3 gallon batch in 5 gallon kettle?

[JakeSparrow]

So let me start this off by saying I already have a 20 gallon kettle that I can use for 10-15 gallon batches. But I will be moving into a condo from a house, so I was looking into something smaller, and 3 gallon batches sound nice since they are a lot easier to work with, I can brew more for the price and when it's scorching hot outside I can brew indoors in a nice cool environment (with no wind!). I saw NB has a great deal on a darkstar burner + brew kit + free 5 gal SS kettle. I'd really like to pull the trigger on this deal, my question is would I be able to do 3 gal BIAB in a 5 gal kettle? Or would I have to stick to partial mashes? When it comes to brewing, I'd much rather do three 3 gal batches then ONE 10 gallon batch for the cost of ingredients. It'd be easier to keep a varied pipeline going too. And having the burner will be good for me to brew outdoors when the weather is good.

 

[JakeSparrow]

Could also do 2.5 gal batches, might be better off so there will be more room and the added bonus of easily converting 5 gal recipes.

http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/...aise-your-game-ii-brew-kettle-burner-kit.html

Also saw this too, while it doesn't come with a free recipe kit, it is guaranteed to be large enough for my 3 gallon BIAB batches and 5 gallon partial or extract mashes. Wish I could see reviews for just the kettle itself but it looks like it has gallon etchings on the side which would be useful. Overall looks like a better pot than the 5 gal free one.

 

[Oginme]

I do 10 liter (~2.5 gal) batches regularly. I find the size just about right for my stove to handle and convenient for me to brew. It also gives me more opportunities to brew a greater selection of beers and to make those small corrections in a recipe to improve it without having to swallow my way through two cases of beer when I already know that I want to change it.

And you are correct, if you like a standard 5 or 6 gal recipe it is really easy to convert it.

 

[jtratcliff]

Use a mash volume calculator ... I like "can I mash it" from the Green Bay Rackers...

Take your favorite recipe, scale it to 3 gallons And use the mash volume calculator to see how much space the grains plus water will require.

I do 6.5 gallon biab batches in a 10 gallon kettle. So I suspect you'll be fine. I typically do dunk sparge in a separate vessel, though. 12-13 lbs of grain , 7G strike water, 1.5G for dunk sparge

 

[LordUlrich]

Not really related to the question you asked, but I wanted to make sure you don't plan to use the burner inside. Those style of burners are not meant to be used inside, they do not combust as fully as a stove burner, and output carbon monoxide.

 

[JakeSparrow]

I do 10 liter (~2.5 gal) batches regularly. I find the size just about right for my stove to handle and convenient for me to brew. It also gives me more opportunities to brew a greater selection of beers and to make those small corrections in a recipe to improve it without having to swallow my way through two cases of beer when I already know that I want to change it.

And you are correct, if you like a standard 5 or 6 gal recipe it is really easy to convert it.

I agree. I like variety over quantity. Plus much better to do SMaSH beers. I'm just worried about the quality of the pot itself.

Use a mash volume calculator ... I like "can I mash it" from the Green Bay Rackers...

Take your favorite recipe, scale it to 3 gallons And use the mash volume calculator to see how much space the grains plus water will require.

I do 6.5 gallon biab batches in a 10 gallon kettle. So I suspect you'll be fine. I typically do dunk sparge in a separate vessel, though. 12-13 lbs of grain , 7G strike water, 1.5G for dunk sparge

Good to know, most likely will be going for the 7.5 g kettle to keep my options open not to mention the quality is better. So doing a 3.25 g batch shouldn't be a problem then, and I will definitely use that calculator, thanks!

Not really related to the question you asked, but I wanted to make sure you don't plan to use the burner inside. Those style of burners are not meant to be used inside, they do not combust as fully as a stove burner, and output carbon monoxide.

Ah no way would I be doing that haha, I meant that when it's pleasant weather outdoors, or if I'm doin a batch larger than 2.5, then the burner is a great option. And when it's 100+ degrees outside, I can use the small kettle for indoor use.

All in all, though getting a kettle for free is intriguing, I'd rather have options and a higher quality kettle. Think I'll go with the "raise your game II' package from NB, even though I don't know anything about the kettle (at least it has measurement etchings!).

 

[beersk]

Well, 3 gallon brew in a bag, if you're doing a full volume mash, is pushing it for a 5 gallon kettle. You could always do a normal mash in a bag in the 5 gallon kettle, then pull the bag and dunk sparge it in another kettle, then combine the two "runnings" into the 5 gallon kettle. Easy and still keeps you inside where you don't have to worry about the weather on brew day. That's why I brew inside, but I do 4 gallon batches, mash in a bag in a 5 gallon cooler. Love it. I usually end up with about 3.5 gallons of finished beer.