheers
steve

Hi,
I've actually got an Alu pot I used to use that is now excess to requirements if you still need one, it's about 35l

Really? That would be great. How much do you want for it/what's the best way pick it up?

just arrived