Blue barrels as boilers

[TSMCCKMC]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone has used the blue food grade HDPE barrels for an AG brew.

If so how much liquor was lost in the boil when using a 60lt barrel. I know this is a very specific question but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Just I'm thinking of making a set up out of these and was thinking it might be worth having two if the loss is quite high.

Thanks

KMC

 

[graysalchemy]

I use those 60l food barrels with no problems at all. They are about 3mm thick so quite good. You will need two kettle elements for a boiler or HLT however the last two brews I have suffered with an element dying and have managed a rolling boil.

They in actual fact hold more than 60l probably 65l, the loses are the same as any boil I tend to do 55l brews no bother. I also use one insulated as a mash tun. However when you do big 55+l brews you need to refil the HLT for your sparge as 55l of a strong beer usually takes 70L of liqour.

I found that the ones I have got had small holes on the hand grip from mechanical handlers which needed filling with epoxy glue.

Hope this has been helpful.

:

AG

 

[TSMCCKMC]

Grays,

Thanks for that matey. Really is a help. Just didn't want to make to much or too little is all.

If I've worked it out about right then the 60lt barrels should be fine for what I need.

Just need to get all the bits now! = )

Thanks again

KMC

 

[graysalchemy]

No problem.

:

AG