ebstauffer
Well-Known Member
Equip: 80 quart Concord w/ ColoBrewSys solid-sided basket; 5500 watt element.
My problem: 5 gallon batches are a challenge. the bottom mesh of my basket is about 2 1/2" off the bottom of the kettle. At 18" diameter that's 1.1 gallons per inch of height. So before I even start my grain is mashing in 3 gallons less water which makes things a bit thick.
One thought is to make some basket height adjustments. However, the bottom of the basket is about an inch away from the element so lowering the basket might not be a great idea (or is it??).
Alternatively, I thought about how to raise the level of the water. I found these things:
https://www.webstaurantstore.com/ea...el-magnetic-block-risers-12-set/311BMW12.html
Each one has a volume of .39 gallons. I believe I can fit three under the basket so just about 1 1/2 gallons or about an inch of height. Downside is they're damn expensive.
I turn to you esteemed BIABers to get your thoughts on raising the effective height, by whatever means, of the water in my kettle.
I eagerly await your replies...
My problem: 5 gallon batches are a challenge. the bottom mesh of my basket is about 2 1/2" off the bottom of the kettle. At 18" diameter that's 1.1 gallons per inch of height. So before I even start my grain is mashing in 3 gallons less water which makes things a bit thick.
One thought is to make some basket height adjustments. However, the bottom of the basket is about an inch away from the element so lowering the basket might not be a great idea (or is it??).
Alternatively, I thought about how to raise the level of the water. I found these things:
https://www.webstaurantstore.com/ea...el-magnetic-block-risers-12-set/311BMW12.html
Each one has a volume of .39 gallons. I believe I can fit three under the basket so just about 1 1/2 gallons or about an inch of height. Downside is they're damn expensive.
I turn to you esteemed BIABers to get your thoughts on raising the effective height, by whatever means, of the water in my kettle.
I eagerly await your replies...