Element under false bottom.

[bendog15]

I want to make the switch to BIAB electric. I make 10 gal batches. According to BeerSmith I need at least 16-17 gal pot to do single vessel BIAB for my batches. What I was thinking was getting a 20 gal pot. The pot would have a port in the bottom for draining. Another port in the bottom and one in the top to do a recirculating mash. And finally a third port in the bottom with a tri clover attachment for the element.
Looking online I don’t see a lot of false bottoms that will fit on top of an element. Naturally I would want the element below the false bottom to prevent bag scorching. Does anyone have any experience or advice with this? I’m pretty sure this design would work.

Here’s a terrible drawing of what I was thinking.

 

[Bobby_M]

I have these in 3 sizes https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/biabbottom15.htm

 

[Goowa]

Are you going to be indoors and venting? I wonder if you could get away with a 15GA kettle, and use the steamslayer? Much less boil off so I imagine you could get away with less water to start with? Love to see what others have to say about it.

 

[bendog15]

I have these in 3 sizes https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/biabbottom15.htm

Looks perfect thanks. Do u also have an element under your false bottom?

 

[bendog15]

Are you going to be indoors and venting? I wonder if you could get away with a 15GA kettle, and use the steamslayer? Much less boil off so I imagine you could get away with less water to start with? Love to see what others have to say about it.

Brewing outdoors so not needed.

 

[Bobby_M]

Looks perfect thanks. Do u also have an element under your false bottom?

Yes, it's extremely common these days.

 

[hezagenius]

I used a BrewHardware false bottom yesterday and it worked great. I have a basket with legs to keep it off the element but after the mash, I put the false bottom in to make sure the chiller stayed off the element after the boil was done. I'm actually thinking I'll use a bag next time and leave the false bottom in the whole time.

 

[bendog15]

Yeah I have a jaded immersion chiller and I was wondering if that would damage the heating element.

 

[hezagenius]

Yeah I have a jaded immersion chiller and I was wondering if that would damage the heating element.

People have said a chiller doesn't weigh enough to damage an element but I don't want to take any chances.

 

[NewJersey]

I have these in 3 sizes https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/biabbottom15.htm

do you have that available in smaller diameters?
nevermind, i see that you do

 

[paulymd]

I use one of brewhardwares BIAB false bottoms and they work awesome to keep the bag off the elements.

 

[bendog15]

Yes, it's extremely common these days.

It seems like with the wide holes on that false bottom would make recirculating mash a breeze! I read a lot on here about biab guys who crush too fine and have trouble recirculating. I was worried that a brewbag plus a fine mesh false bottom would give me trouble.