No temp loss...I don't believe you...

[flyangler18]

You should also thinking about minimizing the headspace as much as possible; you are losing heat to the space between the top of the mash and the lid. Easiest fix is float a piece of thick foam insulation right on top of the mash. Bet you don't lose a single degree then.

Also, heat your strike water to around 10 degrees over what your software is telling you and let it drop down to your intended strike temp. i.e if you want to strike at 165, heat to 175 and dump that water into the cooler. When it has dropped down to 165, add your grain and go.

 

[tireater]

I have been doing it the other way...Put the grain in and dump the water from the HLT...Mix with power stir...

 

[CnnmnSchnpps]

Using a stainless pot, on a wooden counter top, with towel/tinfoil insulation wrapper, and covered with a towel, I got less than 1 degree of temp loss. Also had almost no head space (literally had to scoop liquid out to fit all my grains )

 

[SilverKing]

I'm with Yooper. HOT water in the 10Gal cooler, let it soak up as much heat as possible. Mash in at strike temp. stir at least 2 times over 60 mins...sometimes more. Cover the lid with an extra towel. If I lose 1 degree, I'm surprised.