So my gf surprised me with a kit from the LHBS, but she picked up an all grain one. I've never done all grain; have only done 2 extract batches, both of which I've used a 5 gal pot for then just topped off to get to 5 gals. I only have the one 5 gal pot and a few smaller pots (1-2 gals) that are used for cooking and what not.
I've been reading up on the BIAB method for quite some time & have been wanting to try it so it being all grain isn't the problem, getting 5 gallons out of it is what I'm curious about. If I mash (one pot, no sparge method) about 4-4.5 gals + grains (10.5 lbs) in the one 5 gal pot I have, could I then top off to 5 gals in my fermenter with bottled water? Will this ruin my efficiency?
Another alternative that I'm hoping to avoid is to just split the kit into two 2.5 gal batches, but I'd like to avoid doing twice the work if at all possible. Doing it this way I would try and knock out both 2.5 gal batches in the same day and combine them in the same fermenter. Any flaws in this plan if it comes down to splitting the batch?
Like I said, I have no experience with all grain so any suggestions on how to get the most out of this kit without upgrading my equipment would be great.
I've been reading up on the BIAB method for quite some time & have been wanting to try it so it being all grain isn't the problem, getting 5 gallons out of it is what I'm curious about. If I mash (one pot, no sparge method) about 4-4.5 gals + grains (10.5 lbs) in the one 5 gal pot I have, could I then top off to 5 gals in my fermenter with bottled water? Will this ruin my efficiency?
Another alternative that I'm hoping to avoid is to just split the kit into two 2.5 gal batches, but I'd like to avoid doing twice the work if at all possible. Doing it this way I would try and knock out both 2.5 gal batches in the same day and combine them in the same fermenter. Any flaws in this plan if it comes down to splitting the batch?
Like I said, I have no experience with all grain so any suggestions on how to get the most out of this kit without upgrading my equipment would be great.