First Full Batch Ag

[Zizzle]

My new 60l ally kettle showed up finally. I got busy cutting holes in it.

Installed a 2200W element from a $9 jug.

Broke the hole saw doing it, so didn't get to put the second one in yet. Decided to brew on the stove.

Can anyone spot the problem with this spot?

Anywas turns out my hastily made bag, is exactly the right size for the pot. Fits nice and snug. Arsey bastard.

Time to brew: another Schwarzbier, Ross' recipe.

I was quite happy with the stove for the mash because I could turn one of the elements on to low and it would hold 66 degrees with the lid on. No signs of bag scortch at such low heat either.

But for the boil, the problem was the steam condensing on the range hood and dripping. Luckily it seems to all run forward to the front, so I could put the lid on partially and catch it all.

With no immersrion chiller and no tap on the kettle to run the hot wort into a cube, I sat the lot in the tub. Took a while to cool.

It's bubbling away nicely now, I hope it tastes as good at the last.

Next time, I want to have the other element installed so I can get away from the stove, and have a tap installed so I can try a no-chill. Maybe even a brew stand since I have some steel laying around.

 

[QldKev]

"Can anyone spot the problem with this spot?"

Yep, the 2 cans of Coopers LOL

QldKev

 

[Maxt]

The drips are a problem, so is trying to lift the bag out, past the rangehood which juts out.
Least we are brewing!

 

[PistolPatch]

Congratulations Zizzle. I think you're the first person to BIAB using an immersion element. You've got me buggered - I thought the bag would melt????

Make sure you get a 2nd element before we do the brew up at Brad's

Maxt: That must be fun lifting the bag out with the hood in the way - lol!

Cheers
Pat

 

[Justin]

Wow, nice work. Kick ass pot.

Looks like a good set up coming along there. And schwarzbier, a personal favourite

Where are you going to put the second element just out of interest? I put two elements in my HLT on opposite sides of the vessel, while this has worked out pretty well I find it a bit of a PITA to have cords hanging out of opposite sides of the vessel (just more to get caught on, melt etc if your not careful).

If i was doing it again I'd consider putting both the elements closer to each other so that the cords are located together also. I'm not sure though if this will give you a really violent boil on one side of the pot, which might try to get out the top and over the side but hopefully someone else might comment who has this arrangement.

Anyway, just thought I'd post that comment in the hope it might be of some help when setting it up to suit your arrangement. Just something to consider. Worst case I'd put them 90 degrees from each other, but of course your personal situation may be different but I just thought I'd throw the idea up there.

Cheers and congrats on what's looking to be a very nice setup.
Justin

 

[James Squire]

Great work Zizzle,

Good to have yet another fully electric 'all in one' brewer out there. The results will be great mate. All the best!

Cheers,

JS

 

[jimmysuperlative]

Top Darts, Zizzle! :super:

Very cool looking kettle ...How nervous were you cutting the hole for that element?

You just need a tap now and you're set.

Great work!

 

[PistolPatch]

Forgot to mention Zizzle, make sure your digital thermometer is accurate at mash temp. As a matter of interest, I compared a few digital thermometers against my trusty brewers thermometer the other day. One was 3 degrees below, the other 4 degrees above!

 

[Screwtop]

Forgot to mention Zizzle, make sure your digital thermometer is accurate at mash temp. As a matter of interest, I compared a few digital thermometers against my trusty brewers thermometer the other day. One was 3 degrees below, the other 4 degrees above!

Checked my trusty brewers thermometer against a couple of lab types a while back it was all aver the shop. From memory 3 deg low at sacc temps and 1 deg low at 20C.

Bought a similar thermometer with SS backing and bulb guard made by Fowlers Vacola which is spot on, bigger and easier to handle as well. Checked my little Brissybrew digital thermometer also, must be calibrated correctly, it was spot on.

 

[Zizzle]

Cheers guys.

Yeah Justin, I'm thinking 90 degrees appart for the second element.

Very cool looking kettle ...How nervous were you cutting the hole for that element?

Very nervous: it took me all day plus an encouraging PM from your good self for me to build up the courage.

Then I nearly stuffed it as the bloody cheap hole saw came to bits. Ended up finished the hole with a file.

 

[jimmysuperlative]

:lol:

...and no going back!!!