Electric BIAB

1. A Guide to Electric BIAB using an Urn

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   First post by Beachbum, 16 years ago

   

   BIABrewer Note: All brewers, new and experienced are encouraged to start new topics in this section provided they have read the below.
   
   A Basic Guide to BIAB using an Urn
   
   By Michael Gardner (Beachbum)
   
   Introduction
   
   For a comprehensive guide to BIAB, see the Master Guide on this forum. This article is in two sections, a general discussion followed by a 'how to'.
   
   There is a more detailed introduction to BIAB in the main Guide on this forum. However as a refresher:
   The entire water...
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   Last post by Beachbum
   16 years ago
2. 200L build (call me MrGreedy!)

   6 Replies 37985 Views

   First post by kush1960, 4 years ago

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   I’m planning a new brewery after starting with a Grainfather, which I’ve outgrown.
   I have a lot of thirsty friends and like the idea of BIAB since it’s sounds like it would be a lot less hastle and time than a 3 vessel system or larger all in one system.
   So I’m thinking of a 100L BIAB build using induction hobs!
   
   I'll be brewing undercover outside. In an area I'm having wired by an electrition next week.
   
   The build itself will be a 200L kettle with analogue temp gauge and tap, probably from...

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   Really interesting build!
   
   I think you'd have to match the volume you're producing to the packaging size, 500mL bottles wouldn't be practical I think!
   I'm also thinking about the effectiveness of the induction hobs versus an immersion element, agree your route has painful cleanup - does the kettle need to have a thick base or similar to ensure the induction works well?
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   Last post by porterman
   4 years ago
3. Moving to E-BIAB

   5 Replies 15947 Views

   First post by Am33106, 6 years ago

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   All,
   
   I've grown tired of having to fill propane tanks and being limited by weather. I'm looking at a custom Spike 15 gallon kettle with triclamp ports for the element, 5500w ripple, and a Blichmann Brewcommander for the controller and paying for a NEMA 14-30 conversion to avoid an the need for an adapter to fit my receptacle. I'm planning to pick up a false bottom with adjustable legs from Brewers hardware to keep my bag away from the heat source. I'll also be wiring in a GFCI breaker with 10...

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   Alright well I needed to use some grain and couldn't wait to test drive the induction burner with the kettle insulated. From mash temp to a boil to exactly 30 minutes with almost 3.5g/13.2l of wort. Not exactly matching theoretical times based on pure math but there are environmental factors to consider. The boil doesn't appear any stronger than my water test but it is maintaining it without the lid now so I'll take it. Without getting a bigger bag I also don't think a fourth layer is possible...
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   Last post by Am33106
   5 years ago
4. Increase heating power

   1 Replies 11419 Views

   First post by disang, 6 years ago

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   Hi all
   
   I have an electric pot (in picture). The integrated, not immersed, heating element should be 1800W.
   Pot diameter is 36.5cm, height is 28cm.
   Normally I produce 12 liters of beer.
   
   The problem is that the boiling phase isn't so vigorous.
   In order to speed the such process I can use the lid. My lid has a hole of 10cm diameter.
   So here my questions
   1)can I use the lid to speed up the start of boiling?
   2)can I use the lid during the boiling phase? Can the hole helps for DMS release?
   3) In...

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   Hi there Angelo,
   
   Sorry about the slow reply. Oops!
   
   You can leave the lid on to get to boiling point faster. You mention that your lid has a 10 cm hole in it. If so, then you could leave the lid on during the boil as that is enough of an opening to allow volatiles to escape but, I would also float a stainless steel bowl on the wort. This reduces the surface area which in turn increases the vigour which will help to pump those volatiles out.
   
   From the pics, one other thing I'd keep my eye on is...
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   Last post by PistolPatch
   6 years ago
5. "High Gravity Brewing, 240v Single Vessel System

   3 Replies 12534 Views

   First post by gvhorwitz, 7 years ago

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   I just bought this baby and am itching to put it to work. I need a little electrical work done, by a pro, and I'll be all set.
   
   I saw it on YouTube by the Basic Brewing boys (James and Steve). I trust them immensely. Almost everything I've learned has been from them.
   Has anyone ever used this system,? If you have this system, please contact me. I'm interested in your input if reference to the biabacus.
   
