Igloo Cooler to Steel Kettle MLT

[Steampunk]

I currently have a 10 gallon cooler I use as an MLT. It works fine, but I don't like the idea of missing a step temprature so have been thinking about moving to a steel kettle MLT.

The question is, if I have a steel kettle as an mlt over a direct flame, do I have to recirculate the wort with a pump? I am trying to avoid pumps and this could be a deal breaker.

 

[bribo179]

If you like your mlt already just make a heat stick to raise the temps

 

[BillyBock]

You don't need to recirculate with a pump, but I highly recommend stirring frequently with a mash paddle. This will prevent the grain on the bottom of the MT from scorching. Scorched grain with adversely affect the flavor. Also, using direct flame to step-mash will result in a slightly different conversion rate compared to, say infusion mash with a igloo cooler. The temp curve is more gradual with a direct flame set-up.

 

[je52rm]

I currently have a 10 gallon cooler I use as an MLT. It works fine, but I don't like the idea of missing a step temprature so have been thinking about moving to a steel kettle MLT.

The question is, if I have a steel kettle as an mlt over a direct flame, do I have to recirculate the wort with a pump? I am trying to avoid pumps and this could be a deal breaker.

Just out of curiosity why do you need to hit step temps? Most malt that we buy today is fully or highly modified and has already undergone those lower temp changes while they were being malted. If you are using malt that is undermodified then yes you will probably benefit from step temps. If u are already using an igloo MLT and its working fine why would you feel the need to change? Just wondering

 

[Steampunk]

Find I get a lot of stuck sparges

I like to make a rye beer which is an undermodified malt.

I do step up to mash out after sacchrification rest.

I find a twenty minute rest at 131 especially with Maris Otter malt gives me a clearer beer.