First Look: SS Brewtech Infussion Mash Tun

[ingchr1]

Somebody mentioned 'purpose-built' a few pages back....so has anyone tested side by side to see if the SS mash tun has better insulation than a cooler? Most coolers are notorious for losing heat through the lid - does the SS version do better with insulating the lid? Are the sidewalls thicker/better insulated?

As far as insulating properties, I don't see a SS MT having an advantage. I would hope it would be at least equivalent to a cooler. I know my round Rubbermaid cooler held very stable and lost only one, maybe two, degrees over a 60min mash. And that includes times when it was outside in 30 degree weather.

 

[NSNO]

I'm thinking of getting a SS Mashtun, but I'm a bit torn. I still plan on doing 5 gallon batches, but I love brewing big stouts. One of the beers in my queue is a big Hunahpu clone with a 28 lbs grain bill. Thus I was thinking I should get the 20 gallon mash tun for when i want to brew those big stouts, but I was scrolling through their FAQ and they said they don't recommend the 20 gallon for 5 gallon batches bc you dont want the grain bed spread out that far. Obviously that won't be a problem for the Huna clone, but what about when i want to brew a regular pale ale? Is it that big of an issue mashing 5 gallons of regular OG beers on a 20 gallon mash tun?

 

[dunnry]

I'm thinking of getting a SS Mashtun, but I'm a bit torn. I still plan on doing 5 gallon batches, but I love brewing big stouts. One of the beers in my queue is a big Hunahpu clone with a 28 lbs grain bill. Thus I was thinking I should get the 20 gallon mash tun for when i want to brew those big stouts, but I was scrolling through their FAQ and they said they don't recommend the 20 gallon for 5 gallon batches bc you dont want the grain bed spread out that far. Obviously that won't be a problem for the Huna clone, but what about when i want to brew a regular pale ale? Is it that big of an issue mashing 5 gallons of regular OG beers on a 20 gallon mash tun?

You should not be concerned about mashing for 5 gals in a 20 gal. I am not sure why their FAQ would state this. It's simply wrong.

I, and many (countless) others use 20+ gal mash tuns to mash for 5 gal batches with great success. At the end of the day, if you can maintain the proper temp, your conversion will be a success. Consider that many folks use rectangular coolers to mash and you can see why the concern of 'grain bed spread' is a non-issue.

My opinion is get the biggest size you can afford. 20 gal MT is big enough for most 10 gal batches. If you ever want to brew 10 gals, you will need it anyway.

 

[HDTVdevil]

I'm thinking of getting a SS Mashtun, but I'm a bit torn. I still plan on doing 5 gallon batches, but I love brewing big stouts. One of the beers in my queue is a big Hunahpu clone with a 28 lbs grain bill. Thus I was thinking I should get the 20 gallon mash tun for when i want to brew those big stouts, but I was scrolling through their FAQ and they said they don't recommend the 20 gallon for 5 gallon batches bc you dont want the grain bed spread out that far. Obviously that won't be a problem for the Huna clone, but what about when i want to brew a regular pale ale? Is it that big of an issue mashing 5 gallons of regular OG beers on a 20 gallon mash tun?

I wouldn't worry about doing 5 gal batches in 20 gal tuns. I think it is more for them a way to convince some people to also buy the 10 gal mashtun. I'm considering a 20 gal model too when they become available in december.

 

[angrybits]

Somebody mentioned 'purpose-built' a few pages back....so has anyone tested side by side to see if the SS mash tun has better insulation than a cooler?

That was me, and in context I was comparing to a blichmann (or other) kettle being used as a mash tun. To answer your question, I believe it to be better at retaining heat but I have not run an empirical test per se.

Expanding for a bit, I think thinking of it as an overpriced igloo is not the best perspective. Igloos don't come with bottom drain, gasketed/fitted false bottom, thermowell, ball valve, etc -- these things cost money. (Being constructed from stainless is obviously an incremental cost but it is not without value.) Having built an MLT from a cooler, I was surprised at what I spent by the time it was done.

My view (and the reason I bought it) is that it is an insulated mash kettle. And that was why I used the term purpose-built, it's really a piece of gear that is designed to be exceedingly good at what it's intended for.