   Cheers,
   
   Gre

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   No problem Greg. I too have fallen off the planet wrestling with trying to install software upgrades for the site but hitting IT difficulties at each step :smoke:. I think I'll call in the big guns soon to get some of the trickier stuff knocked on the head. Good luck with the continuing of your brewing adventure :luck:
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   Last post by Hints
   6 years ago
6. The quest for a new setup

   14 Replies 27305 Views

   First post by TMX, 7 years ago

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   So this is where I will chronical the quest for a new eBIAB setup.
   
   First, some background. I have been brewing for over 10 years now. Started out doing extract on a stove. Then to a fry pot, burner and cooler. a then to electric keg with a cooler, then, a 3 vessel eHERMS.
   I then took the 3 vessel system and removed a pot, and set up to run as either a single vesseleRIMS/BIAB or a Brutus Countertop 20. Every one of those I built from the ground up myself. I took a lot of time, energy and pride...

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   Interesting read on this thread and your WordPress. You touched on LODO. Are you running a loc line sparge ring above or below the surface of the mash? What did High Gravity supply for this? I'm interested in how you/they addressed this.
   MS
   
   The LODO comment was more about how people can become cultish about things..I was the same way for a long time about Crossfit.....
   
   You know how to tell if someone is a cross fitter...they will tell you....
   I see the same thing happening with LODO.
   All of...
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   Last post by TMX
   7 years ago
7. On the comeback trail! Possibly ebiab.

   17 Replies 34459 Views

   First post by Lumpy5oh, 7 years ago

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   Hey all! It has been a while since I've really been around, but I'm getting back into brewing.
   After 2 moves and picking up an expensive offroad Jeep hobby it's time to get brewing. The Jeep group I now belong to is called The Drunken Beavers and they are eagerly awaiting me to get brewing also.
   I have completed the exterior construction of my new 12x8 brew shed and need to plan out the interior.
   My plan has been to go the Ebiab route for the brew shed. I like the idea of the control you can...

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   If you've already got this covered, then please excuse me, LumpySoh.
   What will consume the indoor height of your shed? The kettle and whatever it sits upon, and the bag when pulled, of course. Stirrer and any immersion coils have to fit into the open kettle from above, too. Will you want an overhead pulley to help lift the bag? Where will that pulley be attached to work best?
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   Last post by ShorePoints
   7 years ago
8. 95 Litre Build - Advice Needed!

   3 Replies 12144 Views

   First post by Irwazza, 7 years ago

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   Hey Guys
   
   I am putting together a 95 Litre E-BIAB build.
   
   I am looking at a 95 Litre pot from CheakyPeakBrewery and getting 2 x 2200w Elements installed.
   Now because the elements are longer than half the diameter of the pot the element will have to be installed one above the other.
   I am thinking of making a false floor that sits above the top element. This will sit approx 100-125mm High from the bottom of the pot.
   Do you guys see any issue with this? I have had someone tell me that there is too...

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   Excellent - getting a better picture now :peace:
   
   Before I write below, please bear in mind I've had little sleep for several days and so the following is a relaxing, wind-down write for me. The downside for you is that it may not end up as well written or structured as I would like - it could be more of a ramble. But, here we go...
   
   Automation
   
   I'm pleased to see you are not heading that way. It can work on a home brewery but more often than not, it doesn't. The main reason it doesn't is...
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   Last post by PistolPatch
   7 years ago
9. Urn electrical terminals upgrade.

   2 Replies 11111 Views

   First post by Muggy Dawson, 8 years ago

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   I love my 40L Crown Urn.
   I recently had to take my baby to the doctor. There I was with about 10 minutes of boil time left and I could distinctly smell the dreaded electrical burning smell. Managed to finish the batch, and even later after plugging in and testing, it was still operational. Further inspection on taking the base plate off showed a few half melted and blacked connection terminals which might not take much more punishment. Took it to a local appliance repairer and for $60 they...

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   Thanks Mally.
   Good to know it's not a one off.
   No moisture in the compartment area, but corrosion build up is a possibility.
   I told the repairer I didn't just want it fixed, but I also wanted it to never happen again, as in be in the same situation in a couple of years.
   A regular check like you say is probably best.
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   Last post by Muggy Dawson
   8 years ago
10. Peco Mash Boiler

    3 Replies 14411 Views

    First post by brumpj, 10 years ago

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    Is this type of mash bin suitable for BIAB - ?

