bakins
Well-Known Member
Feel free to skip this paragraph, it's my own rationalization...
I've been pricing out HERMS vs RIMS, etc. (For some reason, I can't hold mash temps for crap in my 5 gallon round cooler). RIMS is expensive (relatively speaking) and I've had some issues with HERMS in my testing (10 gallon HLT and with a 240V element in bottom leaves little actual water depth to cover coil and I use bought RO water, so I don't want to just to fill it up more.)
I experimented with brew in a bag in my electric brew kettle like setup. I used a SS vegetable steamer raised about 3 inches off the bottom to clear the element. I had some issues with holding temps (it can be chilly in my basement) so I recirculated the mash. I had crap efficiency and the bag was heavy as heck, so I didn't really like doing that and the 240V element was probably a little much.
So, I got to thinking, couldn't I modify the BIAB setup to be a "normal" MLT? Basically, use 120V to power an element (so it will be very low wattage), using grain bag for the grain on a raised "platform" above the element, and recirculating. I would probably just use a simple Ranco/Love temperature controller.
General parts list:
-Stock pot. my BK and HLT are $40 40 qt Aluminum
-SS vegetable steamer $5
-SS machine screws and nuts, washers. to raise steamer. $5
-Temperature controller - ~$50
-Heating element - ~$10
-Various electrical odds and ends - $20
-ball valve - use existing one or $30 or so to buy
Of course, I guess I can't complain about RIMS being pricey after listing that out. Anyway, was just brainstrorming. I may post a pic or 2 of a mock-up.
I've been pricing out HERMS vs RIMS, etc. (For some reason, I can't hold mash temps for crap in my 5 gallon round cooler). RIMS is expensive (relatively speaking) and I've had some issues with HERMS in my testing (10 gallon HLT and with a 240V element in bottom leaves little actual water depth to cover coil and I use bought RO water, so I don't want to just to fill it up more.)
I experimented with brew in a bag in my electric brew kettle like setup. I used a SS vegetable steamer raised about 3 inches off the bottom to clear the element. I had some issues with holding temps (it can be chilly in my basement) so I recirculated the mash. I had crap efficiency and the bag was heavy as heck, so I didn't really like doing that and the 240V element was probably a little much.
So, I got to thinking, couldn't I modify the BIAB setup to be a "normal" MLT? Basically, use 120V to power an element (so it will be very low wattage), using grain bag for the grain on a raised "platform" above the element, and recirculating. I would probably just use a simple Ranco/Love temperature controller.
General parts list:
-Stock pot. my BK and HLT are $40 40 qt Aluminum
-SS vegetable steamer $5
-SS machine screws and nuts, washers. to raise steamer. $5
-Temperature controller - ~$50
-Heating element - ~$10
-Various electrical odds and ends - $20
-ball valve - use existing one or $30 or so to buy
Of course, I guess I can't complain about RIMS being pricey after listing that out. Anyway, was just brainstrorming. I may post a pic or 2 of a mock-up.