How to Build a Homemade Steam Sterilizer for Mushroom Growing

[@OakandSpore]

Want to know how much income you can make farming mushrooms? Check it out here -> www.oakandspore.com/farmforprofit

[@mikehunt6365]

It would be great if you could put a list of the supplies you bought to build this thing. Please and thank you

[@nicholashall3479]

This is a really outstanding design. It makes so much more sense to separate the heating element from the sterilization chamber. It lowers fire risk, it lowers cost, and with a T, it could even allow you to sterilize 2 drums at once (provided the element is strong enough). Great design! Thanks so much for sharing. Subscribed. :)

[@mariodonato5656]

Man. I’ve been following a lot of people on mushroom cultivation. I just love your style and way of doing things, I’m going to try many things like yours. I wish you success mate. Keep posting videos PLEASe!

[@OakandSpore]

Will do! Waiting on a new camera lens so I can shoot all 4K

[@rbo350]

@@OakandSporeI assume your getting a wide angle camera due to the 1.6 crop for the sensor size and 1.6 for 4k

[@mantechvlogs5902]

Use old coffee mechine for quick sterlizer.connect some spray nozzel with it.watch for steam burn.

[@steveraman4562]

excellent keep it going all the best from munich germany

[@blairandersen8414]

Hi I really like your videos and have been thinking about starting up myself.. being a Kiwi myself ive got that kiwi now how attitude. So I like if you need a fruiting room build just build one.... you may hear from me at some point for some spores. Cheers for the extra push to get started.

[@JohnLopez-h2u]

Love the build could you please share a list of the materials required thanks J Lo

[@marcuskoidl8592]

Hey great content! Would you ever use gas for heating the water? Could you give mensome examples why not?

[@salvadorpalma8173]

Good stuff mate. I've subscribed due to the flow hood video.

[@OakandSpore]

Thanks mate!

[@cmax4488]

Cool video. Thanks!

[@paullazazzera8461]

Can you please tell me where you got that honey pot from? 🙏 Love your videos thanks for sharing all your knowledge!

[@michaelleewagaman301]

But either way is awesome to build one or two or four. They get better each time, keep up the good work buddy.

[@OakandSpore]

I've built a new one since then, which works great.

[@lovemydog420]

@@OakandSpore lets see it!! I'm looking to build a steam generator to run two 85Gal drums at a time.

[@FjbLivesAgri]

Thank you for sharing sir

[@Twisted0001]

Very nice thank you

[@mihkeljurima1007]

How big is the stock pot you use currently, and how much water does it have inside? Whats the relative water level like inside? Do you keep on adding fresh water with a valve system?

[@ireneduruin3569]

sir your gadget of gear is make or process is so beautiful and i love it. i wish i can have like you to grow mushroom but sad to say is so expensive that.

[@6StringrBrewer]

Great job on simplifying this for us. Do you have any links on where to get the large barrel as well as the heating tank? I looked around but having an issue finding something that can be clamped down to support the pressure. Thanks

[@OakandSpore]

You shouldn't build up any pressure. My stainless barrels are for honey. So check a honey equipment supply store.

[@gaiagaiagaiagaiagaia]

amazingly informative videos. I rewatched a couple times but didn't catch whether you mentioned the size of your stock pot. I'm acquiring a 100L pot for a similar setup and I'm hoping that it will be big enough. I suppose as long as you can fit your element and ball valve in it, the size doesn't matter so much. I'm curious though. What size is yours?

[@OakandSpore]

Mine is about 50L I think. 100L will be plenty big enough!

[@jedi3949]

Where did you get the honey extractor?

[@ximenazamacona429]

Hi! thank you for your video, what type of barrel did you use for the substrate? do you think a pressure release valve is needed ?

[@OakandSpore]

I use stainless steel barrels. I have no pressure release, but there is a large valve on top which is always kept open to vent. If too much pressure builds up it just blows steam out the top of the boiler, and the lid is held down with weights. I have made a new and better one which I will make a video n soon.

[@jaredlawrence5216]

@@OakandSpore Are you sterilizing supplemented bags? If so how long is your total run time?

[@markamello8238]

Great video and a very professional build mate. My understanding is that sterilisation for mycology needs to reach temps of 120°c for sterilisation and some bacteria will survive sub 100°c temps. What is your contamination rate like with this set up? Can you explain how contamination is avoided with your temps please?

[@OakandSpore]

No contamination at all. 120c is good for fast sterilization, you can sterilize lower, it just takes longer. Google thermal death curve.

[@markamello8238]

@@OakandSpore thanks for the lead mate. It'd be great to see a tour and lay out of your farm in a future video. You've done a great job micromanaging every details of your op!

[@montytanner966]

Is there a reason for going stainless steal instead of plastic drums? Also if you want to update your amazon products to include everything i will shop through your store. Some of the stuff is not available... awesome video.

[@unscripted483]

Durability and heat resistance I'm guessing

[@marlibrown5174]

Question how long would it take to reach your desired temperature once u put bags in the steamer.

