[Wort-H.O.G.]

I found a similar guy online who uses same contraption. He drilled hole in pressure cooker, threaded it, and added an outlet that he could hook copper tube and shutoff valve. The device I found for $69 bucks seems easier and no additional work ...just run hose to outlets on mash tun.  I'm going for it and ordering tonight, and hope to test it out next weekend.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[HoosierBrew]

Sounds really interesting. I like the idea a lot. As you say, cuts out the scorching scenario.

[Wort-H.O.G.]

Yeah and the expensive fixed element electric options!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Wort-H.O.G.]

Hers the article I found where he uses pressure cooker. I think that's cool but like I said, that $69 steam generator seems a really good way to go.

http://morebeer.com/brewingtechniques/library/backissues/issue2.4/jones.html


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Wort-H.O.G.]

Might be able to try it this weekend. Just got it on amazon for $77 delivered and get it Friday.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[HoosierBrew]

Might be able to try it this weekend. Just got it on amazon for $77 delivered and get it Friday.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Definitely looking forward to seeing how it works for ya. Could be a big plus for step mashes.

[stevecrawshaw]

I have used a wallpaper stripper \ steamer with a copper coil immersion chiller to raise temps of mash when doing separate beta and alpha amylase rests. It worked reasonably well. I used thick walled silicone vacuum tubing to connect the two and stirred continuously. It raised temps from 62 to 72C in about 15 minutes (20L batch)

[Wort-H.O.G.]

so did a test with my steamer. hooked up to outlet on my cooler, got steam rolling and then opened valve into 2 gallons of 70F water. you could see the steam/heat coming through my copper manifold and in about 5 minutes I was at 100F.

so tomorrow I will run the step mash with steam and see how it goes.

[Wort-H.O.G.]

So I will post some pics and details on the steam step mash for those interested. If this works as it appears it will, it's a great cheap alternative to the electric options on the market. Stay tuned....


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Wort-H.O.G.]

So went fairly well. I went from 143f to 159.5 in 16 minutes. I'm wondering if I go with shorter tubing from steamer into mash tun if I'd do better with time. I'd like to see this around 7-8 minutes tops , other wise I will go back to infusion step. I am going to find high heat tubing at about 4-5 ft vs the 12ft that came with it.

Nonetheless it was fun experiment.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Phil_M]

I wonder if insulating the tubing may help as well?

[HoosierBrew]

I wonder if insulating the tubing may help as well?

+1.  I thought that, too. I'm betting shortening and insulating the tube would help. There has to be some temp loss there. Still a pretty interesting idea.

[Wort-H.O.G.]

I dont know much about these things, but I was thinking capturing more energy/heat  to transfer to mash should reduce time....guess I will see.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Phil_M]

I dont know much about these things, but I was thinking capturing more energy/heat  to transfer to mash should reduce time....guess I will see.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'd agree with that.

There may be a simple way to test how much energy you're loosing in the tubing. Run you steamer for about as long as you would mashing, but don't attach the end to your mash tun. If you get any water drops out of the end, that would show the steam is cooling enough to condense back to water, representing a major energy loss.

[HoosierBrew]

I dont know much about these things, but I was thinking capturing more energy/heat  to transfer to mash should reduce time....guess I will see.

Don't know anything about those either, Ken. I could easily be wrong.