direct fire mash tun

Has anyone had success doing step mashes using a direct fire mash tun WITHOUT using a pump for recirculation.  I understand the danger of scorching, but I was wondering if there is a low tech method (stirring, manual recirculation etc…) that may be used to do direct fire step mashing.  I just built a keggle with a false bottom, but I don’t want to do a HERMS/RIMS system, so I’m thinking about options…Thanks !

I have a direct fire mash tun, and I just recirculate manually. Some people put a plate on top of the grain bed to not disturb the mash or cut channels.

That sounds like it would work.  I just tried using a pump and it compacted the grain bed, cavitated the pump action, and pulled fine grain residue through the false bottom.  Not a good thing.

I have had good success just stirring, but I mash on the thin side.

I do some combination of manual recirc and infusion with boiling water.  Sometimes it’s all of one or the other, sometimes it is some of each.

Guess I should have said that too… I do a combo of both as well.

I’ve done it a couple of times; it worked fine, but I stirred constantly (I don’t utilize a false bottom).

It’s what I do, stir anytime you are adding heat and then a few minutes after you turn off the heat. Works great for me.

Mike, are you sure you’re on the right forum? :o

Woops. Edited for your protection :wink:

before I went to a herms system, I ran a RIMS with direct firing of the mash tun…I was never satisfied with the results.  I had temp gauges on the outlet and at the top of the mash, but could never get the two to diverge at a set temp…I would wildly overshoot.  I would suggest decoction for more control (like adding boiling water, but instead boiling some of the mash).

I’ve always direct fired and just stirred.  It works great and gives me a huge amount of flexibility–if I miss my temp targets, I just heat for a minute or two.  Very little heat loss from the kettle.  Since I’m an old school guy who still likes to fool around with step mashes, decoctions, thin mashes, thick mashes, etc., mashing in a kettle is the best possible solution for me.