Search found 113 matches

by bigchris
Mon Jan 26, 2015 9:41 pm
Forum: Brew in a Bag
Topic: Do I need to protect the bag from the hidden boiler element?
Replies: 14
Views: 4514

Re: Do I need to protect the bag from the hidden boiler elem

I think it is best to avoid letting the bag touch the element whilst it is on. melting point of Nylon, or polyester, is under 275 degrees (varies depending on which nylon it is). Although the water may only be 60 -80 degrees, the element itself may be much hotter.
by bigchris
Mon Jan 26, 2015 9:35 pm
Forum: Brew in a Bag
Topic: s/s shelf
Replies: 5
Views: 1862

Re: s/s shelf

I've used a cheap stainless steel colander from one of the cheapo high street shops BN Bargains or similar. Don't use carbon steel, aluminium may be OK but stainless is best. I knocked the handles off the colander and put it upside down in the boiler.
by bigchris
Tue Jan 13, 2015 4:43 pm
Forum: Brew in a Bag
Topic: Designing your own beer.
Replies: 6
Views: 2434

Re: Designing your own beer.

I use Graham Wheelers Beer engine. Very simple to use and free. Put in the recipe you just made, then, if you want it a bit (say 10%) stronger, increease the malt until the ABV goes up 10%. If you like it twice as bitter, then increase your 90 minute hops until the IBU goes up by what looks about ri...
by bigchris
Thu Dec 25, 2014 4:58 pm
Forum: Brew in a Bag
Topic: punk ipa from malt miller
Replies: 35
Views: 10170

Re: punk ipa from malt miller

Best to keep the bag off the element. I bought a cheap stainless steel colendar from poundland/B&N/similar shop and knocked off the handles. Drop that up-side down into the buffalo before puttingin the bag. Worked just fine.
by bigchris
Tue Dec 23, 2014 4:53 pm
Forum: Brew in a Bag
Topic: punk ipa from malt miller
Replies: 35
Views: 10170

Re: punk ipa from malt miller

I haven't actually done this kit, but done very similar, BIAB, using a 40L buffalo. Should be no issues, apart, perhaps, from getting a 40L Buffalo these days. I'm sure I ready they've been discontinued.
by bigchris
Tue Dec 23, 2014 3:35 pm
Forum: Brew in a Bag
Topic: 4ltr dead space
Replies: 6
Views: 2010

Re: 4ltr dead space

I too always tip my boiler to get the most out. Usually end up with some murky liquid left in the boiler.
by bigchris
Tue Dec 16, 2014 11:46 am
Forum: Brew in a Bag
Topic: BIAB Pumpkin Ale
Replies: 3
Views: 1963

Re: BIAB Pumpkin Ale

Coincidentally, I had some in October at Weatherspoons, which is what prompted me to try making some. I've tried a couple of half pints this week, rather nice and christmassy. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7555/15412371174_f4f340232b.jpg PumpkinAle by bigchrisrogers , on Flickr It is very close to ...
by bigchris
Wed Nov 12, 2014 1:54 pm
Forum: Brew in a Bag
Topic: Experiences with sight glasses
Replies: 10
Views: 3133

Re: Experiences with sight glasses

I've never used a vessel with a sight glass, either 3 vessel brewing or BIAB. Never really seen the need, especially for BIAB. Using a stainless steel rule to measure the water depth, I added, 5, 10, 15, . . . . etc. litres of water into my 40L buffalo and made s simple chart. Now when I start, I fi...
by bigchris
Mon Nov 03, 2014 8:14 pm
Forum: Brew in a Bag
Topic: BIAB Pumpkin Ale
Replies: 3
Views: 1963

BIAB Pumpkin Ale

decided now is the time to make a Pumpkin beer. Being a bit tight i thought all the shops would be selling off thier remaining pumplins cheap at the weekend, but no! All sold out :-( Eventually managed to find a decent size pumpkin (4.8Kgs). Cut it into eight pieces, scraped out all the seedy stuff ...
by bigchris
Thu Oct 23, 2014 12:59 pm
Forum: Brewing Equipment
Topic: RIP my Buffalo boiler
Replies: 11
Views: 3865

Re: RIP my Buffalo boiler

lord groan wrote:At least it had good timing RIP buffalo

or

http://www.nisbets.co.uk/Glen-Dimplex-E ... il.raction
You could just get a new element?

£54 plus V.A.T. they're 'avin a Laarf eh?
by bigchris
Thu Oct 23, 2014 12:53 pm
Forum: Brew in a Bag
Topic: Buffalo 40 ltr boiler
Replies: 18
Views: 4478

Re: Buffalo 40 ltr boiler

I use the Buffalo for BIAB and also aim for 23L in the fermenter. I use Beer Engine software which is really designed for 3 vessel all grain brewing which I used to do. beer engine calculates the total water (liquor) needed so I usually just start with that amount, typically 32L or 33L (28 or 29 cen...
by bigchris
Wed Oct 22, 2014 5:45 pm
Forum: Brew in a Bag
Topic: Where to get a biab grain bag
Replies: 21
Views: 6748

Re: Where to get a biab grain bag

Quick Summary

Piece of voile
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Redimpz
daf

brewinabag.co.uk
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jaberry
joe1002
sladeywadey


custombiab
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Lars
Cpt.Frederickson

Richies Mash Bag
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Alexlark


Make your own
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spanspoon
by bigchris
Thu Oct 02, 2014 8:26 am
Forum: Hops
Topic: Dryin' em
Replies: 30
Views: 6483

Re: Dryin' em

I use my BIAB bag. Put the hops in that and lay it flat in the airing cupboard (towels have to go elsewhere for a few days). I turn it over a few times per day and they're dry after two days. then vacuum pack them. I bought an Andrew James vacuum sealer off e-bay for around 40 quid, does the job jus...
by bigchris
Wed Oct 01, 2014 2:52 pm
Forum: Grain Brewing
Topic: Aluminium v Stainless Boiler
Replies: 7
Views: 1526

Aluminium v Stainless Boiler

I can see large stock pots available in both Aluminium and Stainless Steel. Aluminium seems to be generally cheaper. I know that Aluminium will be generally softer and thus perhaps more likely to get bent. Can anyone give pros/cons of Aluminium or Stainless pots of around 40L capacity? Thanks Chris
by bigchris
Sun Sep 21, 2014 6:56 am
Forum: Brew in a Bag
Topic: buffalo boiler
Replies: 12
Views: 3089

Re: buffalo boiler

I've been using one of these Buffalo for some time now, picked up cheap during a Nisbets sale. About a year ago I started BIAB with it and it works just great. I've read a few threads about problems with the cutout switch being a little too sensitive, and it happened to me once also but usually no p...