Mash stirring

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Portreath

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I've watched a few vids on BIAB brews, and most brewers say that they add the grain what the temp is right, then leave it covered for the mash period, I mash + boil for 90 mins each ( yep plenty of time on my hands) :-)
When I've done my brews I tend to go in and give it a stir every 15 mins or so. I'm wondering what is the most efficient or appropriate method?
 
I've noticed when using multiple temperature probes that the temperature can vary quite a lot between different areas so like you I give a stir every 20 to 30 minutes which evens out the temperature and I apply more heat if necessary.
But I think a lot depends on the equipment your using, how well it holds the heat etc so would not like to say what is most efficient or appropriate.
 
I only stir once but I noticed partial doe balls yesterday (whilst trashing the grain)which I wasn't too happy with so maybe I'll go for twice with the next batch
I thought id brought up all of them which I squash with a second spoon but the efficiency should still be ok as I'd got a whopping 1.060
 
When mashing it's dependant on a few variable's
Equipment ,Temperature control,Thermal insulation,Grain type,Adjuncts and so it goes on.
I had the my first stuck mash using cornflakes in a light lager and never again due to the solidification as it goes into a pulp and sinks to the bottom of the mash tun which required frequent stirring.
 
Never bother, too busy drinking tea and eating bacon butties. Would rather not lose any temperature than save a few pence on grain.

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Never stir mine. But I only recently learnt that the word "mash" comes from doing just that, and historic beers were "mashed" for an hour or so (?). But it's not done now so the reasons for it might be questionable.
 
Hi!
I have a recirculating RIMS system and I underlet the grain. My first "layer" in the mash tun is flaked barley to act as a good base for the grain bed so I don't stir at all because I don't want to disturb the bed.
 
Hi!
I have a recirculating RIMS system and I underlet the grain. My first "layer" in the mash tun is flaked barley to act as a good base for the grain bed so I don't stir at all because I don't want to disturb the bed.
What sort of efficiency do you get Col? I'm a convert to underletting, solved my woes with the pump getting gummed up and the bazooka getting blocked during recirculation. Taken a hit on efficiency though......
 
What sort of efficiency do you get Col? I'm a convert to underletting, solved my woes with the pump getting gummed up and the bazooka getting blocked during recirculation. Taken a hit on efficiency though......
Hi!
I haven't measured efficiency - I'm just glad to be getting decent beer that suits my taste.
How much of a hit have you taken?
Colin
 
Can't recall precisely, would need to check my brewday thread. What I do remember is that I underlet and didn't stir halfway through and was taken aback at **** poor efficiency. Then underlet and stirred twice during mash, and got nearly back to efficiency I was used to before I started underletting.

Either way I am convinced that underletting is, at least for me, the way to go. Would much rather use a few pence more grain and avoid getting too much flour and husk fall through the grain basket. :cheers3:
Thanks BTW, as you put me onto it
 
@oneflower i ditched the bazooka long ago and use a bag like this http://brewinabag.co.uk/en/ If you have a basket it will make clean up easier and recirculating far more reliable. I can stir as much as i want and it wont block.
Thanks for that. I've got a large grain bag so might give that a go, generally use it for hops in the boil. I'm not so bothered about efficiency though (repeatability, yes) and I'm happy with the ease of underletting.
 
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