so, like so many others i have coveted a full system, either rims or herms. (know there’s a lot of opinions there).
recently looked into a rims tube addition to my system. it is intended to control mash temps, and also to make step mashing possible. the advantage is that it costs one tenth of a full system.
if i am pleased with my current setup, what would a full rims/herms system do for me that adding a rims tube would not?
I struggled with the same dilemma. I know folks says RIMS tubes are only good to maintain a single temp but I use mine to step mash with no problems whatsoever. That said, I’m thrilled with my RIMS tube.
brewbama, is your rims tube 120v or 240v?
120v. TC-integrated 1650 watt ULWD heating element with a disconnectable cable.
I use a stainless immersion chiller that I hang in my HLT and recirculate wort through with a pump. It took a bit of experimenting, but it’s really easy to control the temp. I have a ball valve on the pump output that I use to control the flow rate with, which is important. You need the ability to shut things off when it gets too hot and you also need to be able to control the flow out of the mash tun so you don’t compact the grain bed. I already had the pump, so the only additional cost was the immersion chiller and the quick release connectors, which was all total, under $100. If you need to buy everything, it’s a more difficult decision.
I’ve never come cross that and use my RIMS with zero issues too.