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    I use one of these too. no problems with it at all.
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    Last post by mickspangle
    8 years ago
11. Induction Cook Tops. Need advice please

    4 Replies 19425 Views

    First post by jrstephens65, 9 years ago

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    Hello All,
    
    Last weekend while brewing a batch of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale clone in the garage with the wife she asked me why we don't brew inside the house?  I went on to explain the whole propane burner, carbon monoxide issue all the while she is intently looking at me but I can see the wheels turning inside her head.  She then asks what would we need to be able to brew inside?  To which I replied I guess we could use an induction burner .   Then she told me we should get one!!  I tried to...

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    Received my Adcraft Induction Cook-Top last week, set it up and brewed a batch of Blonde Ale on Sunday.  First, here is the link to the unit I purchased.  Shipping was great and it shipped direct from the manufacture.  If you sign up for JES's newsletter they will give you $10 off your order.
    The unit itself seems very sturdy (specs say it can hold 300lbs) and with only one manual control it is simple to operate and also lends itself to automation somewhere down the road
    
    Did some testing...
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    Last post by jrstephens65
    9 years ago
12. Documenting my eBIAB 5.5kw build

    46 Replies 68838 Views

    • 1
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    First post by Mad_Scientist, 10 years ago

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    IT'S ALIVE !!!
    young-frankenstein.jpeg
    
    MS goes electric :argh:
    
    I am 99% complete on my build, just need to re-locate my pulley and move a work bench. My PID parameters are locked in (see post #3 on the controller). I will be doing a test mash and mash-out this weekend.
    
    The element and hot pod was purchased from Bobby @ BrewHardware dot com. I got the stainless steel 5500 watt RIPPLE (see post #2 on the mounting).
    
    I can use the BobBrews Method for stabilizing the mash temps, that is,...

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    That looks beautiful MS. How did the brewday go?
    Thanks for asking Lumpy.  It went technically well, except my mash was about 2 degrees higher than expected due to the temp probe tip too close to the element.  I will offset my SV minus 2° on the next brew.
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    Last post by Mad_Scientist
    9 years ago
13. my e-BIAB rig

    3 Replies 12600 Views

    First post by MakeItStout, 9 years ago

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    Hi all, I wanted to share my set-up. I finally got it all working this past weekend - first brew was done in 5 hours (set-up to tear-down), and that included a 90 minute mash and 90 minute boil.
    
    When I started my build, I started a blog to document the process: .
    
    In summary, I brew in a bottom-draining keggle. I heat with a 240V electric element, regulated by an integrated control box built from a kit from ebrewsupply.com. The entire apparatus is contained in a home-built cart that I can...

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    Nice :thumbs:
    
    Are you happy with the controller kit? Was the book a good step-by-step how-to wiring guide?
    
    Overall, yeah, I guess. It's not a ringing endorsement, but I'm not knocking it.
    
    There's a few things I would do different (with full benefit of hindsight). One is the locking plug for the pump. I don't see a need for that. the plug from the pump is a standard USA 120V plug, whereas the outlet with the kit is a 120V locking, 3-pronged plug. If I cut the plug from the pump I void the...
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    Last post by MakeItStout
    9 years ago
14. Hybrid Electric/Gas BIAB using heatstick

    4 Replies 14870 Views

    First post by jube, 9 years ago

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    Hi there,
    
    Just considering ways to simplify and shorten my brewday. I have a big 100lt stainless steel pot that I brew 50lt batches in using gas and a propane burner but it takes a long time to get it to boil and to mash temp. I can speed it up a bit by using hot water from my hotwater cylinder but then I don't have any hotwater for the rest of the day.
    
    So I was thinking about getting a heatstick like this one
    
    Specifications if the link goes down:
    
    WOOJU Quick Boiling Water Heater...

