How to adapt our All‑Grain recipes to your brewing equipment

Our 20‑liter All‑Grain recipes are developed and tested by our brewers to guarantee a professional result. For a more ecological approach and constant updates, our instructions are digital and available on our blog . Since every brewing setup is unique, here is how to adapt our water volumes to your own equipment.

Overview of a large 20‑liter Brewster Dominator automated kettle, open and filled with a realistic mash (crushed grain immersed in a large volume of golden wort), on a wooden countertop next to a professional thermometer and a water measuring cup in the Rolling Beers kitchen.


The Rolling Beers Standard: The Calculation Base

To make our recipes accessible to as many brewers as possible, we calculate our volumes based on a standard automatic kettle with a deadspace of 3.5 liters. It is essential to maintain a ratio of 3 liters of water per kilo of grain for optimal sugar conversion.

  • The calculation: (Grain weight x 3 L) + 3.5 L (your deadspace) = Your mash water.
  • Example: For 5 kg of grain with a 3.5 L deadspace, the calculation is: (5 x 3) + 3.5 = 18.5 liters.

To go further:

Calculate your water volumes


1. Using a different automatic kettle?

If your kettle has a deadspace different from 3.5 liters, adjust your initial volume without changing the 3 L/kg ratio:

  • If your deadspace is smaller: Subtract the difference from your mash water and add it to your sparge water.
  • If your deadspace is larger: Add the difference to your mash water and subtract it from your sparge water.

The goal is to always keep the same total water volume (Mash + Sparge) indicated in the recipe.


2. Brewing in BIAB (Brew In A Bag)?

BIAB simplifies the process because there is usually no sparging. You use the full water volume right from the start.

  • The rule: Simply add together the mash water and sparge water listed in the recipe.
  • “Small Kettle” Tip: If your kettle cannot hold the full volume with the grain, add as much as possible at the beginning. Add the remaining water directly to the kettle during the boil (after removing the bag).


3. Keeping an eye on the boil

If your boil is very vigorous, you will evaporate more liquid than expected. Always keep some hot water on hand to adjust the volume in the fermenter so you reach the target 20 liters before adding the yeast.

Our 20L All‑Grain Recipes

Rolling Beers Team Advice

Unsure about the calculation for your Grainfather, Brew Monk, or Brewzilla? Water‑volume calculation is the step that generates the most questions. Contact us by email or phone — we know most kettles on the market and we’ll help you calibrate your recipe.

Contact our experts