Measuring mash temperature

For mashing, I have kettle and steel grain basket. Heat is provided via a gas stove. I heat the water to a few degrees above mash-in temperature and then ease in the grain basket.

When I measure temperature of my mash I find there is temperature variance between the bottom, middle and the top of the grain basket. It varies by a good five to six degrees between the top and bottom of the basket

Now, if I have to measure the temperature of the mash while attempting to do a step mash, from where should I be measuring the temperature (bottom, middle, top) ? Or do I stir the mash until it is consistent through out and only then consider measuring the temperature?

Topic mash temperature homebrew

Category Mac

1
answered at

I use a combination of averaging, stirring and recirculating. My mashtun has a large open area under the false bottom. I drain some hot wort off the bottom and add it to the top of the grain bed - - -> then stir- - - > then average.

If you don't have a drain valve, you could raise and lower the grain basket a bit to even out the temperature, then stir. 5-6 degrees F variation isn't too bad as long the average is near the middle of the 145F to 158F mashing range. Keep brewing, you'll sort out your methods!

5-6 C is quite a lot. You could remove 1/3 of the hot water from the kettle, then add the grain, then add the remaining hot water to the top of the grain basket. then stir. I do that in my mashtun to make the mixing easier. Seems to help.

1
answered at

Measure in 2 or 3 places, then take the average. Works well for me.

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