Page 1 of 1

Brew in the Bag System Build

Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 10:07 pm
by lsayer
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

Re: Brew in the Bag System Build

Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 10:30 pm
by I_used_to_brew

Re: Brew in the Bag System Build

Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2015 10:12 am
by vacant
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

Re: Brew in the Bag System Build

Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2015 10:21 am
by steve crawshaw
lsayer wrote: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
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

Re: Brew in the Bag System Build

Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2015 2:21 pm
by lsayer
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?

Re: Brew in the Bag System Build

Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2015 11:36 am
by steve crawshaw
lsayer wrote: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

Re: Brew in the Bag System Build

Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2016 10:55 pm
by darrenw
lsayer wrote: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?
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

Re: Brew in the Bag System Build

Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2016 7:22 pm
by lsayer
darrenw wrote:
lsayer wrote: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?
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?

Re: Brew in the Bag System Build

Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2016 2:47 pm
by lsayer
20160115_134208.jpg
just arrived