Electric direct fired mash tun?

**Gussymo** · 03-16-2009, 04:29 PM

Has anyone tried doing this? I like the concept of a direct fired mash tun but would like to use an electric element. I was thinking about using an elevated false bottom and have the element under that so it would be away from the grain and using a pump to recirfulate the wort. Has anyone done this? Other ideas? (Besides herms).

missing link · 03-16-2009, 04:44 PM

Quite a few of us have electric Rims systems but we do not have the element in the mash tun. I could not figure out how to get the element low enough to have a false bottom work so I went with an external heat exchanger and I pump through that.

I just reconfigured everything to fit in a tidy little box. I'll post some pics soon.

Linc

**Gussymo** · 03-16-2009, 04:58 PM

I will look forward to the pics. I have seen some RIMS systems that used a large pipe to contain the element. It just occured to me that if I elevated the false bottom I could put the element in the pot and was wondering if it could work.

**Bobby_M** · 03-16-2009, 05:16 PM

One way I could see this going would be to do it as a double boiler. Fit a smaller pot inside a larger vessel that would be insulated. You'd run the element in the outer jacket with water to help distribute heat. You'd also need a small stirring motor to keep it moving. The benefit would be even heat distribution.

**Gussymo** · 03-16-2009, 05:22 PM

That's interesting. That gives me more to think about. Thanks Bobby!

impetus19 · 03-20-2009, 08:19 PM

I have an electric mash tun.. It is absolutely necessary for step mashes IMO.
I used this pot that comes with a false bottom that i ran a stainless steel screen across.
Amazon.com: Vasconia 32-Quart Aluminum Steamer with Lid: Home & Garden

I have a 1650watt element that fits perfectly under the false bottom.

**beerthirty** · 03-21-2009, 05:08 PM

You could mount the element in the plumbing, then as you recirculated it would heat the mash.

**wilserbrewer** · 03-21-2009, 05:13 PM

I would fear scorching as the initial runnings of the mash are pretty high gravity.

**Gussymo** · 03-22-2009, 04:51 PM

Impetus19, that's a nice pot. Where did you get the stainless screen? Do you have any pictures of your setup? I don't think there is any more chance of scorching doing this than with a rims setup. The electric rims systems I have seen use an electric element in a large pipe. This is the same basic principle, just in the pot. As long as you are recirculating when the element is on there shouldn't be any scorching. I have a 62 quart pot I am thinking about using for this.

impetus19 · 03-22-2009, 11:38 PM

I will post up some pictures tonight when i can.. My rig is a total WIP right now though.

Ebay is the only place i have found the stainless steel screen in small pieces.

Here is the ebay link to it... Nice stuff.. Not overly cheap though.