When I mash, I use a 15 gallon kettle with a false bottom over a burner. I make five gallon batches. I want to wrap the kettle with some type of insulation to help retain the heat in the kettle. What would be the best to use?
Brad
I used an old army jacet
I made this from reflective insulation.
I lose no more than a degree or two over an hour, even sitting outside in the cold.
[quote=“dobe12”]I made this from reflective insulation.
I lose no more than a degree or two over an hour, even sitting outside in the cold.[/quote]
Would you be able to directly heat that? I have a keggle mash tun, and just use an old blanket or sleeping bag.
Na. I assume it would melt/burn. I have a turkey frier setup, so once my water is at the correct mash-in temp, I take the pot of my burner, wrap it, then start adding my grain.
[quote=“dobe12”]I made this from reflective insulation.
I lose no more than a degree or two over an hour, even sitting outside in the cold.[/quote]
Would that happen to be insulation with the bubble plastic sandwiched between the reflective outer material? I saw that at the hardware store,and thought it would melt. I use a banjo burner to heat with. But placing it on the kettle after strike water is at temperature might work. Thank you!
Brad
I used it (Reflectix) on my MT, but I didn’t go over the chine. I taped it on with HVAC tape, the adhesive got a bit soft over heat, but if the flame doesn’t come over the side, it doesn’t melt. I like the triple layer, dobe. It makes a big difference. My LHBS uses Velcro strips for attaching.
I triple layered because that’s how much material I had from a 25’ roll. Worked out nicely! I cut out two triple layered circles. One for under the pot, one for the lid. I had a bungy laying around so I used it. It’s not pretty, but does a fantastic job. 60-75min mash time, 20-30F winter weather, I may lose a degree or 2.
The Velcro strips is a good idea. I have a bunch at home but never thought to use it. I’ll have to give it a try. I’ve almost taken my eye out several times while removing the bungy cord. It’s on there pretty tight.
[quote=“Bier brauer”][quote=“dobe12”]I made this from reflective insulation.
I lose no more than a degree or two over an hour, even sitting outside in the cold.[/quote]
Would that happen to be insulation with the bubble plastic sandwiched between the reflective outer material? I saw that at the hardware store,and thought it would melt. I use a banjo burner to heat with. But placing it on the kettle after strike water is at temperature might work. Thank you!
Brad[/quote]
It is, but I don’t have it on my pot when heating. I get my water up to temp, take the pot off the burner and then wrap it. Then start adding my grain.
Thanks! That seems like something I am going to do. Glad you mentioned about tape, I thought about duct taping two or three layers together then wrapping the kettle. Now I will have to revert to plan B,which I don’t have yet.
Back a number of years ago I insulated my keggle mash tun with the foil covered insulation and the best foil tape. It worked but the hassle for cleaning never made it worth having. If I’m using a vessel with no heat (RIMS or fire) I simply throw a blanket over it and like others oly a few degree loss at most and the blanket requires no work and doesn’t get dirty at all.
[quote=“Dean Palmer”]Back a number of years ago I insulated my keggle mash tun with the foil covered insulation and the best foil tape. It worked but the hassle for cleaning never made it worth having. If I’m using a vessel with no heat (RIMS or fire) I simply throw a blanket over it and like others oly a few degree loss at most and the blanket requires no work and doesn’t get dirty at all.
[/quote]
A friend of mine wrapped his kettle with 1/8 wet suit neoprene. It lost maybe one degree during a 80 minute mash. I was impressed. But I’m not cutting up my 6 mill suit to do the same, so I bought the reflective bubble wrap insulation and wrapped the kettle today. I have some old blankets in the workshop that I can place on top of the lid. Now I have to wait till the carboy (primary) empties to brew. Hope it all works out. :cheers:
