Hello,
Over the past few years I have made several batches of kit wines and tried making my own cider. The press I bought for the cider (10 quarts or so) was just a bit too small. So I was looking into building my own - as much for the challenge as for the cost savings.
I think I have everything planned out and found sources for all the parts, except for one part, the basket. I was thinking about using a stock pot steamer basket. It's cylindrical, perforated, inexpensive and as far as I can tell would work just fine. I am more trying to create a functional tool rather than something to show off.
Most of the baskets are made out of aluminum - but would that create any off flavors in my cider and wine?
They do make stainless steel ones, but they are a bit more expensive, still less expensive than an oak basket though.
Thanks for the feedback!
Over the past few years I have made several batches of kit wines and tried making my own cider. The press I bought for the cider (10 quarts or so) was just a bit too small. So I was looking into building my own - as much for the challenge as for the cost savings.
I think I have everything planned out and found sources for all the parts, except for one part, the basket. I was thinking about using a stock pot steamer basket. It's cylindrical, perforated, inexpensive and as far as I can tell would work just fine. I am more trying to create a functional tool rather than something to show off.
Most of the baskets are made out of aluminum - but would that create any off flavors in my cider and wine?
They do make stainless steel ones, but they are a bit more expensive, still less expensive than an oak basket though.
Thanks for the feedback!