1 Gal brews

[CascadesBrewer]

Video was really informative. I especially like the smaller igloo cooler you were able to find. Had to do a quick search and nothing yet, but I am going to keep my eye out. I do like that with the smaller batches you were able to brew two days in a row without much added effort.

I got it from Home Depot for cheap. They don't list it in stock now: Rubbermaid Victory 2 Gal. Red Cooler FG153004MODRD - The Home Depot

There might be a good way to just insulate your kettle. Maybe with some layers of Reflectix or other insulation?

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

Reflectix was a 'sub-topic' over in Induction Brewing with 120V (June 2023)

@Protos 's observations on thermal mass as equally important.

When I was doing "1 gal" BIAB, my barley wines (5 lb) held mash temp for 60 min with kettle wrapped. My normal strength beers would loose 3 or 4 degrees over the same time period.

For my 2.5 gal batches, my kettle is double-wrapped (no air gap) and mash temperature is stable for 45 to 60 minutes. My "best guess" is that it's a combination of thermal mass and insulation

 

[beren]

.

 

[beren]

https://www.finehomebuilding.com/forum/reflectix-r-value-claims-reasonable
Reflectix is designed to have a sealed air barrier behind it

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

http://fermware.com/mash-tun-insulation-comparisons/

http://fermware.com/mash-tun-insulation-comparisons-part-ii/

http://fermware.com/reflectix-insulation-jacket-for-your-mash-tun/

 

[hilljack13]

http://fermware.com/mash-tun-insulation-comparisons/

http://fermware.com/mash-tun-insulation-comparisons-part-ii/

http://fermware.com/reflectix-insulation-jacket-for-your-mash-tun/

Me thinks some reflectix is in the future!

I have a sleeping bag, but might use it more for the intended purpose.

 

[beren]

could also get some 1-2” thick foam panel and cut into an octagon

 

[BongoYodeler]

Don't over-think it. I just set my oven at the lowest setting for a few minutes, and then turn it off 5 minutes before I mash in. Stick the kettle in and the residual heat will hold the mash temperature for the hour.

 

[hilljack13]

I snagged a 2 gal igloo. Not a Prime deal but they seem to go pretty quick. 2 Gal Igloo

Also picked up the InkBird, which was like $25 on Prime deal.

 

[Jetpack_Maniac]

Cheers. I just bought a 2 gal igloo as well a few days ago. It should help, I've done mini-mashes before and they cool off really quickly. I found doing decoctions and hot water infusions is simple enough but this should help a ton with temp loss.