I've been contemplating adding a HERMS or RIMS add on to my brew system. This would include a PID/control panel for controlling.
However before taking this leap. I'm second guessing if this is the path I want.
Let me first describe my current system. Two propane burners for HLT and BK. Cooler mash tun. I don't have a dedicated brew stand, instead I use mix of saw horses & cinder blocks. I typically do batch sparging. I recently added a pump primarily to reduce lifting things/boiling things high above ground. Since I use a cooler MT, there is some playing with strike water to get the right temperatures.
I'm looking long term here, so I understand that there are ways to manually control HERMS/RIMS. However, to go the minimally automated HERMS/RIMS it would probably cost around $200-400. This is not to debate that I can do it cheaper, but more if this is the path I should take. I like the idea of getting the strike water close to desired temperature and using HEX to narrow it down.
I just wanted to hear what others had to say about spending my money elsewhere. Particularly if I should instead invest in using a direct fire MT, or if should spend it on a dedicated brew stand.
However before taking this leap. I'm second guessing if this is the path I want.
Let me first describe my current system. Two propane burners for HLT and BK. Cooler mash tun. I don't have a dedicated brew stand, instead I use mix of saw horses & cinder blocks. I typically do batch sparging. I recently added a pump primarily to reduce lifting things/boiling things high above ground. Since I use a cooler MT, there is some playing with strike water to get the right temperatures.
I'm looking long term here, so I understand that there are ways to manually control HERMS/RIMS. However, to go the minimally automated HERMS/RIMS it would probably cost around $200-400. This is not to debate that I can do it cheaper, but more if this is the path I should take. I like the idea of getting the strike water close to desired temperature and using HEX to narrow it down.
I just wanted to hear what others had to say about spending my money elsewhere. Particularly if I should instead invest in using a direct fire MT, or if should spend it on a dedicated brew stand.