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Author Topic: 20 Gallon Mash Tun / 5 Gallon batches  (Read 3578 times)

Offline NSNO

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20 Gallon Mash Tun / 5 Gallon batches
« on: October 29, 2015, 09:51:56 am »
So I am making the jump from extract to all-grain and was targeting a 20 gallon mash tun. I still want to stay with 5 gallon batches, but I love big stouts and want to have a mash tun that can hold a large grain bill (28-30lbs).  Plus if i ever do want to increase my batches to 10 gallons it won't be a problem. 

My only problem now is that the manufacturer (Ssbrewtech) says it doesn't recommend the 20 gallon mash tun for 5 gallon batches.  What do you guys think?  Obviously i will be ok with the high gravity stouts, but will I have trouble mashing a 5 gallon pale ale in the 20 gallon mash tun? 

Thanks for your help.

Offline Stevie

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Re: 20 Gallon Mash Tun / 5 Gallon batches
« Reply #1 on: October 29, 2015, 09:58:32 am »
In my opinion, it's best to use an appropriately sized tun. The appropriate size helps to maintain temp and prevents a very shallow grain bed (less of an issue with batch sparging). I use coolers and have three that I use depending on grain bill.

Offline kramerog

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Re: 20 Gallon Mash Tun / 5 Gallon batches
« Reply #2 on: October 29, 2015, 11:02:37 am »
Agree with Steve above.  Your grain bed may be too thin on 5-gal batch of small beer to be a good filter. 

Offline NSNO

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Re: 20 Gallon Mash Tun / 5 Gallon batches
« Reply #3 on: October 29, 2015, 01:10:36 pm »
Alright thanks for the responses guys. Not what I wanted to hear, but I'm glad I figured that out before I invested in the 20 gallon mash tun just to figure out it wasnt going to serve my need. 

Offline Stevie

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Re: 20 Gallon Mash Tun / 5 Gallon batches
« Reply #4 on: October 29, 2015, 01:17:36 pm »
Get a 10 gallon. It will be best of both worlds. You'll be able to mash 20+ lbs of grain for big 5 gallon batches or medium gravity 10 gallon baths. Doesn't hurt to add a bit of DME to the kettle either.

Offline NSNO

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Re: 20 Gallon Mash Tun / 5 Gallon batches
« Reply #5 on: October 29, 2015, 02:50:35 pm »
What is your guys' opinions on reiterated mashes?  Would that be a viable option if i can't fit all the bill grain in 10 gallon mash tun? 

Offline Stevie

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Re: 20 Gallon Mash Tun / 5 Gallon batches
« Reply #6 on: October 29, 2015, 02:52:16 pm »
Just sub some base malt for DME. There isn't anything "wrong" with it.

Offline HoosierBrew

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Re: 20 Gallon Mash Tun / 5 Gallon batches
« Reply #7 on: October 29, 2015, 03:48:09 pm »
Just sub some base malt for DME. There isn't anything "wrong" with it.

I do it on big beers from time to time. I feel ok about it.  ;)
Jon H.

Offline NSNO

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Re: 20 Gallon Mash Tun / 5 Gallon batches
« Reply #8 on: October 29, 2015, 03:50:49 pm »
Appreciate the help guys.  I'm putting a decent investment into the new setup so I want to make sure i'm getting the right equipment.

Offline Stevie

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20 Gallon Mash Tun / 5 Gallon batches
« Reply #9 on: October 29, 2015, 03:55:33 pm »
Are you planning a RIMS system? If so, you could go with the 15 gallon as you won't need to worry about holding the temperature. 15 gallon can easily mash 30lbs on a RIMS setup at 1.5qt/lb