I just picked up a new Brewer's Edge Mash & Boil (No, I haven't actually brewed with it yet), but since I knew I'd need some form of insulation, I experimented with a few different kinds of insulation. Even though I used the Brewer's Edge as the test bed, the results should apply to any mash tun / electric kettle.
The quick and dirty results are the following from best to worst, out of the methods I tried:
1. Stock
2. Cotton based water heater insulation
3. 3 layers of Reflectix
4. Sleeping bag
Yes, the least high tech, ended up being the best.
Here is a graph of temps through a simulated mash range (water only).
If you want the full run down and more graphs and info, check out the post:
http://fermware.com/mash-tun-insulation-comparisons/
The quick and dirty results are the following from best to worst, out of the methods I tried:
1. Stock
2. Cotton based water heater insulation
3. 3 layers of Reflectix
4. Sleeping bag
Yes, the least high tech, ended up being the best.
Here is a graph of temps through a simulated mash range (water only).
If you want the full run down and more graphs and info, check out the post:
http://fermware.com/mash-tun-insulation-comparisons/