Buffalo 40 ltr - What Batch Size is possible ?

[Andy_C]

Hi Guys

So I've got my Buffalo Boiler and will be starting my first few AG BIAB brews soon.

Faced with the question 'To Chill or not to Chill' I have decided not to chill and go for the plastic water containers.

So what size do you reckon 20 or 25 ltr containers to use with a 40 Litre Buffalo ? Do I need to remove all air from the container ?

Thanks Again

Andy

[TonySan]

I got 24L in the fermentoer with a 5.5kg grain bill, so with a standard strength beer (less than 5.5% anyway) you may get 25L out of it. Your main issue is the mashing volume, but if you mash it a little stronger and add more liquor after the mash, you may get a couple of litres more.

[Andy_C]

Thanks very much tony.

Good advice things are starting to make sense now. On mashing did your level go above the handle screws ? Any leaking problems ?

Cheers
Andy

[Beer O'Clock]

Thanks very much tony.

Good advice things are starting to make sense now. On mashing did your level go above the handle screws ? Any leaking problems ?

Cheers
Andy

I've had them weep a couple of times. But tightened them and sealed (outside) with silicon.

[subfaction]

one of my best tips for biab when pushing the volume (getting 25litres+ at the end of boil), is once you have your full volume of treated water up to temp, just before you add the bag. Pull off 5 litres or so and store in a pan, once the mash is done hoist the bag (I stick mine on a oven shelf over the boiler). Heat the saved water in the pan on the hob to 75c then pour over the hoisted bag. This step rinses the grain, and avoids the danger of overflow when adding the grain to a very full boiler. Hope this helps!

[AdyG]

I've had mine right up to the top when doing a 6.3% AIPA, a little bit dribbled over the side but the screws didn't leak for me. Your going to spill the odd bit anyway!

As said above you can always add 2-3 litres more when sparging, or if you are adding a lot of hops and want to make up the liquid you will loose that the hops will absorb.

[legion]

I do maxi biab when using my buffalo and have brewed upto 50l of beer from a single brew session

[TonySan]

Just checked my photos and there was about an inch left at the top, so well above the handles, with 34.5L of liquor and 5.5kg grain. oiling stayed below the 40L mark.

The only leak I got was from my replacement ball lever valve. I managed to get a 3/8 one on to save making the hole bigger, and it is leak free now. Was quite happy with that.

[jayjt29]

Just checked my photos and there was about an inch left at the top, so well above the handles, with 34.5L of liquor and 5.5kg grain. oiling stayed below the 40L mark.

The only leak I got was from my replacement ball lever valve. I managed to get a 3/8 one on to save making the hole bigger, and it is leak free now. Was quite happy with that.

Slightly off topic, but where did you get the 3/8 ball valve / connector from. I want to change the tap on my buffalo but dont want to start drilling! Is it an exact fit?
Cheers
Jay

[TonySan]

From BES, the popular option on this site. 3/8 full bore 2 part lever valve, a couple of 3/8 hexagon nipples, a couple of 3/8 female to 15mm compression brass connectors, the original tap washer, an o ring and plenty of PTFE. Probably need a narrower silicon washer, as there isn't a huge amount of thread to work with on the inside.

[jayjt29]

Cheers for the info
Jay

[subfaction]

I do maxi biab when using my buffalo and have brewed upto 50l of beer from a single brew session

Interesting...How did you go about getting 50 litres?