Mash Paddles?
 

I'm in love with the idea of a wooden mash paddle, but do you guys find it really useful?

Right now, I'm doing a lot of 3gal batches so it's not likely that I'll be stirring 20lb+ of grain any time soon, so my metal spoon has felt more than adequate. However, now that I've switched from BIAB to a cooler mash tun, I've been contemplating some higher gravity beers and wondered if the paddle would come in handy.

I just used mine (a homemade one out of oak) for the first time yesterday. I found it much easier to stir the mash and I love it. That being said, if you're doing small(er) batches and what you've got is working for you (i.e. you're getting decent mash efficiencies), don't worry; have a homebrew! :drunk:
But if you're going to be increasing your batch size, it may be worth it to you. However, I've done a few "full-sized" batches using just a long-handled plastic spoon and it has worked out fine.
But homemade mash paddles certainly look cool!

I think the mash paddle is very useful. I haven't had a problem with dough balls, but I notice that the mash needs some good stirring to get the temperature even throughout.

I purchased my wooden paddle at a restaurant supply store for about $12. It does not have holes in it like a lot of brewing-specific mash paddles I've seen, but it's been working fine for me. My friends love it when they see it in the kitchen!

Its a necessity for me. I do 20g batches and that much grain flexes anything plastic. My paddle handles that grain bill fine.

Wow. I imagine you stirring with a canoe paddle.

Yea.. Pretty much.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...495F526B24.jpg

I got one of those custom paddles from mashpaddle.com for Christmas... I absolutely love it. Looks awesome, but also works very well.

FWIW I use a French whip or whisk. I purchased it from Rebel Brewer after reading a review from that store's site. I love it because I can break up any dough balls that might form. It works great. Here is a link to the item if you are interested.

I hope that this helps.

Mark

I bought a wooden cooking paddle and drilled holes in it and it works great. My plastic spoon worked well when I was doing extract brews, but it didn't cut it when I made the switch to BIAB. My mash paddle works so much better...

I got the doweled mash paddle from NB as a Christmas gift. Used it for the first time on Monday and I would happily buy it with my own money now after using it.