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Best SS mash tun options?


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#1 positiveContact

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Posted 03 April 2018 - 12:41 PM

10 gal batches (so probably 20 gal capacity tun)
No recirculation will be happening here
Minimal dead space

#2 HVB

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Posted 03 April 2018 - 12:44 PM

I got a nice 15g kettle with a false bottom just taking up space:)

 

Seems these days everyone is looking at Spike and SS Brewtech but they do not give them away.



#3 positiveContact

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Posted 03 April 2018 - 12:54 PM

I think I'd like the extra capacity so I can do no sparge.

#4 positiveContact

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Posted 03 April 2018 - 12:58 PM

Any opinions on insulated vs direct fire? I'm thinking insulated might generally be better for me but it's pretty big $$$

#5 HVB

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Posted 03 April 2018 - 01:00 PM

Any opinions on insulated vs direct fire? I'm thinking insulated might generally be better for me but it's pretty big $$$

I think the insulated are nice.  But does mash temp even matter anymore!



#6 positiveContact

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Posted 03 April 2018 - 01:10 PM

I think the insulated are nice. But does mash temp even matter anymore!


Lol. I'm not sure!

In that case what is my most economical option? If I had a 20 gal kettle already I might try biab since I already have a 15 gal one there isn't much point to moving in that direction. If not insulated I really just need a large kettle with a false bottom or a pickup tube with a filter on the end.

#7 HVB

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Posted 04 April 2018 - 05:22 AM

Of it was me I would get an 80qt SS pot like this one and wrap it with insulation and leave it at that.  You could also build a "cheap" RIMS to maintain the temps.

 

You could probably make your own insulated one by using a pot like that and some kind of plastic vessel for the outside and fill the gap with spray foam.  I see plastic barrels for about 10 bucks locally that would work I would imagine.



#8 positiveContact

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Posted 04 April 2018 - 05:48 AM

I would need some kind of drain with a pickup tube or something. The kettle I have now would work if it was larger. I should try to figure out where I bought it. It came with a threaded port welded in that I could attach whatever I needed.

#9 HVB

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Posted 04 April 2018 - 05:59 AM

I would need some kind of drain with a pickup tube or something. The kettle I have now would work if it was larger. I should try to figure out where I bought it. It came with a threaded port welded in that I could attach whatever I needed.

You can add any kind of port you want with some silver solder and a torch.



#10 positiveContact

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Posted 04 April 2018 - 06:04 AM

I think this might be the same line as my kettle but larger and I guess they include a valve now. Also the plugged port.


https://www.williams...ASABEgJIiPD_BwE
Is there a reason to go for welded vs weldless fittings?

#11 HVB

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Posted 04 April 2018 - 06:13 AM

IMO that valve is junk but that is me. 

 

I like welded because if done right it will not leak.  Many have good luck with weldless though. 


If you do not mind weedless there is this for 141

 

https://www.ebay.com...FPxHnXydzTxRYuQ


Edited by drez77, 04 April 2018 - 06:17 AM.


#12 positiveContact

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Posted 04 April 2018 - 06:25 AM

IMO that valve is junk but that is me.

I like welded because if done right it will not leak. Many have good luck with weldless though.

If you do not mind weedless there is this for 141

https://www.ebay.com...FPxHnXydzTxRYuQ

Why is it junk? I just have a SS ball valve on my bk and mash tun. Seems okay.

Actually that eBay link you sent looks like the same valve I currently use. I wish I could see the inside of the weldless fitting. That actually seems like a good deal if the weldless fittings are pretty reliable and last.

Edited by pickle_rick, 04 April 2018 - 06:33 AM.


#13 HVB

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Posted 04 April 2018 - 06:30 AM

Why is it junk? I just have a SS ball valve on my bk and mash tun. Seems okay.

Okay I went back and looked at it and take my comment back. That one should be fine.  I had only looked at the red handle and it looked like one I got from them years back that had a very small ball and the flow rate was a trickle.



#14 positiveContact

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Posted 04 April 2018 - 06:55 AM

So given those two options is the welded port worth the extra cash?

#15 HVB

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Posted 04 April 2018 - 08:01 AM

So given those two options is the welded port worth the extra cash?

I would like them welded but that is me.  Only you can make that decision!



#16 positiveContact

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Posted 04 April 2018 - 08:21 AM

So do the biab people insulate their kettles? Do they usually direct heat the tun? Just curious.

#17 HVB

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Posted 04 April 2018 - 08:31 AM

Most do not it seems. Kettle is direct fired to the temp determined to mash in and then it is shut off for the mash.  I have seen some that have a light flame under it during the mash if they have the bag off the bottom.



#18 positiveContact

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Posted 04 April 2018 - 08:33 AM

Most do not it seems. Kettle is direct fired to the temp determined to mash in and then it is shut off for the mash. I have seen some that have a light flame under it during the mash if they have the bag off the bottom.


Since I'll effectively be doing the same thing I probably don't need to insulate my 60 min mashes.

#19 HVB

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Posted 04 April 2018 - 08:40 AM

Since I'll effectively be doing the same thing I probably don't need to insulate my 60 min mashes.

Go to 30 and you will really not have to insulate!



#20 jayb151

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Posted 04 April 2018 - 09:57 AM

Go to 30 and you will really not have to insulate!

 

Is the consensus that a 30 minute mash is all that's needed now?




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