Mixing paddle

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guypettigrew
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Mixing paddle

Post by guypettigrew » Fri Oct 15, 2021 5:21 pm

There are always things in brewing which need improving. My current bugbear is the difficulty of getting an even temperature throughout the mash.

After loads of stirring parts may be at 62°C, other parts at 68°C. Which means more stirring until it's right. Very heavy on my wrist and arm, and time consuming.

So I'm now wondering about getting one of these to fit to my drill. Seems like it might do the job.

Is anyone already using one of these, or does anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks.

Guy

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Re: Mixing paddle

Post by Nitro Jim » Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:29 pm

I tried using one of those but found that it didn't make much difference than a vigorous stir. I only do kits so may not be the best person to comment.
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f00b4r
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Re: Mixing paddle

Post by f00b4r » Fri Oct 15, 2021 9:45 pm

Guy, automated "mash agitators" are very common in the German (European?) homebrew scene, no idea if they add any value though but you can find some examples here:

https://www.amihopfen.com/Agitator-_1

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Re: Mixing paddle

Post by Nitro Jim » Sat Oct 16, 2021 7:33 am

Further to my earlier post, I seem to remember that Ditch used a similar item to that which you are considering.
Beer is my drug of choice.
I don't need anger management classes, I need people to stop pissing me off.

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MashBag
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Re: Mixing paddle

Post by MashBag » Sat Oct 16, 2021 7:40 am

The camurri brewer uses that system.

The drill stirrer might 'catch' probes, elements etc.

Guy what brewing machine / system are you using? If you have a centre rod, or at least a centre peg a 3 blade paddle is excellent.

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vacant
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Re: Mixing paddle

Post by vacant » