Choosing a False Bottom for Your Brew Kettle or Mash Tun
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Choosing the correct false bottom for your brew kettle or mash tun helps separate grain from wort and maintain good flow during lautering. False bottoms are not universally interchangeable, so diameter, kettle model, outlet position and connection style should all be checked before ordering.
Use this false bottom guide below to choose between universal, equipment-specific and Sanke keg false bottoms.
What Does a False Bottom Do?
A brewing false bottom is a perforated or screened platform placed above the bottom of a mash tun or brew kettle. It supports the grain bed while allowing wort to drain through to the kettle outlet.
A properly fitted false bottom can:
- Separate grain from wort
- Support recirculation and lautering
- Reduce grain entering the kettle outlet
- Convert a compatible brew kettle into a mash tun
Universal False Bottoms
Choose a universal false bottom by its actual diameter—not by the advertised capacity of your kettle. Measure the inside of the vessel at the height where the false bottom will sit and confirm clearance around the outlet.
Domed False Bottoms
| Product | Diameter |
|---|---|
| Stainless Steel Domed False Bottom – 9 Inch | 9 in. |
| Stainless Steel Domed False Bottom – 10 Inch | 10 in. |
| Stainless Steel Domed False Bottom – 12 Inch | 12 in. |
False Bottoms with Legs
| Product | Diameter |
|---|---|
| Stainless Steel False Bottom with Legs – 13 5/8 Inch | 13 5/8 in. |
| Stainless Steel False Bottom with Legs – 15 1/2 Inch | 15 1/2 in. |
| Brewer’s Grade False Bottom with Legs – 15 Gallon | 15 5/8 in. |
| Stainless Steel False Bottom with Legs – 17 1/2 Inch | 17 1/2 in. |
| Stainless Steel False Bottom with Legs – 19 1/2 Inch | 19 1/2 in. |
Equipment-Specific False Bottoms
Equipment-specific false bottoms are designed for particular brew kettles and mash tuns. Match the false bottom to the exact brand, model, capacity and equipment generation.
| Brand | False Bottom | Compatible Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Anvil | Anvil V2 False Bottom – 15 Gallon | Anvil 15-gallon kettle |
| Anvil | Anvil V2 False Bottom – 20 Gallon | Anvil 20-gallon kettle |
| Blichmann | Blichmann G2 False Bottom – 7.5 Gallon | G2 Boilermaker 7.5-gallon kettle |
| Blichmann | Blichmann G2 False Bottom – 20 Gallon | G2 Boilermaker 20-gallon kettle |
| Blichmann | Blichmann G2 False Bottom – 30 Gallon | G2 Boilermaker 30-gallon kettle |
| Ss Brewtech | Ss Brewtech False Bottom – 10 Gallon | Ss Brewtech 10-gallon vessel |
| Ss Brewtech | Ss Brewtech False Bottom – 15 Gallon | Ss Brewtech 15-gallon vessel |
| Ss Brewtech | Ss Brewtech False Bottom – 20 Gallon | Ss Brewtech 20-gallon vessel |
| Ss Brewtech | Ss Brewtech False Bottom – 30 Gallon | Ss Brewtech 30-gallon vessel |
| Mash King | Grain Defender False Bottom | Mash King 8-gallon Advanced Kettle |
Sanke Keg False Bottoms
A Sanke keg false bottom is intended for a compatible keg conversion. Its dip-tube arrangement differs from many standard brew kettle false bottoms.
| Product | Diameter | Compatible Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Sanke Keg False Bottom with Dip Tube | 11 in. | Compatible Sanke keg conversions |
How to Measure for a False Bottom
Do not select a brewing false bottom based only on kettle capacity. Two kettles with the same advertised capacity can have different inside diameters and outlet positions.
- Inside diameter: Measure where the false bottom will rest.
- Outlet height: Confirm the false bottom will not interfere with the valve or bulkhead.
- Clearance: False bottoms with legs require enough space beneath the screen.
- Connection: Check whether it uses a barb, pickup tube, dip tube or model-specific hardware.
- Kettle model: Confirm the brand, capacity and generation for an equipment-specific false bottom.
False Bottom or Bazooka Screen?
A false bottom supports the grain bed across a larger portion of the mash tun, making it a common choice for all-grain brewing and lautering.
A bazooka screen is a cylindrical mesh filter installed near the brew kettle outlet. It can filter hops and coarse material but does not support the grain bed like a full mash-tun false bottom.
Before You Order
Confirm your brew kettle or mash-tun brand, model, inside diameter, outlet height and connection style before selecting a false bottom.
If you are unsure which false bottom fits your brew kettle or mash tun, contact us with your equipment measurements before ordering.
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