Making an all in one system

[Ben034]

The stick does the recirculation? That's ace. So I can leave it in my mash and it will keep it at my target temperature?

They're not cheap, but actually could be a really good choice. Have you tried step-mashes with it?

Yes it recirculates. I have an ANOVA one (they're under £100 nowadays I think) which keeps my insulated 30l pot (camping mat) within a degree. I give it an occasional stir. You would need to use a bag for your grain (brew in a bag). I've used mine for 100 + brews and works for me.

 

[Ben034]

Yes it would do step mashes. It heats relatively quickly (depends on the power of the stick you have). I have an induction hob so can heat without concern of burning anything (wire etc) at the same time. Would be more difficult with gas. If I didn't have an induction hob, i may also consider an all in one system to be honest.

 

[Ben034]

My setup

 

[Donjon]

I'm certain I could keep the cables away from the flames. A pair of these would be excellent

 

[Donjon]

My setup

How many Watts is that device? You're doing 21 litre batches I assume? Do you often produce big beers?

 

[Ben034]

How many Watts is that device? You're doing 21 litre batches I assume? Do you often produce big beers?

I've used it with a 30l pot. I tend to do smaller batches nowadays (12l into fermenter) with a 20l pot. I think it's 1200w, would need to check. I think I would rather get a larger pot than two devices to heat? You could sparge (biab still), or liquor back? I don't really do many big beers, but can by reducing mash volume and just sparging the bag after removing and resting on a rack above the pot. Not the most efficient but don't mind using a little more grain.

 

[Donjon]

I've used it with a 30l pot. I tend to do smaller batches nowadays (12l into fermenter) with a 20l pot. I think it's 1200w, would need to check. I think I would rather get a larger pot than two devices to heat? You could sparge (biab still), or liquor back? I don't really do many big beers, but can by reducing mash volume and just sparging the bag after removing and resting on a rack above the pot. Not the most efficient but don't mind using a little more grain.

Yes, I realised keeping two vessels.


It's so complicated. I'm currently weighing up my options.

 

[Donjon]

I've used it with a 30l pot. I tend to do smaller batches nowadays (12l into fermenter) with a 20l pot. I think it's 1200w, would need to check. I think I would rather get a larger pot than two devices to heat? You could sparge (biab still), or liquor back? I don't really do many big beers, but can by reducing mash volume and just sparging the bag after removing and resting on a rack above the pot. Not the most efficient but don't mind using a little more grain.

Ben, can I just clarify that your device will go up to (or above) 100 Celsius?

 

[Ben034]

Ben, can I just clarify that your device will go up to (or above) 100 Celsius?

It definitely won't go above 100c. It can go to 99c I think but I've never tried. I mash at maximum 70c, use it to raise the temp to 76c for mash out and then i take it out to boil. I often add it in for a whirlpool (hopstand) after the boil to hold it at 80c for 15 mins with hops in a bag. And then I set it to 18c to recirculate the wort whilst chilling (helps bring the temp down much faster with the immersion chiller).

 

[cerbera84]

A member made a similar thing a few years ago. The MaltMother

It looks like a good system and he had some success with it, but it needed a lot of tweaks and mods to make it work well. I can't help thinking that if you want an all in one, you may be better off just buying an all in one that has been tested and works first time.

Watch this space - the MaltMother is being resurrected from the parts bin, having a few upgrades and will be entering service shortly! But you are definitely correct, it would be better just to buy a grainfather in the first place!