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 professional results. For a more ecological approach and constant updates, our instructions are digital and available on our blog. Since every 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.

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

The goal is always to 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 all the water from the start.

  • The rule: Simply add the mash water and sparge water indicated 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. Keep an eye on the boil

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

See all 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 will help you calibrate your recipe.

Contact our experts