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    As I wrote previously I bought a 3kW heat stick to help speed up my brew day using it in combination with the gas that I previously had. And ...it rocks :thumbs:
    
    The advantages are:
    - I can get the kettle to mash temperature using just electricity which means I can insulate the kettle saving energy (for me it is a BIG 95 lt pot).
    - I don't have to get rid of the insulation when maintaining the mash temp, I don't even have to lift up the bag or anything, I just stir the mash with the heat...
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    Last post by jube
    9 years ago
15. PID Issue

    5 Replies 15949 Views

    First post by Hvacman, 9 years ago

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    Just got done setting up a Electric Controller for my BIAB set up,
    here is the issue PID control turns off -0- output but my Amp meter is showing still 5500 watt draw and the element is still heating my water. If I turn of contactor it kills draw and when I turn it back on the draw is gone. Then PID is fine until the next cycle and the issue starts all over again. Any ideas?
    Wondering if maybe my Amp Meter is back feeding some how.

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    Well after a few days of playing I think I have it figured out, thinking the SSR was over heating and sticking. So I added a fan to the heat sink and it seems to be normal. But I did order a new one..
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    Last post by Hvacman
    9 years ago
16. Got my stock pot

    4 Replies 13262 Views

    First post by Hoover, 9 years ago

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    Just got my stock pot from empire supplies online and i am well happy.
    Talk about a thick base :) 35x35cm internal and handles that can lift a full pot.
    :champ:
    
    IMG_20160519_191241.jpg IMG_20160519_191230.jpg

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    Going to use the induction hobs temp setting and do a calibration run. Compare setting to actual temp, also have invested in a digital temp meter that can be calibrated.
    The only hole i was thinking of drilling was a bottom ball valve.
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    Last post by Hoover
    9 years ago
17. Advice please

    17 Replies 27574 Views

    First post by Hoover, 9 years ago

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    Im at the stage where i will be ordering items to make my vessel.
    I wanted to fit a false bottom andcan easliy make one at work but i am worried that if the element is below it i would get scorching,
    I want to have heater below with ball valve oposite so i can recurculate via mag pump upto the top in the bag . Also where would be best to put temp probe?

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    Well the dirty deed is done. 25 litre stock pot from empire supplies online, induction hob caso 2010 2kw ebay £10 this has an 11 inch heating area and temp input. Ballvalve 3 piece and a hop bazzoka. Bag is still to be brought and so is temp guage and hydrometer oh and starsan. Hoping for 3 gallon brews but 2.5 will be ok.
    Thanks to all for the advice. Will put photos up when ive got all my gear and the wet run is done. :champ:
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    Last post by Hoover
    9 years ago
18. DIY brew controllers?

    3 Replies 13041 Views

    First post by Hoover, 10 years ago

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    Are there any diy brew controllers/software available. Seen brewboss app and wondered if a arduino would work with it?
    Use to coding 30 years ago lol and i am pretty good on electrics

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    Thanks for the info :thumbs:
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    Last post by Hoover
    10 years ago
19. My first RIMS plant

    12 Replies 22381 Views

    First post by CarmineM74, 10 years ago

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    Hi everyone,
    
    I've recently completed my first RIMS plant. Mostly ordinary stuff, the usual heater element and recirculating
    pump.
    
    The plant is managed via WiFi and smartphone.
    
    I have attached a couple of pictures.
    
    Cheers!

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    Excellent! Thank you!
    
    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T337A using Tapatalk
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    Last post by Wright3599
    10 years ago
20. Dudemanbro's First Post - Copied by Moderator

    2 Replies 10845 Views

    First post by Dudemanbro, 10 years ago

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    [MOD NOTE: I've copied Dudemandro's first post to this forum as there's a lot to cover. Immediately after his first post, I made some preliminary suggestions, however, as I'm unqualified in the electric area, I'll leave it up to you to ask for pics or any other relevant information.]
    
    Hi all,
    
    I enjoy home brewing and try and use the most easy and efficient way of brewing and BIAB has been perfect for me. I currently us an Anvil 7.5 gallon Boil kettle where I do my BIAB and I recently started...

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    Will do, thanks alot mad scientist!
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    Last post by Dudemanbro
    10 years ago
21. BlitZ 25g/100liters Electric Biab Setup V2.0

    7 Replies 17019 Views

    First post by blitz, 10 years ago

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    Hi,
    first sorry if some phrases or words doesn't sound right, is difficult to explain technical things in english!
    
    after a year working on it, finally complete my Electric Biab setup, 100liters pot for 14g/52liters of finished product, dual 2kw elements with auto/manual control panel, electric stirrer and hoist, all on a mobile rack.
    
