BIAB - Kettle or Cooler

Discuss all things BIAB (Brew In A Bag)
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Oilhead
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BIAB - Kettle or Cooler

Post by Oilhead » Sat Mar 05, 2016 10:57 pm

I am about to make the switch to all-grain and was thinking of going the BIAB route. I was planning on buying a new kettle and buying/making a bag for it, but now am wondering if the BIAB cooler route is better, an extra step but maybe more flexibility??? I would be mostly doing 5 gal batches but I can see where the option to do 10 gal would be nice. I have a couple of Coleman Extreme coolers hanging around already, so I would use one of them. Opinions would be appreciated.

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GAM
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Re: BIAB - Kettle or Cooler

Post by GAM » Sat Mar 05, 2016 11:15 pm

The answer is yes. One day after you buy your system you will change your mind.

Becky makes great products for BIAB.

Sandy

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jtmwhyte
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Re: BIAB - Kettle or Cooler

Post by jtmwhyte » Sat Mar 05, 2016 11:28 pm

Lifting a bag out of a kettle for 10 gallon batches is a PITA
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sleepyjamie
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Re: BIAB - Kettle or Cooler

Post by sleepyjamie » Sat Mar 05, 2016 11:53 pm

I've done both and brew in a cooler is easiest of the two.


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mckay75
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Re: BIAB - Kettle or Cooler

Post by mckay75 » Sun Mar 06, 2016 12:17 am

I just recently switched from BIAB to BIAC and couldn't be happier...highly recommended!

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Celiacbrew
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Re: BIAB - Kettle or Cooler

Post by Celiacbrew » Sun Mar 06, 2016 1:35 am

I've got a cooler with a bazooka screen and a couple ball valves/weldless pass throughs if you are interested. I don't know what it is worth but 20 dollars is probably enough if you are interested. I bought it off someone on here for 50 (maybe it was 75 I dont actually remember) a while back and it has served me well. It would be perfect for someone starting out.
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GAM
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Re: BIAB - Kettle or Cooler

Post by GAM » Sun Mar 06, 2016 10:46 am

jtmwhyte wrote:Lifting a bag out of a kettle for 10 gallon batches is a PITA
I got a second bag and it's no problem.

S

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Re: BIAB - Kettle or Cooler

Post by Oilhead » Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:20 am

Thanks for the replies...............seems like the cooler is the way to go.

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Re: BIAB - Kettle or Cooler

Post by Oilhead » Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:21 am

Celiacbrew wrote:I've got a cooler with a bazooka screen and a couple ball valves/weldless pass throughs if you are interested. I don't know what it is worth but 20 dollars is probably enough if you are interested. I bought it off someone on here for 50 (maybe it was 75 I dont actually remember) a while back and it has served me well. It would be perfect for someone starting out.


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jtmwhyte
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Re: BIAB - Kettle or Cooler

Post by jtmwhyte » Sun Mar 06, 2016 12:02 pm

GAM wrote:
jtmwhyte wrote:Lifting a bag out of a kettle for 10 gallon batches is a PITA
I got a second bag and it's no problem.

S
I just detest draining the bag holding it over the kettle. Even big 5 gallon batches are a pain
Nova Prime Taproom
Tap 1: Festa Brew Scotch Ale
Tap 2:
"Fill with mingled cream and amber,
I will drain that glass again.
Such hilarious visions clamber
Through the chamber of my brain -
Quaintest thoughts - queerist fancies
Come to life and fade away;
What care I how time advances?
I am drinking ale today." ~ Poe

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GAM
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Re: BIAB - Kettle or Cooler

Post by GAM » Sun Mar 06, 2016 12:29 pm

You needed a frame to set it on. Then I drop in a bucket and dunk sparge with a colander.

S

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