Hope that helps!

 

[mfabe]

I also agree that using a 20 gallon vessel for 5 gallon batches isn't going to cause a discernible difference.

I think it came from Palmer's book, but you could always use the old trick were you place a piece of aluminum foil over the grain bed to further insulate it from the larger headspace. You should be GTG.

Cheers!

 

[davidgaines]

I think SS Brewtech is making a huge mistake in their marketing by selling this as an overpriced, stainless water cooler--they should be selling it as an insulated kettle and accessorizing it as such. Hell, I'd gladly buy two more if they would put tri clamp element ports in them. I haven't yet decided if I will use for HLT, and just heat the HLT water with another RIMS tube. Alas, so much stainless, so little disposable income..

I would have had one of the 10 gallons when they first launched if they had tri-clamp. I just don't know if I can ever go back from those.

 

[augiedoggy]

I would have had one of the 10 gallons when they first launched if they had tri-clamp. I just don't know if I can ever go back from those.

I prefer camlocks when it comes to the hot side. Tri clover are better for the cold side were sterilization is important but otherwise they are more difficult to use with more parts lying around and I fail to see any advantage of them for the hot side of the brewery... Stainless camlocks are quick and easy to use. Just my opinion from having both though...

 

[augiedoggy]

You should not be concerned about mashing for 5 gals in a 20 gal. I am not sure why their FAQ would state this. It's simply wrong.

I, and many (countless) others use 20+ gal mash tuns to mash for 5 gal batches with great success. At the end of the day, if you can maintain the proper temp, your conversion will be a success. Consider that many folks use rectangular coolers to mash and you can see why the concern of 'grain bed spread' is a non-issue.

My opinion is get the biggest size you can afford. 20 gal MT is big enough for most 10 gal batches. If you ever want to brew 10 gals, you will need it anyway.

I agree, I have a 15.5 gallon mashtun and have come close to running out of space with some bigger 11 gallon brews... I would go taller and more narrow myself if I had to do it again only because I feel it would be more even and effective for a sparge. things like the bottom drain are nice to have but besides saving my a quart or two of sparge water I dont see any advantage since I dont waste time scooping my grain out and cleaning in place... That may change if I become weaker with age someday but by then there will be some different new setup I'll want for sure...

 

[davidgaines]

I prefer camlocks when it comes to the hot side. Tri clover are better for the cold side were sterilization is important but otherwise they are more difficult to use with more parts lying around and I fail to see any advantage of them for the hot side of the brewery... Stainless camlocks are quick and easy to use. Just my opinion from having both though...

I use both tri-clamp and camlock at work, and enjoy both. I guess I should have stated that I hate using anything with threads. I was piecing together a camlock/tri-clamp setup for my current equipment that I could use with whatever custom setup I get in the next few months.

 

[brewbama]

I was looking into the Infussion Mash Tun and found this "interesting" thread on a Google search. Kinda like going to a hockey game, some folks seem to enjoy the fight more that the event (in this case a pretty good informational write up). Thanks for the first hand information mfabe.

Without getting into all that, here are a couple of interesting developments:

1. they have designed a bulkhead fitting for recirculating without removing the lid. They also sell a recirculating mainfold that lays on the mash bed and can be replaced with a volauf attachment.

2. step mashing is available to those folks with infusion mash tuns (plastic beverage cooler included).

Pretty ingenious design - I applaud the inventor.

 

[augiedoggy]

Chapman sells a similar stainless insulated mash tun now, although not quite as refined as the Ss version they are priced accordingly.

 

[augiedoggy]

Chapman sells a similar stainless insulated mash tun now, although not quite as refined as the Ss version they are priced accordingly. The have them in 15 and 20 gallon sizes as well.

 

[pretzelb]

I was looking into the Infussion Mash Tun and found this "interesting" thread on a Google search. Kinda like going to a hockey game, some folks seem to enjoy the fight more that the event (in this case a pretty good informational write up). Thanks for the first hand information mfabe.

