gannawdm

Recipes 

Has anybody tried a crockpot mash? I'm doing a partial mash recipe which only calls for 1.5 lbs. of grain. This amount easily fits into my crockpot. I was thinking that a crock pot would keep a mash's temperature steady since it's insulated well and the "keep warm" temperature is probably just about right.

the_bird

Recipes 

Far, far too impatient to let a crockpot warm up. But, that's me.

Do a simple experiment; check the temp on the "keep warm" setting and report back. It'll either be in range or not. I'd imagine that different crockpots may define "keep warm" differently, so it may or may not be viable for different brewers.

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AiredAle

Recipes 

I've done partials and steeps with a crockpot. I did check the low setting temperature and it was about 160 as I recall ('twas a few years ago). It worked fine for me. I would heat it up first by putting some hot water in before I did the mash. And check the temp from time to time. You can always turn it off for a while if it starts getting too hot.

Wellshooter

Recipes 

I've had many many crock pots over the years. No two seem to cook at the same temp. It must be tested before you use it.

gtpro

Recipes 

even the low setting will be much higher than 150F, probably closer to 190F, but I think hes just talking about using it for insulating purposes.

the_bird

Recipes 

If you're preheating the water and babysitting the temperature, what's the point? Build a proper cooler-based mini mash tun, won't cost much $$ snd it'll maintain temps properly.

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Come join Yankee Ingenuity!

"I'm kind of toasted. But I looked at my watch and it's only 6:30 so I can't stop drinking yet." - Yooper's Bob

jcobbs

Recipes 

I have one of these--I do partial boils for small batches; heat water to dissolve honey for meads; and heat water for general cleanup. I brew in my workshop which doesn't have running water. I haven't checked it at mash temps but the specs say it can go down to 150*F



Presto Multi-Cooker/Steamer:
This handy multi-cooker roasts, braises, blanches, boils, stews, simmers, steams, and makes soups and casseroles. Maintain accurate cooking temperature using the Control Master heat control. Made of heavy cast aluminum, this versatile unit heats evenly and resists warping. And the Diamond Coat deluxe nonstick finish inside and out means you'll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying the company of family and friends. Cooker is completely immersible with the heat control removed. Includes see-through glass cover and basket. (Item #188754) w7

Product Characteristics:
Model No.: 06000
Width: 13-in. (handle to handle)
Diameter: 9.5-in.
Height: 7.5-in.
Capacity: 6-qt.
Auto Shut Off: No
Adjustable Thermostat: Temperature range-150-400 degrees
Cleaning & Care: Dishwasher-safe
Volts/Watts: 120-volts / 1300-watts
Origin: USA

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AiredAle

Recipes 

The point was it worked for me when I was using it, and didn't require that much effort. Less than building a mini mash tun. I went to all grain soon after I started using it, and it's now history.

gannawdm

Recipes 

I left some water in my crockpot and left it on the "Keep Warm" setting overnight. This morning, the temperature was steady at 160.

So I'm thinking I might try adding my water long before I plan to brew, so when I'm ready, it will be at 160. Adding the grain should bring the temperature down. Then I'll put the lid back on and let the temperature climb up through the 150s.

Or, when I'm ready to brew, I can add water at well below 150 and then periodically check the temp. Once it's at 145 or so, add my grains and then remove once it's climbed past 155ish.

Thoughts?

Wellshooter

Recipes 

Velly Intelesting