Comparison of mash tun insulation methods

[akroessler]

For those of you with pot-style vessels, and not kegs: whatever your system, whether you manually turn the burner on and mix to maintain heat, or recirc your wort as in a HERMS or RIMS (or just a pump going through some hoses and recirc on your MLT) - do you have any issue with scorching?

I ask, because I used to step mash, and I had a very difficult time not scorching if direct firing. This was a keggle, however, and the false bottom was just a disc obtained from St. Pat's. What I have are Spike vessels, so I know we're in an entire other paradigm. Haven't yet brewed on this new system because I'm still gathering things. Just know Wisconsin winter is coming, I'll be outside, and I'd rather not make black patent wort under the false bottom.

Thanks.

I direct fire recirculate on my system and as long as you have a temp probe right out of the valve. It doesn’t scorch. My system is direct fire natural gas and it’s on for like 5-10 seconds at a time and then turns off. Never burnt before.

 

[Kornssj]

Just read this topic and realized the reason why my post mash Gravity reading is low because I fail to insulate my kettle and let the temp swing from one extreme to the other.

Headed to Home Depot to purchase some insulation. Gotta love this forum.