Without getting into all that, here are a couple of interesting developments:

1. they have designed a bulkhead fitting for recirculating without removing the lid. They also sell a recirculating mainfold that lays on the mash bed and can be replaced with a volauf attachment.

2. step mashing is available to those folks with infusion mash tuns (plastic beverage cooler included).

Pretty ingenious design - I applaud the inventor.

Those are some nice accessories. I agree that they are doing some cool designs.

 

[arborman]

See you just made my point for me with your simple minded reasoning.
its a kettle to hold grain either to hold temps itself or just to hold the grain with a rims or herms system maintains the temps. (it performs different primary functions in each different setup which is another point I was trying to make) Its not for showing off and it will not get you laid. (or obviously in your case it is to show off) BUT AGAIN, COSMETICS ASIDE!! I was asking what the real practical advantages were.

What constitutes the difference between your superior mashtun and "Junk" in this case? marketing price and looks.... This apparently adds up to prestige in your mind from your comments. For someone whos primary purpose for owning this is to make good beer this sillyness is not important.

This are the differences you are a prime example of the mentality im talking about. This is a chinese made mashtun not a german automobile Its like arguing that a silver spoon is vastly superior to a stainless one and also agueing that its not because of the fact that it costs more but because that silver spoon has performance benefits but when asked to explain them theres just silence.... so what if the silver tarnishes and is soft... (Just like ignoring the huge weight and inconvenience factor of moving one of these mash tuns around or any other advantage that may have no merit depending on setup and use) Its ok to talk up the silver spoon but when it comes to validating any of the real stuff it seems peopl here dont want to here it because it interferes with their propoganda to convince themselves its more of an upgrade than reality shows.

because the real primary reasoning in most owners eyes will not be functional but cosmetic. Fine but you shouldnt try to convince others that your choice was the correct one for other reasons than you have more money and that means you can affords to spend more it on less important things. then to have the typical additude that everything but your brewery jewelry is junk because

BTW drive that mercedes an hyundai side by side with equal usage for 5 years and tell me what the practical benefit is then when you compare service and maintenance costs...between the two. The truth is the hyundai will likely perform the task of a reliable automobile more cost effectively. You know what they say a fool is easily separated from him money... Nothing wrong with flaunting it if you got it I guess especially if it makes you feel better about yourself but to imply economical choices are all junk just because of the lack of completely uneeded luxuries is foolish.

Really late to this party, but my 2 cents..

First and foremost, it's a friggen coooool piece of gear!

I've got a 14 gal cooler, about two years old. It's warped, scratched up on the inside, and the inside is delaminating from the outer case. It holds mash temps fine... But, it's gonna fail on me one of these days. This SS tun looks like it's built tough, and built for the sole purpose of MASHING.

I've got a Prius. But, I went out and bought a mustang GT 5.0 premium with a track pack.. I've modded it up... Guess what? It's got no practical advantage over my Prius... In fact, it could be a negative as practicality is concerned... Burns tons of gas, tires wear out fast, sucks more money for mods.... But ya know what? It's fun as hell to drive! And, it looks badass...

Kinda like this SS mashtun. Quality piece of gear that does what a plastic cooler does. Gets from point A to point B. But, it looks badass! That's practical enough in my book, along with the other added benefits. I don't expect this to warp on me in two years, or fail from delaminating.

Why brew your own beer in the first place? You can just go buy it and spend less when you consider all the ingredients, equipment and time it takes... Tell me, what's the practicality in that??? Seems foolish to burn time and money into something that isn't necessary. Or, it's a hobby that make you happy! And, some people enjoy buying nicer gear while they play with their hobby!

Penny pinch on everything in life as much as you like.. But in the end, it doesn't matter. Meanwhile, I'll enjoy my shiny toys

Damn dude, chill out and grab a homebrew! Oh, wait... Just snag a six pack at the store, that'd be the more practical thing to do

 

[augiedoggy]

Really late to this party, but my 2 cents..

First and foremost, it's a friggen coooool piece of gear!

I've got a 14 gal cooler, about two years old. It's warped, scratched up on the inside, and the inside is delaminating from the outer case. It holds mash temps fine... But, it's gonna fail on me one of these days. This SS tun looks like it's built tough, and built for the sole purpose of MASHING.

