[ns3580]

I have been looking at a Hop Spider from stainlesssteelbrewing.com and was wondering if anyone has experience with these.  They seem to be exactly what I am looking for but I am not sure if I am missing something.  I have a 20 gal boil kettle and I am also wondering about what size I may need.  Any insight would help

[HoosierBrew]

I use one and love it, especially for APA and AIPA styles.  Cuts way down on hop matter in the fermenter.  In theory it can slightly reduce hop utilization, but in practice I don't add extra hops to compensate, and my IPAs are plenty bitter and hoppy.  Let me say though that I use a 5 gallon paint strainer bag clipped to the side of my kettle as my spider, so there is plenty of room for the hops to circulate freely.

[duboman]

I made this, it's an Insinkerator flange with a 5 gallon paint strainer bag. Works great and have noticed no issues with utilization.

The only drawback is whirlpool ing. For flame out additions I just let them steep for maybe 15-30 minutes, pull the bag and let it drain and then proceed. Takes a little time but happy with it!

[quattlebaum]

I gave mine away at a homebrew club x mas party as a white elephant gift:(. I used it for about 10 batches. If you do a search online on how to make one you'll find it. Really easy and cheep. My process is I chill to my desired temp then use my spoon to whirlpool/stir for a few min and then cover the pot and let sit for 20 to 30 min. Use whirfloc and it should be clear. It really work great and no need to have another piece of equipment

[beersk]

I was finding my hoppy beers to not have enough aroma/flavor when I used a hop bag on my last few batches. Pretty much had to use one since I was experimenting with fermenting in kegs; don't want that diptube clogging up with hop trub on transfers.  It's fine for non-hoppy styles, in my opinion, but for hoppy beers, I didn't like it. Sure did make clean up a lot nicer.

[Three]

I have used, then not used, then used.  I have now committed to use one.  Doing these brews with the huge hop bills demands something to assist in getting some of that goo contained (IMO).  But you have to decide.  Stainlessbrewing.com has some nice products.  The dry hopper rocks!  I plan on adding one of the rigid bottom spiders to my set up. 

You can make a spider that has a paint strainer bag clamped to some pvc with long bolts for about 10 bucks.  Try it and see if it works for you. If you like it then go for the rigid one....

Here is a BYO link to build one:   http://byo.com/stories/item/2427-build-a-hop-spider-projects

[klickitat jim]

Looks like I'll be building one soon. Great idea.

[ultravista]

I use a 200 micron nylon filter bag from Duda Diesel very similar to these @ Amazon. My bag ( is 32 inches ...

http://www.amazon.com/Aqueon-ProFlex-Micron-Filter-2-Pack/dp/B0036S2WVS

[FlipMasterFlash]

I have been looking at a Hop Spider from stainlessbrewing.com and was wondering if anyone has experience with these.  They seem to be exactly what I am looking for but I am not sure if I am missing something.  I have a 20 gal boil kettle and I am also wondering about what size I may need.  Any insight would help

I've got the largest size (8 5/8") and use it in my 20 gallon Blichmann kettle. It fits perfect and was well worth it in my opinion.  Plenty of room for the hops to move around, keeps hops out of my plate chiller and makes clean up easier.

[Alewyfe]

I have used, then not used, then used.  I have now committed to use one.  Doing these brews with the huge hop bills demands something to assist in getting some of that goo contained (IMO).  But you have to decide.  Stainlessbrewing.com has some nice products.  The dry hopper rocks!  I plan on adding one of the rigid bottom spiders to my set up. 

You can make a spider that has a paint strainer bag clamped to some pvc with long bolts for about 10 bucks.  Try it and see if it works for you. If you like it then go for the rigid one....

Here is a BYO link to build one:   http://byo.com/stories/item/2427-build-a-hop-spider-projects

I liked the dry hopper too, but disliked the worm clamp to open. Utah Biodiesel makes one with screw top for about the same price. I've used it and think I'll get another.

[kylekohlmorgen]

Couldn't you just use a muslin bag that fits around your kettle? Like a BIAB bag? As long as it doesn't drag on the bottom of the pot?

[HoosierBrew]

Couldn't you just use a muslin bag that fits around your kettle? Like a BIAB bag? As long as it doesn't drag on the bottom of the pot?

That's what I do with the 5 gallon painter strainer bag.  And the turbulence of the boil keeps the bag suspended - never touches bottom. 

[beersk]

Couldn't you just use a muslin bag that fits around your kettle? Like a BIAB bag? As long as it doesn't drag on the bottom of the pot?

That's what I do with the 5 gallon painter strainer bag.  And the turbulence of the boil keeps the bag suspended - never touches bottom. 

Ah, I figured you had a false bottom. In that case, it wouldn't matter.

[bigmoneymark]

Hi all..

So I'm building a hop spider as per the byo.com kit.  Will be using my plate chiller for the first time next time and have waking nightmares about it clogging and making a mess.  Also picked up a bazooka screen at whole foods for $10 lol.

Anyway, my concern is the material used in the paint strainer bag.  Is this food safe?  I don't believe it is, but lots of people are using them.  Does this mean they actually are safe or just noone gives a f.

I'd much rather pay more for a safe bag, but they're handy..

Cheers,

-M

[klickitat jim]

I use paint strainer bag. Don't know if they are safe. Can't be worse than McDonald's