So, I'm a former extract brewer, looking to get back into brewing. I'm looking into going for an all-grain system this time around. I've been reading a lot over the last couple of weeks, and one of the main questions I can't seem to find an answer on is about the mash tun.
When you're doing a recipe that calls for step mashing, or even if your temp is slightly off or whatever, to regulate your mash temp... all you do is add hot or cold water? Doesn't this screw up the precise amount of water that you want in the mash, or does that not matter? I often see exact amounts of water for mashing, but if you're using a plastic cooler and have no direct way of heating the mash, I feel like things can be problematic.
When you're doing a recipe that calls for step mashing, or even if your temp is slightly off or whatever, to regulate your mash temp... all you do is add hot or cold water? Doesn't this screw up the precise amount of water that you want in the mash, or does that not matter? I often see exact amounts of water for mashing, but if you're using a plastic cooler and have no direct way of heating the mash, I feel like things can be problematic.