I've got a Prius. But, I went out and bought a mustang GT 5.0 premium with a track pack.. I've modded it up... Guess what? It's got no practical advantage over my Prius... In fact, it could be a negative as practicality is concerned... Burns tons of gas, tires wear out fast, sucks more money for mods.... But ya know what? It's fun as hell to drive! And, it looks badass...

Kinda like this SS mashtun. Quality piece of gear that does what a plastic cooler does. Gets from point A to point B. But, it looks badass! That's practical enough in my book, along with the other added benefits. I don't expect this to warp on me in two years, or fail from delaminating.

Why brew your own beer in the first place? You can just go buy it and spend less when you consider all the ingredients, equipment and time it takes... Tell me, what's the practicality in that??? Seems foolish to burn time and money into something that isn't necessary. Or, it's a hobby that make you happy! And, some people enjoy buying nicer gear while they play with their hobby!

Penny pinch on everything in life as much as you like.. But in the end, it doesn't matter. Meanwhile, I'll enjoy my shiny toys

Damn dude, chill out and grab a homebrew! Oh, wait... Just snag a six pack at the store, that'd be the more practical thing to do

Ok I'll bite since the thread is dead.

I guess you missed where I said over and over besides the cosmetic advantages.. and I agreed it would last longer as long as someone was carefull when moving and cleaning it so it doesnt get all dinged up.

You just repeated the point I was trying to make like the other guy did..

Glad you like it and theres nothing wrong with buying it for looks or cool factor .. Its the other "advantages" I was questioning like whats the point if your going to use a rims or herms? a stainless kettle looks just as cool and is easier to clean and move in that case..

In any case from the sound of it in the other thread looks like these may not hold temps as well as the plastic coolers. At least it looks cool right?
maybe you can get it in gold plating and really impress your friends? That would make it really "friggen cool!"
I am kidding.
I get it man Ive owned a couple corvettes myself and have a rather loud hot rodded one now..... But if someone comes on the corvette forum talking about how they bought the corvette because it had advantages that made more reliable and economical. I would question them just as I did here.. Its one thing to BS oneself but dont expect people not to try to knock down your house of cards..

 

[arborman]

Lol, yeah..... Its all good.. I see what your trying to say.

So, I guess I will say this: One major advantage, which I stated above, I do not expect this thing to fall apart on me in two years. I believe this is built to last a lifetime. That, right there, is worth the price of admission! I like quality products that are built to last... Yeah, they cost more up front, but in the end they usually prove to be the right decision! My plastic, toxic filled cooler was cheap, but after I spent money on building the copper manifold, ball valve, etc., price point went up in the neighborhood of $150. $250 more, now I got gear that will last me the rest of my brewing career... AND, I bet you money I could sell this piece of gear for a decent cost down the road if I decided not to brew anymore. I doubt I could GIVE away my cooler mash tun! Theres a couple more advantages!

Happy brewing

 

[Shawnylocks]

sorry to bring back an old thread but does your digital thermometer have a shut off or do you have to remove the batteries? or am I completely missing something?

mine does not seem to have a shut off switch for it anywhere and I have to take the batteries out every time I use it which is a PITA. other than that this MT is flawless!

 

[TannerG]

sorry to bring back an old thread but does your digital thermometer have a shut off or do you have to remove the batteries? or am I completely missing something?

mine does not seem to have a shut off switch for it anywhere and I have to take the batteries out every time I use it which is a PITA. other than that this MT is flawless!

You have to remove the batteries to shut it off. IMO the thermometer is a complete piece of crap. However, it does appear to be accurate.

 

[Shawnylocks]

You have to remove the batteries to shut it off. IMO the thermometer is a complete piece of crap. However, it does appear to be accurate.

it feels chincy and cheap. I do not like the no shut off. I want to look into a thermometer with an adjustable face to tilit it up a bit more on both my MT and BK from them. quality build, too bad they cheaped out there

 

[hagmanngr]

Does anyone know how much capacity is lost to the false bottom? Or does that conical shape somehow work to get you the full 10 gallons for the mash?

