Electrim Mashing Bin for BIAB

[Paddy Bubbles]

(Posted this in "Equipment" also...)

Hi folks, I'm looking for some opinions on the Electrim Mashing bin. Initially I want to use it only as a boiler for extract brews. (I was considering buying a large steel brewpot but I'd be restricted to partial boils as I don't think my hob would handle boiling 5 gallons).

I also want to go down the BIAB route in the not too distant future so am wondering if the Electrim is suitable for this style of brewing.

I've read a few stories online of the thermostat cutting out before a boil is reached. Above all I want something reliable, as they are an 80 euro investment.

If you have any experience of this product, both good and bad, can you let me know?

Cheers.

[Mattb]

I worried about whether my stove would be able to boil 5 gallons, but it turns out that it's more than capable - I had over 6 gallons going yesterday at a really vigourous rolling boil.

I have a gas stove, and the largest ring does my boiling for me - it's not one of those massive wok burners, just a regular size ring. Guess it's about three inches across.

[soupdragon]

I worried about whether my stove would be able to boil 5 gallons, but it turns out that it's more than capable - I had over 6 gallons going yesterday at a really vigourous rolling boil.

I have a gas stove, and the largest ring does my boiling for me - it's not one of those massive wok burners, just a regular size ring. Guess it's about three inches across.

Interesting.......... What size is your boiling pot?

Cheers Tom

[Spud395]

€80 is very expensive for that IMO.
You will build a better boiler for half that easily.
Get yourself out to Charlie Sheils in Inchacore (no idea where it is a Dub got mine for me)
He does the same kettle elements as those for €5.95 each and €1.95 for the lead.
Get yourself 2 of those a 33L FV and a tap and your set up for well under €40

[Mattb]

Interesting.......... What size is your boiling pot?

33l stock pot from a French eBay seller

I had 30.4 litres in there yesterday and had to watch the bugger like a hawk for boil-overs

[soupdragon]

Hi Matt

I honestly didn't think a standard 3" ish gas hob would be up to the job of boiling 30 odd litres in that size a pot. It's given me ideas now

Cheers Tom

[UKTony]

I have one and have tried 2 BIAB brews so far. Problem is its too small for a full 23L brew length as you can only start with about 26L to strike, mash out around 22L and after boil/trub/hop/dead space loses yield is around 17L at the recipe OG.

The thermostat is primitive which makes it difficult to get the boil under control so the Electrim is better used as a HLT and/or heated mash tun, which to be fair is how its described.

[Paddy Bubbles]

I worried about whether my stove would be able to boil 5 gallons, but it turns out that it's more than capable - I had over 6 gallons going yesterday at a really vigourous rolling boil.

I have a gas stove, and the largest ring does my boiling for me - it's not one of those massive wok burners, just a regular size ring. Guess it's about three inches across.

Hmm. While I'm concerned about the ability to bring 5 gallons to the boil, it's also about the physical dimensions of the cooker. I don't think a 33l stockpot would fit on the hob. The gas burners themselves are in a sort of recess.

[Paddy Bubbles]

€80 is very expensive for that IMO.
You will build a better boiler for half that easily.
Get yourself out to Charlie Sheils in Inchacore (no idea where it is a Dub got mine for me)
He does the same kettle elements as those for €5.95 each and €1.95 for the lead.
Get yourself 2 of those a 33L FV and a tap and your set up for well under €40

I used to live near Inchicore, damn!

Which FVs do you use, the Young's??

[Paddy Bubbles]

I have one and have tried 2 BIAB brews so far. Problem is its too small for a full 23L brew length as you can only start with about 26L to strike, mash out around 22L and after boil/trub/hop/dead space loses yield is around 17L at the recipe OG.

The thermostat is primitive which makes it difficult to get the boil under control so the Electrim is better used as a HLT and/or heated mash tun, which to be fair is how its described.

That's very useful info, thanks.

Another poster on Jim's advised me to get one of these for BIAB. Any opinions?

http://www.nisbets.ie/products/productd ... Code=CC193

[Beer O'Clock]

I bought one of those. They work well.
No need for fiddling with thermostats or owt. I get a good rolling boil and the capacity is fine.

[Paddy Bubbles]

I bought one of those. They work well.
No need for fiddling with thermostats or owt. I get a good rolling boil and the capacity is fine.

Well that's one recommendation!

[Spud395]

€80 is very expensive for that IMO.
You will build a better boiler for half that easily.
Get yourself out to Charlie Sheils in Inchacore (no idea where it is a Dub got mine for me)
He does the same kettle elements as those for €5.95 each and €1.95 for the lead.
Get yourself 2 of those a 33L FV and a tap and your set up for well under €40

I used to live near Inchicore, damn!

Which FVs do you use, the Young's??

This is the bucket I use and have used it for 18 AG brews as both a HLT and a boiler

[Paddy Bubbles]

most the LHBS's sell those boilers with a single element. You reckon it needs the two then?

[Spud395]

I put 2 in mine.
For speed getting to the boil, I then turn one off but find if left for more than 10 mins it becomes a feeble attempt at a rolling boil.
I find I cycle them on and off during the boil.
I also had one pack in mid boil once, it was nice to have a back-up