why either? (RIMS/HERMS)

[dukes7779]

Looking at new equipment........so naturally it begs the question of a new system. Why bother using RIMS or HERMS? Is there any advantage if not doing step mashes?? Is beer made by step mashes really that different?? Currently I do single infusion mashes in an insulated mash tun and they are great; clones are pretty dead on, etc. Not trying to start any feuds......

Thanks!

 

[erikpete18]

Are you talking about the differences between RIMS and HERMS, or the difference between a RIMS/HERMS system versus just boiling water, adding it to the mash, and letting it sit? If the former, both are good and I'm sure there are a lot of various preferences that go into one versus the other.

If you're talking about just letting it sit, a bunch of people do it that way as well. One of the benefits of the RIMS/HERMS is that you can ensure that you aren't getting any changes in mash temp. Its also easier once you start getting into larger batches (10-15 gal) since you don't have to worry about getting a big cooler and holding the temp. I suppose some people also like not having to worry about having any plastic and doing everything with stainless.

All that being said, you can still do step mashes in your insulated tun. Just start at a fairly thick mash and add boiling water to bring your temps up to the next step. In fact its probably easier that way than through a HERMS system, which can take a decent amount of time to ramp between temps depending on the setup. You can have the best of both worlds! I think it all comes down to preference really, and if you like the beer you're making, I'd say you're doing alright!

 

[dukes7779]

i was referring to why do RIMS/HERMS versus my single infusion mash that I let sit. I am gong to be upgrading to 1/2 - 1 bbl batches and was looking at some tanks (Stout tanks to name one) and they have all kinds of options from just a HLT with tri-clamps and hose barbs to HLT's with a HERMS coil and sight glass or with electric element ports or with a RIMS module (sold separately) for the mash tun. Just trying to decide how to spend my tax returns!!

 

[erikpete18]

Ah, tax return goodies! Once you start getting up to 1bbl batches, that's when you've got start figuring out if your mash tun is going to be able to hold that heat at your mash temp. The bigger the mash, the more opportunity for stratification as well, so that's where a recirculation system will really help your out. It really depends on what you want to worry about doing. If you're comfortable with a single infusion and want to spend your money on insulating your mash tun really well to keep those temps stable, you'll still make good beer. But if you've got the money and are interested in a little more digital control and automation, the HERMS/RIMS options can result in some very pretty systems!

 

[dukes7779]

automation would be nice as well..........HERMS it is!!

 

[WAORGANY]

automation would be nice as well..........HERMS it is!!

My system will be eHERMS can't wait till its done

 

[Bobby_M]

One reason would be for those who are anti-plastic mash tun. Using a metal tun pretty much requires a temp maintenance system. Another reason, even in a cooler, is to be absolutely certain that you reach and hold an exact desired temp for repeatability. I don't necessarily agree that it's measurably beneficial because most coolers can hold a mash within 1-2F over an hour. If I were mashing in a cooler, I wouldn't be bothered to recirculate.

 

[stevehaun]

As your batch size increases, HERMS/RIMS systems become very ineffective at raising the temp for step mashes. They really can only maintain heat lost in your MT. I designed my HERMS system for 15 gallon batches and could quickly change my mash temp. I now use the same system (except MT and BK) for 35 gallon batches. It will maintain temps but cannot raise temps in a meaningful way. The ability to raise temps is a function of wort flow relative to the thermal mass of the mash. My flow is not really any faster in the larger system but the thermal mass of my mash has more than doubled.