Aluminium foil

[dopejack]

Hi
So, finally got around to buying some copper and built my cool-box mash tun! While it was dismantled though, got to thinking about some extra insulation, so I've wrapped all of the polystyrene blocks in foil, hoping to reflect some warmth. Was wondering if anyone else has tried this, and does it work? I did wonder briefly why the manufacurers wouldn't do this anyway, but then realised the answers on the box. Cool box. Doh!
Cheers

[kevthebootboy]

Yeah i did that with my cool box mash tun, works a treat.also a couple of fleece blackets wrapped around it, every little helps ..as they say.

[Kev75]

Bubble wrap is also a great insulator - anything that traps layers of air is worth trying.

Regards

Kev

[Mitchamitri]

If you are feeling generous theres no reason at all you can’t insulate your mash tun with grain.
There some loose science around this……
Basically, if you add your grain than add the water (strike temp corrected)its better to have a reflective form of insulation.
BUT if you add the water first its better to have insulation that absorbs and retains heat, so you add the water (at 80’ or so) and let it get down to the right “strike” temp before adding the grain.
I am told that this, although it’s a pain as you have to wait for the water to drop, makes for a more even temperature distribution across the mash, nmore stable temperature, and better efficiency.
I am building (from wood) a new 14 gallon mash tun and this has a combination of the 2 – grain insulation, with silver insulation running round the outside.

[JabbA]

I used 3/4 layers of cheapo camping mats when I built my tun but it wasn't upto the job and needed a sleeping bag to keep the temp stable. I've just replaced it with a couple of layers of this but as yet haven't got round to trying it out. Alas I had to do it myself, no assistance from the lass in the picture...

Jamie

[nobby]

you want to try Thermawrap insulation. I found that one layer you could still feel some heat, 2 layers a little but 3 none. It also looks great.

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/76477/Bui ... 400mm-x-5m

[JabbA]

That's the very same stuff

Cheers,
Jamie

[nobby]

Yes I didnt notice the link in your reply