I've used this technique as well with good results. Or just stir it in before sparging if you don't mash out. You'll get good color + flavor without the harshness.
You really don't need to seal the lid. Bacteria/wild yeasts do not crawl through the tiny gaps. Also, the co2 production adds a layer of protection. I removed the threaded part, and just set the lid on top of the opening. Put a weight on top and off you go! Take a peak every couple of days to...
Unless you are brewing in the cold (under 60º or so) you shouldn't need any insulation at all. The stainless holds the heat very well. If needed, you can make a reflectix hood to slip over the top like a tea cozy, as most of the heat will escape out the top anyway. It should look like an...
Here's one with an added pressure valve.
http://www.******.com/keg-lid-reconditioned-racetrack-style.html
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UHJSLC/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
http://compare.ebay.com/like/130403955193?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar
They all look the...
I set up a 3 gallon corny (with special dip tubes) as a cask for a homebrew meeting. Using 1.6 ounces of corn sugar in my black IPA, I let it condition on an angle for about 12 days at 65*. We then served it without CO2 at the meeting,letting it breathe air when the pour slowed. Worked great...
Well, I think that the connectors add about an inch or 2, but the inside of my lid pokes down about an inch or so into the collar area. That's why my collar started out as a 2"x6", and now is a 2"x6" plus a 2"x4"! Works though... :) Might want to do a mock up before puttin' it all together...
Perfectly safe and has many benefits. I have both a 15 gallon MiniBrew and a 17 gallon home made induction tank and they both work great. They don't scratch easily if you use common sense, and you can always fill it up with 180* water to sterilize if you think there's an issue. The only solid...