I brew three gallon batches and would like to switch to BIAB method. My dilemma is that my stove top can not handle a full wort boil of 3 gallons. I am wondering if I can mash in two gallons, calculate the water loss from grain absorption, and use the amount of water lost as my sparge amount to bring the volume back up to two gallons to do my 60 minute boil. Question 2: I am assuming I will loose some efficiency by using only two gallons of water oppose to three because I will have to add another gallon during the cooling process to get to the full volume. Is it possible to account for this by adding more grain than needed during the mash step? If so is there some math to help determine the amount of grain needed. Thanks ahead of time for your help.
Another option to consider is to split the boil into two kettles. That way you can still do full volume boils which will increase your hop utilization and help out on the mash efficiency side as well.
I think the solution is pretty straight forward. I would use a target efficiency of 65% for your first run. make sure your grain has a nice crush. Calculate your necessary grains based on the OG you get based on the 2 gallon mash at 65 % + another gallon of dilution. Keep accurate records and by the 3 or 4th run you should be dialed in . Good luck
