Mini mash questions

[inthedark]

I've been looking into DaaB's mini mash method and as usual have a question or two...

My oven is a gas one, and I don't think it'll go down to the temps that would be required for the mash - turning it on and off isn't really practical with gas. Is there any reason why a 10l picnic cooler couldn't be used instead? Does the much smaller volume lose heat too quickly?

Or will gas mark 1/2 do the job, say with the oven door open?

[tubby_shaw]

Use the pinic cooler with some extra insulation, like a couple of towels
You could also use this link http://www.grainandgrape.com.au/article ... keTemp.htm to calculate the strike temperature of the water
The calculator is at the bottom of the page btw

[prodigal2]

To get a gas oven down to a low temp you will need to leave the door open a bit, and set the oven to the lowest temp possible. I would advise getting a oven thermometer to judge the temp and also work out how much you will need to leave the door open to maintain your mashing temp.
It is the same method as you would use to dry tomato's or meranges in a gas oven.

hope that helps