Just bought a 12” SS domed False bottom to replace my current standard SS false bottom (that let’s too much grain through and sits a good 1.5” off the bottom of MLT). Have a 15 gallon SS MLT. I have been getting 70% efficiency with the old false bottom doing fly sparge (which sucks) and too much grain gets through. Hoping to get better efficiency and more clear wort with this new domed false bottom. Any tips on use? Batch sparge vs fly sparge? How is it on dead space typically for you? Etc.. any other insight would be appreciated.
I've been using one for many years. I started with a plastic one ("Phil's Phalse Bottom" - which soon became known as "Phil's Phloater") which was useless until I weighted it down with brass weights. Because it was light and plastic, It had a tendency to float. Then I got my stainless steel false bottom and I'm extremely happy with it. It's very easy to clean and the top is lower than the outlet of my circular cooler. Thus the dead space is equal to the space under the outlet. I also batch sparge. I used to fly sparge but it was far too much trouble and I still get almost exactly 70% efficiency and it takes much less time. A few small grains come through on the beginning of the Vorlauf, but after a few liters it stays clear.
I don't have experience with a SS domed false bottom. I have the "Phil's Phalse Bottom" and that product works well for me. I perform a 'fast' fly sparge and I never achieve less than 75% efficiency. Hopefully you will obtain good performance with your SS product. Cheers!
I have the stainless false bottom and have been happy with the results. I get about 80% with fly sparging. I usually spend an hour and a half to collect 13 gallons. Good luck with your new toy!
I'm having trouble finding a link, but I remember reading on Brulosophy that Marshall Schott (or maybe one of the other brulosophers) has had success using a brew-in-a-bag style nylon bag inside the mash tun. The fine weave of the bag prevents much grain from flowing through, and if you get a stuck sparge you can lift the bag up and drain it as if you were just doing BIAB. I can't vouch for this method myself, but I plan to use it soon, so I'll report back when I do.
