We're getting some money here in a month or so, and I've been told I can buy something new for the brewery in the $300 range. I want a new mash tun. The one I currently use is a 16g extract barrel, wrapped in reflectix, with a sparge arm attached to the bottom of the lid; it works great, but doesn't hold heat the way I need it to. I could, if I wanted to, set up a heat exchanger with my old IC, but it's a PITA and I'd rather have a tun that can hold heat without external help (don't have a burner for it either). So, my question is, what do you all use (preferably stainless) that doesn't cost an arm and a few legs? I know I'll probably still have to make or buy a heat jacket for it, that's not an issue. I'd like something that can mash 18lbs of grain at 2qt/lb which is my usual ratio. I have a good grain mill that I can adjust to whatever I need, and use a bag in the tun for easy cleanup.
I've done some research on what's available out there, and still can't decide. Anyone?
I've done some research on what's available out there, and still can't decide. Anyone?