Single tier brewstands (Brutus),do you need the middle burner?

[ndinh]

I'm in the process of building my brutus-type single tier stand. I was wondering how often everyone uses their middle burner, the one for your MLT, and is it necessary? Will firing up the burner have any adverse effects on the mash?

 

[tophmck]

It all depends on your setup. If you plan to mash in a cooler, you don't need it. If you plan to do HERMS, you don't need it. If you plan to do RIMS with a tube, you don't need it. But if you want to direct-fire your mash, you need the middle burner.

As for adverse effects on the mash, I assume you mean scorching. I do direct-fired RIMS and have never had any problems -- but you need a full false bottom and a pump to recirculate the wort.

 

[dfess1]

As for adverse effects on the mash, I assume you mean scorching. I do direct-fired RIMS and have never had any problems -- but you need a full false bottom and a pump to recirculate the wort.

I do the same thing, with no adverse effects.