The mash tun is an important part of the beer brewing process. It produces wort by mixing water and grains. The wort is then transferred to the brewing kettle and boiled, ingredients are added and prepared for fermentation. In this article Micet will introduce the role of mash tun in brewing.
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What is a mash tun?
The mash tun is the vessel used in home brewing to create wort: a mixture of malted grains and water. The mash tun not only mixes the ingredients into a mixture with a porridge-like consistency, it also regulates the temperature of the mixture. This is important because if the temperature is too cold, your mixture will be runny. If the temperature is too high, the wort will have difficulty interacting with the yeast later in the process.
mash process
During the mashing process, water of increased temperature is added to the malt flour in 3 or 4 stages. In the first stage, use water at a temperature of about 64 degrees Celsius (147 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, drain the water (and store it in the wort receiver (or bottom)) and add a second batch of water at a temperature between 70 and 75 degrees Celsius (168 – 167 degrees Fahrenheit). The water is given some time to absorb the sugar again, then drained and added to the initial batch collected in the wort receiver. The remaining corn is then removed and often sold as feed.
Do you need a beer mash tun?
If you plan on brewing all-grain beer at home, a mash tun is a must. This is because the mash tun converts the starch in the grain into sugar, and the yeast interacts with the sugar to produce alcohol. If you are brewing with a beer-making kit, then you may need a mash tun. This depends on whether you sell a whole grain or extract kit.
Equipment required:
- Marsh Dun
- Brewing pot
- The second pot can hold 10L
- Stainless steel spoon or paddle
- Thermometer
How to use a false bottom in a mash tun?
To set up a false bottom for your brew kettle setup, follow these steps:
- Create a scaffold for the false bottom by making a grid of interlocking metal pieces.
- Slide the stand into the container and lay it flat.
- Place the false bottom on the stand.
If you are using a different container, such as an igloo cooler, the process will be different:
- Find a dome-shaped false bottom (most are flat).
- Place it at the bottom of the cooler. The highest point of the dome should be in the center.
- Use the faucet on the cooler to transfer the wort.
What is the difference between a mash tun and a mash kettle?
The main difference between a mash tun and a mash kettle is that the mash tun has greater functionality. The mash tun controls the temperature of the mixture to extract fermentable sugars. A mash tun performs the same function by adding a mixing pedal. These pedals keep the mash in motion, making it easier to apply an even temperature. Because of this feature, mash tuns are often called mash mixers.
What is the difference between a mash tun and a lauter tun?
Lauter tuns have more functions than mash tuns and mash tuns. Lauter buckets include rakes to break up air bubbles. This creates a process in which the bubbles carry part of the mash towards the top of the vessel. The rake then breaks up these air bubbles , causing this part of the mash to sink. Like the pedal of a mash mixer, using a lauter bucket while brewing can increase the fluidity of the mash, resulting in a finer level of consistency.
Does the mash barrel need to be disinfected?
As with all brewing equipment, the mash tun should be sanitized before each use. This is because harmful bacteria can grow in the remnants of previous batches. Use sanitizing products designed for homebrewers to clean your gear without affecting the taste of your beer.
Get a turnkey solution for brewery equipment
If you plan to open or expand the brewery, you can contact Micet Craft directly. Our engineers will design and manufacture brewery equipment according to your brewing process. Of course, we will also provide you with a complete turnkey solution. Also, if you plan to expand the brewery, we will provide you with customized solutions.