Best BIAB boiler

[adonwar]

Hy guy's, I'm taking the step up from kits to BIAB and have would like to know which of these two boilers would be best and why.

http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk...teel-56-Ltr-Electric-Boiler.html#.VaO6k_mrEuc

http://www.catering-appliance.com/b...bfilEbgYxY_bkr72k_bkhggFwFC5sjF3mcaAn8f8P8HAQ

I would like to have the capacity to have 23 litres in the FV at least and have been told a 40 litre boiler would be the smallest I should can buy. If there are any better boilers please let me know. I would like to buy one as ready to go as possible. Any advice appreciated.

Thanks:

 

[Covrich]

For a True BIAB (as in no sparge ) yes you'll need around 40l

Something to note on the Buffalo boiler is it has a tap which isn't ideally suited. You may also need to alter the thermostat on it so you can get a rolling boil. The other one has a ball valve tap which you can fit a hop strainer on the inside. You will need to do some work on either (the first one you need to assemble).

Alternatively If you don't mind doing a dunk sparge you can get a 33 litre boiler all setup (it is plastic) or try one of the ACE boilers all setup and ready to go (they are 30l).

 

[ManseMasher]

http://www.leylandhomebrew.com/cat37_1.htm

Check out this site. The Buffalo is ok, but there are a few threads on here about not being able to maintain a rolling boil (thermostat keeps cutting out). You say you want one 'ready to go', the one you have linked to comes in kit form, you have to put it together yourself.

 

[adonwar]

As ready to go as possible, I don't mind fitting the element. Thanks for the link there seems to be some good stuff. Is there a rule of thumb when buying an electric boiler for biab or literally any will do?

 

[ManseMasher]

Get one that doesn't have an exposed element, if you can. Risk of scorching bag/grain otherwise.

 

[Covrich]

Get one that doesn't have an exposed element, if you can. Risk of scorching bag/grain otherwise.

+ 1 that is the main advantage, that and possibly having a ball valve tap and hop strainer is an advantage.

If the one you happen to pick up does have an exposed element you can get a flase bottom (or fashion) one to help keep the bag off.

It also helps if you're mashing you can flick the heat on if you lose heat and not have to worry about lifting the bag.

 

[adonwar]

So a tea urn type boiler with a ball valve tap and strainer fitted? I bet I can't find that on ebay. :)
Is it easy to fudge the thermostat on the buffalo and replace the taps etc?

Thanks for the advice guy's much appreciated. I know you have had these questions a million times but I just want to make sure I get the best thing for the style of brewing I want to do. :hat:

 

[Toffee]

i dont know about fudging thermostat as mine seems fine without doing so?

changing the tap and fitting hop filter was dead easy - http://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=30639

 

[adonwar]

Thanks for the replies. I have bid on and if I don't win I will order new a buffalo 40 litre boiler. I have ordered the parts from a thred on thbf and Wi change the tap. Then I hope I'm good to go much appriciated you lot. ☺

 

[GrizzlyKolsch]

Out of curiosity, why are you opting to use a buffalo type boiler? Why not just get a large stockpot and fit 1 or 2 2.4kw elements?

 

[adonwar]

My kitchen is small, the element is hidden and I have an electric hob so thought this would be the way to go.

 

[GrizzlyKolsch]

Same here - I brew in a tiny little kitchen. Did you want to do step mashes, or were you using the boiler simply to do the boil after you've pulled the bag?

 

[Covrich]

Whilst mine didn't turn out too well a few people on here bought ACE boilers and are really happy with them. Shiney boiler comes with insulated walling ball valve tap and hop strainer. has a timer and a manual thermostat on

Only 30 liters though so you will have to do a sparge unless you're doing smaller batches but that is likely the case with most electric boilers.

 

[adonwar]

I plan on doing a full volume BIAB on Saturday with the Buffalo I bought, I have ordered 2 x 167c thermal fuses and a 130c thermal cut out just in case. Thanks for all your advice guy's and I will you know how I get on. :