[@OakandSpore]

7-12 hours depending on how full it is.

[@6StringrBrewer]

@@OakandSpore So you're not pressurizing here? This is just heating for a long period of time? If so, that makes things a bit simpler.

[@OakandSpore]

No pressure at all

[@unitedmushrooms3228]

What are the benefits of running a 2500w heating element vs. 1500w? Something about how fast it can heat up the water??

[@OakandSpore]

More energy output = faster time to heat up and more steam generation.

[@michaelleewagaman301]

Only problem is if the steam exhaust ever got blocked.

[@OakandSpore]

My new ome doesnt have this problem. The lid is weighted down by 40kg, which means if any pressure builds up it just vents it from the top.

[@lashbay5951]

Smart 👍🏼 what’s the total cost of all that set up

[@marioduma3350]

Kako to da nema pritiska? U biti para samo prezlazi u vece bure.. ne sterilizira vec pasterizira ali na duže vremena.. ?

[@parkersmith3410]

What is the honey pot you used for the steamer? Is it on Amazon? I noticed in another video you used a stock pot. Which one worked better? Thanks for all of the great info!

[@OakandSpore]

I changed to a large stock pot!

[@AndreaVive]

Any upgrades about this? How is it working?

[@OakandSpore]

I have upgraded it, will be uploading a video in the next few weeks about it.

[@gyojoonpark9974]

@@OakandSpore And so did I subscribed in. Thank you.

[@jasongulvartian5163]

how much did it cost to put this all together?

[@waxon2]

Where did you find that gorgeous stainless steel barrel? I've been looking for one but they seem quite cost prohibitive. Any ideas would be grand. Have your heard of people using regular barrels painted with red oxide? If so, how did they hold up? Thanks, Cheers

[@OakandSpore]

Locally here in NZ. They are made for storing honey.

[@normanladdleschnitzel1928]

@@OakandSpore How much is the cost for a couple of example sizes? if you don't mind letting us know. It would be really helpful in estimating our own costs to do something comparable. Great video btw.

[@TheZde]

how much energy do you spend on a batch?

[@fxbootstraps]

Did you know about Tyndallization? I am just wondering if it is ever considered where contamination problems persist.

[@OakandSpore]

Some people use that when they don't have access to an autoclave. I heat my substrate up to 95c for about 24 hours and it works really well.

[@HavokBWR]

Hey, do you think this would work with 2 HXD 45 L bins from homedepot? Also you said you were going to try to plug up the hole that steam was coming out of, dont these need to have somewhere for the steam to escape so it doesnt build up pressure?

[@bqoutdoors2334]

When you say closest to 100 degrees are you talking Celsius or Fahrenheit?

[@OakandSpore]

C. Literally no one other than america uses F.

[@prelwitz13]

Where did you buy/find your 55gallon drums? Are they stainless steel and do you know how much they would be in $'s? I have a bubbas barrels 55gallon sterilizer but they are expensive and a stainless steel drum from them runs at about $800.

[@OakandSpore]

Yea the barrels are very expensive. mine were like 800 a piece.

[@patricklaska2409]

What's the brand and model of the honey collector

[@santeripaattimaki1632]

Where did you get the honey pot to start with?

[@AveKebab]

Hi, arent you afraid of blowing the barrel up? How do you know the barrel can handle high pressure?

[@OakandSpore]

There is no pressure.

[@MrJaHko]

Where did you purchase your SS barrel from? Up in Auckland 205L barrels go for $900 incl GST - a bit steep - and was hoping to find an alternative supplier here in NZ.

[@OakandSpore]

That's what I paid. You wont find a SS barrel any cheaper unless you're lucky on Trademe.

[@bradwatson786]

@@OakandSpore is there a reason you’re using SS barrels vs say the cheap 55gal food grade steel ones? I know that the steel will eventually start to rust, but covering the inside with a high temp paint would stave that off for a bit. And considering you can pick up like new barrels for like $20 each, having to decommission them every 2-3 years would still save way more overall. Heck you could make up 7 for less than the cost of one SS barrel and have a new one going each day of the week. Just wondering if you’ve already tried them and if there’s a massive downside (or a massive upside to SS) that I’m not aware of?

[@mattallen3535]

Do you use any sort of false bottom for this setup?

[@youmnam4026]

Is there a direct supply of water into the boiler?

[@garfunkle660]

What's the best way to create a safety measure on the steamer if the water inlet stops sending in water for some reason?

[@davidmartnick7195]

Also, you can monitor the temp in the barrel with the bags. If it starts dropping off significantly from steam temp, then there is no steam and the controller can shut off the system. This is probably easier and you wouldn't have to worry about the epoxy.

[@nguyentra3861]

Cảm ơn Anh Anh chia sẻ quá tuyệt vời

[@randybroadstreet2354]

How did this work out? It's been almost a year. I'm curious if the cost of everything was good?

