Blichmann Boil Coil - can you mash with it?

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by smchenry75, Jun 20, 2014.

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  1. smchenry75

    smchenry75 Initiate (0) Jul 7, 2010 Indiana

    So I've been looking at some of the initial pictures and information about the Blichmann boil coil that's coming out. It looks sweet! Looks very well made (like all of their stuff) and actually at a decent price point. I'll be picking one of these up for sure.

    One question that I can't discern from the early propaganda... Is this thing made for using in a mash tun in addition to the boil kettle... as in you can use it to hit your temps and maintain them throughout the mash or is this strictly intended to be used for the boil? I don't know why it couldn't be... especially if put on a thermostat/temperature controller. Maybe the new tower of power controller that is coming out will work with it? Any info is appreciated. I think this little piece of equipment might revolutionize how and when I brew. Cheers!
     
    #1 smchenry75, Jun 20, 2014
  2. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    I haven't looked at the product, but if you apply direct heat to the mash, it would be better if there is some way to recirculate/mix it. Otherwise, the mash temp isn't going to be very even.
     
    #2 VikeMan, Jun 20, 2014
  3. sjverla

    sjverla Initiate (0) Dec 1, 2008 Massachusetts

    I tried to do a step mash with a heat stick once. It started to scorch very quickly. I'd be wary about using this, too, especially if you have a plastic mash tun.
     
    #3 sjverla, Jun 20, 2014
  4. smchenry75

    smchenry75 Initiate (0) Jul 7, 2010 Indiana

    I would use it in a stainless kettle and use it just to get to my strike temp and then maintain temp... The site claims the following...
    • LESS THAN Ultra low watt density means NO chance of scorching, and dry-fire capable (although we certainly don't recommend this!)
    I do wonder about uneven mash temps though but wonder if that might be mitigated by the coiled design?
     
    #4 smchenry75, Jun 20, 2014
  5. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    I dunno. But I'm thinking about something somewhat analogous... an immersion chiller. Without a whirpool/stirring, the temps in the wort being chilled are very different right beside the coil than they are in the middle (far from the coil). I strongly suspect there would be similar differences in a coiled mash heating setup.
     
    #5 VikeMan, Jun 20, 2014
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  6. koopa

    koopa Initiate (0) Apr 20, 2008 New Jersey

    I would assume its for mashing as well as boiling since they mention the option of hooking it up to a Blichmann Tower of Power PID controller. Wouldn't make much sense using a PID controller just for a boil kettle.
     
    #6 koopa, Jun 20, 2014
  7. smchenry75

    smchenry75 Initiate (0) Jul 7, 2010 Indiana

    I got a response from Blichmann's technical support group. "Thank you for the email. The BoilCoil should not be used for directly heating the mash. We have the RIMS Rocketavailable for mashing as well as using a BoilCoil in a two vessel system such as our BrewEasy. The BoilCoil could scorch if it is in direct contact with the grain. If you have further questions please feel free to contact me. Have a great day."

    So now, I'm thinking strongly about getting the RIMS Rocket/BoilCoil combo. Not cheap though.
     
    #7 smchenry75, Jun 23, 2014
  8. jivex5k

    jivex5k Initiate (0) Apr 13, 2011 Florida

    Damn...that's a shame. Wanted to get a Boil Coil for mashing BIAB. Looks like I'm gonna have to go the Turkey Fryer route if I ever want to make bigger AG beers.
     
    #8 jivex5k, Jun 23, 2014
  9. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Is there some mash temperature problem you are trying to solve?
     
    #9 VikeMan, Jun 23, 2014
  10. smchenry75

    smchenry75 Initiate (0) Jul 7, 2010 Indiana

    I've been simply using a Coleman Xtreme as my mash tun for the past couple of years. I heat my water to strike temperature, dump it in, etc.... I guess I'd like something with a bit more control for added convenience and precision. I've always thought having a RIMS for this purpose would be nice. Thoughts?
     
    #10 smchenry75, Jun 23, 2014
  11. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    I also use a Coleman Extreme, and the heat loss during the mash is pretty negligible. Of course, it's important to get your strike water temperature right, including accounting for the temperatures and thermal masses of the grains and the mash tun. Once that's dialed in (and the parameters reflected in your software/spreadsheet) you can't miss.

    I haven't used a RIMS system myself, but have seen one in action. But even with a RIMS system, you have to get the strike water temp right, or be willing to wait while the RIMS system adjusts.
     
    #11 VikeMan, Jun 23, 2014
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