    A couple of years ago i made this biab setup with low costs elements with simple manual regulators, but it was a pain to work with, always manually stirring,...

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    Thanks guys,
    i was really scared from past experience about heating elements during mash, if stirrer was not good enough for the task, plan B was to add a pump.
    
    PistolPatch: the big pot is a bitch to clean! I hope one day to make some CIP system!
    
    Next week will do another batch, i'll let you know!
    
    Adriano
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    Last post by blitz
    10 years ago
22. Probably paranoid - recirculating biab

    7 Replies 17162 Views

    First post by aamcle, 10 years ago

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    I brewed a batch of Galaxy Delight a couple of days ago, my system is a typical recirculating BIAB. The bag is supported by a basket that keeps it off the walls of the outer vessel and off the heating element.
    
    When I mash in I am in effect mashing into the volume of water in the bag obviously this is less than the total volume in the urn. I heat the water in the urn to strike temperature.
    
    Issue 1. as a result of the above the mash in the bag will always start below the target mash...

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    I have, however I'll use a laptop next time I set up to brew. I find for general use the Nexus 7 tops it, the tablet's generally fantastic but hopeless with spread sheets.
    
    Aamcle
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    Last post by aamcle
    10 years ago
23. Rumours of the demise of Skink have been greatly exaggerated

    3 Replies 14645 Views

    First post by Skink, 10 years ago

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    Yea, though I have walked through the valley of the shadow of death...
    Okay, let's not get back into all that. I've been missing for a long time, due to that 'orrible four letter word, WORK. It's the classic Catch 22 really - when I wasn't working, I had no money to brew, and now I'm working, I've no time to brew. Anyway, my new year's resolution is to get busy again, and who knows, maybe regurgitate more Chronicles as we go (remember them?). But first of all, I'd like a little advice.
    Some of...

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    Welcome back Skink :party:.
    
    For newer readers or others who may have missed Skink's prior posts, do an advanced search of them using the word chronicles :).
    
    Skink, give as much detail as you can on the Grainfather. Like the Braumeister, I think it can be used as a single vessel/full-volume/pure BIAB system as mally suggested or you can complicate it.
    
    The instructions, on the Braumeister, at least from memory, aim towards complicating it. They don't mention in those instructions about the...
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    Last post by PistolPatch
    10 years ago
24. Upcomming buy

    7 Replies 18217 Views

    First post by JohnSant, 10 years ago

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    Hello all Newbie to the forum here. Wanted to say I've been brewing for a year and a half now and really enjoy it(the brewing and drinking). I'm getting ready to up my game to a electric system from my local LHBS and thought I would get some feed back from you all. I will say that I know that the price always comes up, but you must understand that I think the price is right for what I get with the manufacture being in my home city and being a member to the beer club the owner of the store goes...

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    Got my system on 12-30-15. Put it together the next day did see where the temp. probe was moved to the kettle instead of the top of inlet to kettle, the probe sets between the electric coils. Fired this puppy up and started to bring the temp up, my temp was having wild swings to them so had to stop and do a quick check. Found that the probe was touching the top coil after adjustment it cleared up. Didn't do a boil just checking for operation and then drained for my trub reading. I'm happy with...
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    Last post by JohnSant
    10 years ago
25. Building my first BIAB set up

    3 Replies 13520 Views

    First post by GSmoove, 10 years ago

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    Apologies if this is covered in the forums but was hoping for a sanity check on the (what I think is the most simple) set up i'm about to put together.
    
    Very basically, a 48L exposed element urn (already purchased) sitting on a bench with a 25L - 30L fermenter underneath the urn's tap.
    
    A circular sheet of voile, a rope on a pulley set up, a colander to cover the element and immersion chiller handy.
    
    After I pull the bag and boil the wort, I was going to hand stir a whirlpool while I immersion...

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    Does anybody know the Difference between Aeration and Oxidation???
    
    Yeast need a lot of Air, Oxidation takes hours or Days.
    
    The colder the wort is, the More gases it can hold.
    
    JMHO.
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    Last post by joshua
    10 years ago