[@OakandSpore]

I have another video of the boiler I use. It still in operation, last week I did put a new insulation wrap around it.

[@randomacts9851]

What did you use for the hose to connect the two

[@OakandSpore]

Silicon hose

[@andreslorenzosantana4920]

what kind of electric enclosure do you use for the heating element? do you have links? the heating element is all stainless steel (element itself and clamp connection)?

[@andreslorenzosantana4920]

could this one work? es.aliexpress.com/item/32908664585.html?scm=1007.22893.125764.0&pvid=bbdcbc24-5afc-41d2-aa2f-3ecdbb19cb85&onelink_thrd=0.0&onelink_page_from=ITEM_DETAIL&onelink_item_to=32908664585&onelink_duration=0.992442&onelink_status=noneresult&onelink_item_from=32908664585&onelink_page_to=ITEM_DETAIL&af=428351&dp=veeb1f2l8hs114t6enplgzvg0pxgx-t82uu20pju&aff_platform=api&cpt=1559949148247&sk=bGo9rJ04&aff_trace_key=8d56fc2dd253427a9c8f132be41bb00f-1559949148247-09367-bGo9rJ04&terminal_id=b526befcf0394927b2cd1a77ea5601a9 do you think it is safe? thank you

[@OakandSpore]

@@andreslorenzosantana4920 yes that looks good. Mine is a dernord, but doesnt have the attachment at the end. I had to jury rig something which is sub-optimal.

[@andreslorenzosantana4920]

@@OakandSpore Ok. One more question...do you use countdown timer? which one? do you have your heating element plugged into a thermostat or some kind of controller? thank you again

[@OakandSpore]

@@andreslorenzosantana4920 I made a PID controller which keeps the temperature in the sterilising drum at 97c. It turns on for about 5 seconds every 20 seconds.

[@andreslorenzosantana4920]

@@OakandSpore Ok. I'm thinking about making one, but not sure if it would be a good idea for a 300L vessel with a 2500W element (it ill be only just a vessel, no separated boiler) Do you think it will be enough power to worth a PID? thank you again

[@gyojoonpark9974]

what should be the steam hose diameter?

[@OakandSpore]

I used to use a narrow diameter, maybe 8mm, but it would create back pressure and pop the lid up. Now I use maybe a 20mm silicon tube. Its heat resistant, has no back pressure, and fit onto the connectors perfectly. I am going to make a video with my updated setup soon, so subscribe to see the update when I release it!

[@gyojoonpark9974]

@@OakandSpore Thanks mate, I already subscribed. I'm thinking of making one with Aluminum pressure cooker. I'm waiting everyday for your update to give thump up and all.

[@libertyfounders633]

Why not order a 15 psi pressure cooker from the US?

[@OakandSpore]

I have an All American Autoclave, but it cannot fit 200kg of substrate each time. Plus the cost to import from the USA to NZ is astronomical.

[@libertyfounders633]

Oak and Spore Mushroom Farm Understand, love your set up and your attitude and approach. I’m just beginning. Good luck and keep the videos rolling.

[@OakandSpore]

Cheers dude! Good luck as well :D

[@bongbasco1554]

How many watts did you use

[@OakandSpore]

2.4k

[@brenthampton7025]

Will this sterilize grain spawn?

[@OakandSpore]

No, you want an autoclave for that.

[@brenthampton7025]

@@OakandSporehow would huge farms sterilize there grain? Multiple autoclaves? Doesn't seem cost efficient for large scale

[@brenthampton7025]

And could u not sterilize grain in this at a lower psi but for a longer time?

[@OakandSpore]

Big farms use big autoclaves. Using atmospheric sterilising will take a long time, but can be done.

[@mccrorieboi]

What insulation is that mate?

[@OakandSpore]

It's called k-flex. I'll let you in on a little secret. I've just used foil backed thermal insulated camping mats and they work great! if boiling steam touches them they will melt, but if you keep the boiling steam off them they are fine. K-flex is expensive, thermal sleeping mats are dirt cheap.

[@mccrorieboi]

@@OakandSpore happy days thanks a lot for that info. Was Gona say looked up the price and was vexpensive will give the camping mats a go cheers man !

[@sergioluna7093]

What is the water capacity on the boiler in order to sterilize a 50 gal bucket?

[@OakandSpore]

I gets filled with maybe 15L. There is a stainless float valve. I have a newer video about it.

[@sergioluna7093]

@@OakandSpore Thanks for the fast response, will watch it.

[@shroomlover6933]

Mushrooms

[@billknows1980]

If that drum is used for honey extraction that means it is resistant to the heat up to 70 c or lets say 100, do not you think it is very dangerous to use such a barrel for hot steam which might be over 100 or 150 c?? Your idea is beautiful but you should really check the heat resistance of that honey barrel !!!!!! One day it might explode !!!Watch yourselves and people around you ..

[@OakandSpore]

I use a stock pot now. No pressure builds up, so it won't explode.

[@geolitz2665]

You’re skipping over a bunch of steps here buddy.