BIAB Recirculating Kettle Set - 85L

A single kettle Tri-Clamp based recirculating BIAB kettle set that is simple, elegant and time saving. This set extends the BIAB Kettle Set with the added ability to recirculate during mashing and after boiling.

The kit includes parts to implement the highly recommended "split recirculation" for BIAB, as well as an eyelet installed in the brew bag to allow recirculation through the top Tri-Clamp opening. We've also included the additional clamps and gaskets you'll need when installing a pump. To complete the set, you will need a pump and 3 hose sections with 2 hose hose barbs each. 

This product contains the following items: 

The set includes a combined short Tee and a long thermowell for the front lower Tri-Clamp connection as a kettle inlet for recirculation under the false bottom (the 85L/115L sets have two heating elements):

Due to the variety of mounting and connection options, the set is sold without some necessary components. The choice of the brewing stand will affect how you mount the pump and connect it to the system. To build a BIAB circulating system, you should usually add the following parts:

• A pump, possibly with mounting accessories. The Blichmann Riptide pump has an integrated outlet valve for flow control. 
• Hose barbs and tubing or stainless steel fittings. For 85L and 115L I recommend using 1" hose barbs and fittings with 19x30 mm silicone tubing.
• Kettle extension legs or an open brew stand.
• A controller for temperature control.

See the "frequently bought together" products below for some recommended additions to the set. 

System Design

This set expands on the BIAB Standard Set with the ability to recirculate during mashing and after boiling. For recirculation you need access to the lower Tri-Clamp port. If you are working with a standard tabletop, you can easily do this with the 14 cm leg extensions (sold separately). Please note that 80-90 cm high gastronomy tables may be too high to comfortably reach the top of the kettle. Alternatively, you can bolt the kettle directly to the floor with our 45 or 65 cm leg extensions and foot plates. 

The high-flow false bottom provides better recirculation and protects the BIAB bag from the heating element. By circulating and with a suitable controller, you can maintain the temperature of the mash and program your mash schedule. When you're done mashing, simply lift out the mash bag with the included pulley. The false bottom and stand remain in the kettle during the boil. 

While boiling, you can add hops directly to the kettle - no more Hop Spider needed! Thanks to the bottom drain in the kettle, you can optimize your knockout and easily filter out the hops: after boiling, place the included 400 micron mash bag back in the kettle and use it as a large-area kettle filter during recirculation to filter out hops and trub. This way, your heat resistant brew bag filters out all the hops and you can drain your kettle completely. This kettle-filtering process works great and is super simple. Just note that the cold trub can clog the bag if the wort has reached a temperature of less than 35-40°C, and you should watch it closely below that temperature to avoid problems.

Batch Size

System efficiency is similar to a standard BIAB and lower than a 2 or 3 kettle brew system. For German brewers, the efficiency of the system, measured as "brewhouse yield" or SHA, is about 52-58%. Grain capacity is limited by your ability to lift the bag out. The supplied pulley should not be used for malt weights greater than 8 KG!

* Volume including hot break. The heating element is located about 6 cm below the wort level at the end of the boiling process. For very small brews, you should reduce the power of the heating element. This requires a compatible brew controller or voltage regulator.

** 60 minute boil time, 13P original gravity, volume includes hot break. For stronger beers, the maximum batch size will be lower. Remember, you'll further limit batch size if you use the condenser in the kettle wall.

*** includes a 6 cm safety buffer between the wort level and the edge of the kettle. At this volume, you must be very careful to prevent boiling over. Antifoam agents may be required.

Tips

The heating element in this set include a 3m long connection cable with SCHUKO plug, but is not pre-wired to the heating element. Please consult a professional electrician. You must make absolutely sure that you use a suitable ground fault circuit interrupter and a circuit breaker designed for the particular load!

In addition, you will probably want to purchase a hydrometer, wort chiller, and stirring spoon. These are available elsewhere.