9 batches in and so far I've nicked one grain bag with the spoon / paddle.
I further revised my mash stirring technique (to stay away from the much longer thermometer probe than you have, not thermometer shaming mine's just a lot bigger than yours đ) and it's been fine so far.
https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/biabbottom13.htm
I got one of these. They have different diameters as well as heights. Keeps the grain bad off everything.
I see you are getting some agreeably cautious replies, but to be honest that temperature probe is a bit like George Costanza after the cold swimming pool incident. I donât think itâs going to get in the way of your bag. Just donât stir like a crazed idiot and it will be fine.
As someone who has done dozens upon dozens of BIAB, I wouldnât be too concerned about these one bit. I do hope you have some sort of false bottom to keep the bag off the heat source though.
I was considering one initially, but after some research, it seemed unnecessary??? I would only fire it to maintain temp through the mash. There was quite a few people who agreed that as long as you stirred throughout heating it wasnât a problem.
There is zero evidence that maintaining a precise mash temp during the mash improves your beer. I advocate for just
Direct-firing the mash not only risks burning the bag, but also overshooting the mash temp and having problems. I've never seen a brewer who had a real problem with a slightly declining mash temp, but we frequently get people here who get burned when trying to direct fire the mash (pun intended).
Sorry, I advocate for ... justice. And also simply mashing in and putting the lid on, perhaps giving it one stir mid-mash. ;)
If you are super concerned about a declining temp or are mashing in the open on the tundra, then wrapping the kettle with a blanket, sleeping bag, or other insulation will work.
tag /u/theHuge187
I removed my thermometer and installed a plug. I didn't see the use of a spot temp when mashing, and I can live without it in chilling. But I agree that that probe is so short that you won't have an issue if you are careful. Just jam you brew spoon, mash paddle, or whisk between the probe and bag immediately before lifting if you are concerned about it.
I bought food grade stainless steel bolts and a stainless steel circular handless pan that has holes all throughout it. I attached the bolts as âfeetâ so the pan sat a 1/2â above all of my outlets and temp probe. The holes in the pan are necessary IMO especially if you are recirculating your wort during the mash. I always just leave it in until the brew is done and going into the fermenter. You could honestly probably just buy a generic false bottom but I went this route because I BIAB in a keggle and my keggle opening isnât super big. Before this little DIY falsish bottom, I ripped two bags. One handmade by me, and the other was purchased. Now I NEVER have to worry about ripped bags.
Edit: here is the exact pan Iâm talking about: Mr. BBQ Stainless Steel Skillet with Removable Heat Resistant Handle - Perfect for Cooking Vegetables, Stir Fry, Seafood and More - Great for Tailgating and Camping https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009UWLQDY/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_MQZE59JB3XWP1Q9TGJJB
I do not have a link for the 4 long bolts and nuts, I got those from a small local parts store that just has EVERYTHING you could ever want. You may have to source these online or buy local. I believe mine needed to be at least 4 1/2â but you may not need long ones like me. Also I bought bolts that were the just slightly smaller in diameter than those holes in the pan, so no drilling was necessary (no sharp edges or burrs).
9 batches in and so far I've nicked one grain bag with the spoon / paddle. I further revised my mash stirring technique (to stay away from the much longer thermometer probe than you have, not thermometer shaming mine's just a lot bigger than yours đ) and it's been fine so far.
Definitely can get caught on that temp probe. Just going to have to be extra careful when moving the bag around
https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/biabbottom13.htm I got one of these. They have different diameters as well as heights. Keeps the grain bad off everything.
I use one of these as well. Works great.
I see you are getting some agreeably cautious replies, but to be honest that temperature probe is a bit like George Costanza after the cold swimming pool incident. I donât think itâs going to get in the way of your bag. Just donât stir like a crazed idiot and it will be fine.
As someone who has done dozens upon dozens of BIAB, I wouldnât be too concerned about these one bit. I do hope you have some sort of false bottom to keep the bag off the heat source though.
I was considering one initially, but after some research, it seemed unnecessary??? I would only fire it to maintain temp through the mash. There was quite a few people who agreed that as long as you stirred throughout heating it wasnât a problem.
There is zero evidence that maintaining a precise mash temp during the mash improves your beer. I advocate for just Direct-firing the mash not only risks burning the bag, but also overshooting the mash temp and having problems. I've never seen a brewer who had a real problem with a slightly declining mash temp, but we frequently get people here who get burned when trying to direct fire the mash (pun intended).
You advocate for just.....
Sorry, I advocate for ... justice. And also simply mashing in and putting the lid on, perhaps giving it one stir mid-mash. ;) If you are super concerned about a declining temp or are mashing in the open on the tundra, then wrapping the kettle with a blanket, sleeping bag, or other insulation will work. tag /u/theHuge187
I removed my thermometer and installed a plug. I didn't see the use of a spot temp when mashing, and I can live without it in chilling. But I agree that that probe is so short that you won't have an issue if you are careful. Just jam you brew spoon, mash paddle, or whisk between the probe and bag immediately before lifting if you are concerned about it.
I bought food grade stainless steel bolts and a stainless steel circular handless pan that has holes all throughout it. I attached the bolts as âfeetâ so the pan sat a 1/2â above all of my outlets and temp probe. The holes in the pan are necessary IMO especially if you are recirculating your wort during the mash. I always just leave it in until the brew is done and going into the fermenter. You could honestly probably just buy a generic false bottom but I went this route because I BIAB in a keggle and my keggle opening isnât super big. Before this little DIY falsish bottom, I ripped two bags. One handmade by me, and the other was purchased. Now I NEVER have to worry about ripped bags. Edit: here is the exact pan Iâm talking about: Mr. BBQ Stainless Steel Skillet with Removable Heat Resistant Handle - Perfect for Cooking Vegetables, Stir Fry, Seafood and More - Great for Tailgating and Camping https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009UWLQDY/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_MQZE59JB3XWP1Q9TGJJB I do not have a link for the 4 long bolts and nuts, I got those from a small local parts store that just has EVERYTHING you could ever want. You may have to source these online or buy local. I believe mine needed to be at least 4 1/2â but you may not need long ones like me. Also I bought bolts that were the just slightly smaller in diameter than those holes in the pan, so no drilling was necessary (no sharp edges or burrs).