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Muslin bags, why so expensive? Alternative?


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#1 3rd party JKor

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Posted 29 November 2015 - 08:45 AM

I've been using them again now that I switched to a plate chiller, and for dry hopping.  They work great for me.  When I was using them before I was getting them for 4-5 for a dollar, now they seem to be going for ~$0.80/ea.  I'm often running 3 additions and dry hopping, meaning I'm spending $3.20.  That might be the most expensive single cost in my entire 3 gallon brew, which seems pretty crazy.

 

I really like that they are "disposable".  I'm hoping someone knows a good source for cheap muslin hop bags, but I guess I could go to a reusable option is there isn't a source for cheap bulk hop bags.  I can't keep spending $2-$4 a batch on hop bags.

 

 

ETA:  A quick google shows you can get bulk packs ~$0.40-$0.45 per bag at a few online HBS'.  That's borderline for me.  I think I'll have to go for a reusable option if I can't get them for more like $0.25/ea.


Edited by JKor, 29 November 2015 - 08:53 AM.


#2 ncbeerbrewer

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Posted 29 November 2015 - 09:02 AM

How about using a paint strainer bag. I've used and reused these with good results

https://m.lowes.com/...lue-Hawk-2-Pack

Edited by ncbeerbrewer, 29 November 2015 - 09:04 AM.


#3 bigdaddyale

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Posted 29 November 2015 - 09:09 AM

pao_ss_tea_ball_1075139.jpg?sw=1500&sh=110-1293.jpg



#4 ncbeerbrewer

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Posted 29 November 2015 - 09:10 AM

How about using these? Paint Strainer Bags from Lowes Home Imp. I have used and reused these for dry hopping with good results. You can get them on Amazon as well too. Here are a couple links since I could not edit the top post of mine.

 

https://www.lowes.co...Id=1008385&pl=1

 

https://www.amazon.c..._sl_yvzs84265_b



#5 Genesee Ted

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Posted 29 November 2015 - 10:17 PM

Yep. Paint strainer bags

#6 Poptop

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Posted 30 November 2015 - 08:00 AM

Walgreens, .50 for a pair. Women's nylon footies. They expand so the don't clump up pellets. Good for an ounce, ounce and a half per one.

imagesLY44D9ZB_zps70qou52p.jpg

Edited by Steppedonapoptop, 30 November 2015 - 08:02 AM.


#7 3rd party JKor

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Posted 30 November 2015 - 08:04 AM

I kept having trouble with the board saving my posts yesterday, so...what I tried to say yesterday was...

 

 

I've used the paint strainer bags, they're just a PITA to clean out and keep clean.  I went back to muslin bags after using the paint strainer bags a few times.  I would consider using one of those stainless screen type thingies.  Hop Blocker?  I'd rather pay $50 for something I can just spray out at the end of the brew as opposed to dealing with cleaning out the strainer bag every time.

 

Knda looks like muslin bag prices are what they are and I don't even want to pay $0.45/ea if I'm just tossing them.  Maybe I'll just live with the strainer bag for now.



#8 positiveContact

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Posted 30 November 2015 - 08:07 AM

Do you need to use a plate chiller?  an IC + ice bath seems like it would do the job for your 2-3 gallon batches.



#9 3rd party JKor

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Posted 30 November 2015 - 08:15 AM

Do you need to use a plate chiller?  an IC + ice bath seems like it would do the job for your 2-3 gallon batches.

 

 

No, but I like it.  :)



#10 neddles

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Posted 30 November 2015 - 09:47 AM

Paint strainers let more stuff through than I like, at least with pellets. You can get some very fine mesh nylon bags that work extremely well, are easily cleaned, and can be used over and over at...

 

Farmhouse 

https://www.farmhous...g-w-drawstring/

 

or

Northern Brewer

https://www.northern...p-bag-8-x-9-1-4



#11 porter

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Posted 30 November 2015 - 10:04 AM

Walgreens, .50 for a pair. Women's nylon footies. They expand so the don't clump up pellets. Good for an ounce, ounce and a half per one.

imagesLY44D9ZB_zps70qou52p.jpg

 

Plus I'm sure the looks at the register when you go in and buy them out of these are priceless.



#12 3rd party JKor

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Posted 30 November 2015 - 10:06 AM

Plus I'm sure the looks at the register when you go in and buy them out of these are priceless.

 

 

"You *really* don't want to know what I'm going to put in these."

 

:D



#13 HVB

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Posted 30 November 2015 - 10:22 AM

I got some from this guy when I got a BIAB bag.  They were nice and the material was fine and cleans easily.



#14 Poptop

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Posted 30 November 2015 - 11:39 AM

Plus I'm sure the looks at the register when you go in and buy them out of these are priceless.


The looks aren't as bad as the quizzical looks I get for the box of tampons to go with them. I use the strings to tie off the nylons to the in / out posts.
 
 

"You *really* don't want to know what I'm going to put in these."
 
:D


I've also used my wife's stockings. That gives a batch a little special sumpin sumpin....

Edited by Steppedonapoptop, 30 November 2015 - 11:40 AM.


#15 gnef

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Posted 01 December 2015 - 08:33 PM

How about one of the stainless hop strainers, like these: 

 

https://www.utahbiod...RPrRRoCJe7w_wcB

https://www.stainles...elds_p_158.html

 

They are expensive, but if they work well, you won't have to buy anything else to hold in the hops during the boil.



#16 HVB

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Posted 01 December 2015 - 08:39 PM

I have one of the ss ones. It works good, I tend to just use it for whole hops these days but it works great with pellets too.

#17 3rd party JKor

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Posted 02 December 2015 - 09:55 PM

How about one of the stainless hop strainers, like these: 

 

https://www.utahbiod...RPrRRoCJe7w_wcB

https://www.stainles...elds_p_158.html

 

They are expensive, but if they work well, you won't have to buy anything else to hold in the hops during the boil.

 

 

Ah, yes, that first link was the one I was thinking of.  I knew I had seen it somewhere but couldn't remember where.  The 4x10 that hangs over the edge of the kettle would be perfect for my setup.  Only $42.50.  Not bad at all.

 

I may just make one myself.  I don't like the 300 micron mesh size on those.  I feel that is too small.  I think you could even go to 1000 micron without having much hop matter escape.  The goal isn't to keep all of the hops out of the kettle, it's to keep the majority out while having good liquid transfer through the mesh.



#18 ChefLamont

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Posted 04 December 2015 - 09:02 AM

I have a dry hopper like the ones in gnef's link and it is awesome.  I dont do a spider because I use and immersion chiller and a motorized stirrer for chilling, so no room for a spider.



#19 HVB

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Posted 04 December 2015 - 09:11 AM

Ah, yes, that first link was the one I was thinking of.  I knew I had seen it somewhere but couldn't remember where.  The 4x10 that hangs over the edge of the kettle would be perfect for my setup.  Only $42.50.  Not bad at all.

 

I may just make one myself.  I don't like the 300 micron mesh size on those.  I feel that is too small.  I think you could even go to 1000 micron without having much hop matter escape.  The goal isn't to keep all of the hops out of the kettle, it's to keep the majority out while having good liquid transfer through the mesh.

With pellets I still get hop debris on the bottom of my kettle with a 400 micron mesh.  I mainly use it for whole hops now and just let the pellets go commando.



#20 3rd party JKor

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Posted 06 December 2015 - 10:38 PM

I'm only worried about debris that will clog the plate chiller. I doubt anything that would pass a 1mm mesh would be a big issue for the chiller.


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