Hop filter or hop bags for plate chiller?

[zarniwoop]

Hi All,

I've decided to go the path of a plate chiller and would like to minimise the chance of a blockage. I understand the importance of getting a good cone etc but would still like some extra insurance. What's the best option hop bags or a filter? Can anyone recommend a good cheap filter option for my kettle? (I like the beer belly one but it's a bit pricey for me - I use hop pellets if that makes a difference)


Cheers

Zarniwoop

 

[diydave]

Hi Zarniwoop

Like a lot of people, I have had a blockage in my plate chiller so know the importance of keeping the hop material out of the chiller. Its a bitch to clean out when i happens, not to mention having to pull the system apart mid brew really mucks up the brew day.

I use hop pellets mostly and use a combination of two things, I use a large hop bag that hangs from the side of the boiling pot, and also have a stainless steel pot scrubber wrapped around and bunched up on the outlet pipe.

Since I have been doing this I have never had a blockage.

Good Luck

 

[mitch.flint]

I use the Hop Blocker that craftbrewer sell.

http://www.craftbrewer.com.au/shop/details.asp?PID=4209

At $25 it does the job for a reasonable price. I actually use it as an aerator too if I need to get a little oxygen into my wort/fermentation.

 

[nathan_madness]

I've found the best filter yet is using the Blichmann Hop Rocket utilising the hop flowers as a filter works a treat. It cut down the trub from about 4L down to 2L.

 

[zarniwoop]

Hi Zarniwoop

Like a lot of people, I have had a blockage in my plate chiller so know the importance of keeping the hop material out of the chiller. Its a bitch to clean out when i happens, not to mention having to pull the system apart mid brew really mucks up the brew day.

I use hop pellets mostly and use a combination of two things, I use a large hop bag that hangs from the side of the boiling pot, and also have a stainless steel pot scrubber wrapped around and bunched up on the outlet pipe.

Since I have been doing this I have never had a blockage.

Good Luck

I haven't used a hop bag/sock before do you just hang it from the side and throw in the additions to the bag?

 

[krausenhaus]

I've got the 6" version of the Craftbrewer one linked above. It blocks up quick and it's giving me the shits. I tried using a hop bag but I feel like the hops need to dance around the kettle instead of just staying in a clump at the bottom of the bag.
I
When I finally get around to tracking down some stainless mesh, I'm gonna make a large basket that I can yank out after the boil.

 

[diydave]

I have always used the large hop sack from Craft Brewer, so cannot comment on how it affects the release of bitterness/flavor/aroma from the pellets, sure some out there has probably done both and can comment

 

[The Village Idiot]

Is there any loss/disadvantage in using a hop sack/bag v loose pellets??

 

[Kranky]

Is there any loss/disadvantage in using a hop sack/bag v loose pellets??

Not that I've ever noticed.