jhoyda said:Great build, it has me considering doing something similar. Mostly so I can set my mash temp and forget about it! Currently, I find myself checking on it regularly.
Now the nitpicking: you could have saved a ton on your stainless fittings simply by visiting the nearest plumbing supply house. Most will sell direct to the consumer. The 1-1/4" tees that Amazon sells for $31 are less than $10 from mine. The 8" nipple about $6. You never know, the guy behind the counter might be a homebrewer too
cooldood said:I wonder if you could do a one vessel brew with this.
Could you pull out the grain and screen and then go directly to boil?
That's not a bad idea and I'm sure that you might be able to but I would be leery about bringing wort to a boil in a plastic container such as this.
I wonder if you could do a one vessel brew with this.
Could you pull out the grain and screen and then go directly to boil?
cooldood said:I am thinking of turning this
Into the same sort of idea except since it is SS do BIAB
jimbonnet said:Question:
Why do you use the stainless steel basket? Would using a false bottom do the same job?
Thank you,
Jim
RM-MN said:I'm having difficulty seeing how this extra expense makes a better system than using a paint strainer bag inside my boiling pot. I bring the water (as near full volume as I can fit in my pot) to strike temp, drop the bag in and stir in the grains. Pop the lid on, insulate the pot somewhat (wrapped in a bath towel), and let it set for the 30 to 60 minutes I mash for. No stirring after the lid is put on, no recirculation, pull the bag out, squeeze the wort out of it and start heating for the boil.
RM-MN said:I'm having difficulty seeing how this extra expense makes a better system than using a paint strainer bag inside my boiling pot. I bring the water (as near full volume as I can fit in my pot) to strike temp, drop the bag in and stir in the grains. Pop the lid on, insulate the pot somewhat (wrapped in a bath towel), and let it set for the 30 to 60 minutes I mash for. No stirring after the lid is put on, no recirculation, pull the bag out, squeeze the wort out of it and start heating for the boil.
If I used a false bottom it would be hard to recirculate without getting a stuck mash because the grains would compact. By using a basket I don't have to worry about stuck mashes and I can recirculate no problem and increase my efficiency at the same time.
The MIAB system isn't for everyone...most beers, these days, can be made with a single infusion mash. You can make a great version of 90% of beers with your BiaB system, no doubt. But for people who do want to make the other 10% of beers, or want a more automated process, this MIAB system is AMAZING, when compared to a typical RIMS or HERMS system.No. I don't need the protein rest because my malts are fully modified and since I can squeeze the wort out of the bag the beta glucan rest doesn't seem worthwhile either.
I suppose I could do a step mash but it gets interesting getting the mash all the same temperature as you add heat. It's really easy to go over the temperature you want. Maybe I just want to brew beer and not worry about all the little items.
high5apparatus said:Not the case. I know a guy with this system:
and his RIMS feeds into a keggle with a false bottom, and the recirculation helps create a great filter bed, not stuck sparges.
What is that thing?
I cant tell you exactly how much $ I have into this system because Ive changed the design over the past year. If I were to guess, I probably $500-600 wrapped up into it but Im sure it could be built cheaper. I never really kept any notes or parts list but here is what I could remember off the top of my head.
Rubbermaid 10 gallon cooler - http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rubberma...ge-Cooler-FG1610HDORAN/202260809#.UUt3aOQo7Vg
I pieced together the valve assembly for the cooler, not sure of all the part #s. I used a 1/2 thread barb for the tube assembly on the cooler lid and lined with Reflectix insulation.
I had a custom stainless basket built for $150 including shipping. PM me and I will give the contact info for Chad at Arbor Fabricating.
The heater tube assembly I made from the following stainless pieces from Amazon and bought the brew heater from my local beer store for $70.
Quantity of 1 - Stainless Steel 304 Cast Pipe Fitting, Hex Bushing, MSS SP-114, 1-1/4" NPT Male X 1" NPT Female - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003H05DTI/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Quantity of 2 - Stainless Steel 304 Cast Pipe Fitting, Tee, Class 150, 1-1/4" NPT Female - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003GSKXHS/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Quantity of 1 - Stainless Steel 304/304L Pipe Fitting, Nipple, Schedule 40 Welded, 1-1/4" X 8" NPT Male - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003JQJND2/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Quantity of 3 - Stainless Steel 304 Cast Pipe Fitting, Hex Bushing, MSS SP-114, 1-1/4" NPT Male X 1/2" NPT Female - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003H05EH4/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Quantity of 1 Stainless Steel thermowell ½ FPT x 2 ½L x ½ MTP protection tube - http://www.ebay.com/itm/THERMOWELL-...822?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec1341dde
Quantity of 2 ½ x 1.5 pipe nipples
I have a Chugger Stainless pump - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chugger-Sta...193?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e73ee9fc9
Sous Vide temp controller - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Thermostat-...all_Kitchen_Appliances_US&hash=item20ce09909d
5 feet of Norprene tubing
6 SharkBite ½ swivel fittings - http://www.homedepot.com/p/SharkBit...ss-Swivel-Elbow-UC532A/202032924#.UUt6NeQo7Vg
That's about all I can remember right now.
cooldood said:Does anybody have a part number or suggestion for this "brew heater from my local beer store for $70"
Or should I just try to find a 110v water heater coil?
davekippen said:I am in awe of this setup! Well done!!
I have no experience with heat elements, how do you mount it in the SS tube? Are there fittings or something? Just a lot of silicone? LOL
davekippen said:Thanks for the detailed picture!
cooldood said:If I use this system to also boil will 110v handle a 5 gallon batch?
My guess is it will just take a little longer to hit boil
Osedax said:More questions. How accurate is the temp control? Does it seem to be a good build? I want to make a RIMS setup later this summer. I can wire up my own temp control but, if I can get one for $120 I won't need to.
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