My 5 Gal E-BIAB Build

[Dustin]

A few pictures of my BIAB build.

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I'm surprised this rig didn't drive me away from brewing permanently! I scorched my first few batches to the point of undrinkable. I quickly learned that compact kettle elements are very high watt density, combined with not circulating wort across the element can really scorch beer.

I did eventually get it figured out. As long as I stirred while the heat was on, they worked well. I used 2 of them to get up to temp, then plugged one into an STC for the mash. I insulated with reflectex as well. (I just can't locate a picture)

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This setup worked pretty well. A nice feature of this layout was that all wort transferring was gravity fed. I eventually rebuilt the counter flow chiller using 3/4 heater hose from Princess Auto. I was always worried the cheap blue garden hose was going to burst when I sanitized during the boil. I'm very happy with the heater hose upgrade.

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Next project...Stainless steel brew basket with a solid side and interchangeable mesh bottoms.

[jacinthebox]

Very cool

[mcgster]

Great looking setup, well done on the build!

[RubberToe]

Great job, looks awesome!

[Keith]

Looks great. Really like how you have the pump and chiller setup

[mckay75]

This is awesome! I've been trying to figure out how to clean up my setup so that it is more compact...i'm going to steal your idea!

[SFR709]

Definitely a fan of your set-up, your outdoor kitchen, and your IPA haha.

[Dustin]

I had this idea of a clean, self-contained setup for some time. It actually turned out almost how I pictured it. Table is pretty cheap, from Costco ($160). I cut the legs shorter. It was pretty flimsy until I added the wood. My original idea was aluminum, but in the end, wood was just easier and still just as effective.

I want to build a custom fabric cover for the hole thing, that will drop right to the floor. For the most part, I can fit everything I require for a brew day in the bottom of the cart. The kettle used to fit under there too until I added the wood.

- The way the chiller is mounted, I can still gravity drain if my pump kicked it, although typically I recirc/whirlpool and chill back into the kettle.
- Pump head can easily be removed from the front for cleaning.
- I have a freshwater camlock connection hanging on the front that is teed off the input to my chiller. Once I put water to my cart, I can use it to flush and rinse etc. I used to boil a batch of fresh water after everything was clean to flush the system out one last time. Now I just flush with cold water immediately after I'm done with the pump and chiller. I sanitize with wort during the boil. So far so good...at least I think so.
- Most of my connections happen out front. Makes it very easy to catch all the fluid in the hoses in a bucket. If I'm having a good day, I hardly spill a drop.

[mckay75]

brilliant! Very well thought out!