Mash Tun Insulation

[Izzie1701]

I am thinking of upgrading my system. Currently I use a cooler mash tun but think I'm going the HERMs system way. I am thinking of having a stainless mash tun made up with a false bottom. My question is with a HERMs how necessary is the insulation. It is constantly circulating and warming so is it as necessary as with a cooler mash tun. I gather it will help out but from research I see a lot of commercial mash tuns are not in fact insulated. I know there using steam to keep temp but I would assume a HERMs system would be close?

 

[dmcman73]

It's not necessary, but, it will help maintain temps more efficiently especially if you're brewing outside and it's a little windy. If you're brewing inside like a commercial brewery, then I would skip insulation.

 

[day_trippr]

If you can hold the mash temperature via herms recirculation without overheating the hex you can get away without insulation.
But if the MLT thermal losses cause you to crank up the herms too high you'll end up cooking out the enzymes...

Cheers!