I've had good results with Novalager and brewing Helle lagers. Three successfully done and no off flavors. I start at 12C and then once nearly complete push to 20C. Cold crash after that for a couple of days - then keg. Then I leave it for 4 weeks before starting to drink. Brewfather...
Also used LalBrew Munich Classic. Tried a couple of varieties as well but this one got me the flavour I was after. The manufacturer was also kind enough to respond to my query how to get more banana flavour. They said shoot for 22C fermentation temperature. I did and it's spot on. They also...
Single best thing I ever changed which had the highest impact to my beer quality and constancy was a beer fermentation fridge. Cheap or free fridge with a cheap temperature control was all I needed. I ferment most ales at 18c.
Kegs make life a lot easier.
Thanks for the reply. I use the top screen as well when using the pump - so was hoping that would prevent any suck back in the pump pipe. And I use the plug in the overflow pipe when filling the malt pipe with grain. The overflow goes down the overflow pipe if draining through the grain bed...
I have the KegLand BrewZilla 35l and use it with with malt pipe plus the fine stainless steal mesh as well. While mashing I run the pump to maintain temperature in the mash bed. Most times the pump blocks with some grain getting through I'm guessing between the malt pipe and the bottom screen...