 

[dmcman73]

Does anyone know how much capacity is lost to the false bottom? Or does that conical shape somehow work to get you the full 10 gallons for the mash?

I believe it's a bottom drain MT, if so, no loss at all.

 

[AfroHopster]

Does anyone know how much capacity is lost to the false bottom? Or does that conical shape somehow work to get you the full 10 gallons for the mash?

Like someone stated above zero

 

[angrybits]

it feels chincy and cheap. I do not like the no shut off. I want to look into a thermometer with an adjustable face to tilit it up a bit more on both my MT and BK from them. quality build, too bad they cheaped out there

Agreed. Once I get my stand built I'm gonna use 1/32 DIN temp controller as a passive readout and just ram a probe into the thermowell.

 

[40oz]

I just made the switch over to AG brewing from extract and this caught my eye.

I would like to do 10 gallon batches so would the 10gal Mash Tun be large enough or should I be considering the 20?

 

[hagmanngr]

You can do 10 gallon batches in it, but you cant do big beers in it. They have a chart on their website that shows batch sizes, so check it out. Two warnings that I have on these.

First, the 20 gallon pot is enormous and extremely heavy.You don't want to be moving that around a lot. I returned mine for a 10 gallon simply because I didn't want to move it up and down my stairs every brew day

Second, contrary to a lot of other posts I've seen, mine doesnt hold temperature well at all. SS Brewtech customer service suggested that I add at least the amount of water I'm planning to mash to warm it up. They also suggested that I put aluminum foil over my grain to trap the heat, since in a normal batch there is 4 gallons or more of head space.

 

[flatchulense]

My 10 gallon has been great. Ordered temp controller, holds the temp. After several uses, noted that water heated 20F over desired temp hit the mark. Ordered re-circulation installation kit, and am using the Vorlauf attachment and re-circulation manifold.

Next, am adding a RIMS tube setup from Brewnandgrow.com (110V). Want to take running's from a 5 gallon batch of a big beer, pump into kettle, then use that for strike water in another batch soon as grains removed. Think will allow me to hit OG better, and any leftover I'll make into a small beer.

NOTE: This is only a hobby, and I enjoy tinkering & brewing as a source of fun & relaxation. My system is made just for me, and I do not work for SSbrewtech, but my system is now 100% SSbrewtech, and am satisfied with every dollar spent on it.

Cheers!

 

[40oz]

For any reason is a 20 Gal too large to do a 5 Gal batch?

 

[dmcman73]

For any reason is a 20 Gal too large to do a 5 Gal batch?

Nope. I built an insulated mashtun using a 15 gallon keg and i make 5 gallon batches occasionally. You'll want to pre-heat the mashtun first though so you don't loose a lot of heat on your mash.

What I do is boil some water in a tea kettle as soon as I start heating my strike water. Once the kettle is close to boiling, I pour the whole thing into the mashtun and seal it up. That water will pre-heat the mashtun and by the time you're ready to mash in, it will be good to go. You can either leave the hot water in the mash or rain it out prior to dumping your grains in.

 

[Dorimo]

My 10 gallon has been great. Ordered temp controller, holds the temp. After several uses, noted that water heated 20F over desired temp hit the mark. Ordered re-circulation installation kit, and am using the Vorlauf attachment and re-circulation manifold.

Next, am adding a RIMS tube setup from Brewnandgrow.com (110V). Want to take running's from a 5 gallon batch of a big beer, pump into kettle, then use that for strike water in another batch soon as grains removed. Think will allow me to hit OG better, and any leftover I'll make into a small beer.

NOTE: This is only a hobby, and I enjoy tinkering & brewing as a source of fun & relaxation. My system is made just for me, and I do not work for SSbrewtech, but my system is now 100% SSbrewtech, and am satisfied with every dollar spent on it.

Cheers!

I'm digging up this post from quite awhile ago, but I have the 10 Gal InfuSsion MT and love it! I am looking at installing the recirc bulkhead but the thought of drilling into the beautiful MT is freaking me out haha. I am working towards a Herms build so I need to do it anyway, but is there any advice you have other then follow the instructions given from SS Brewtec, and I would love to see some pictures if possible even

Cheers!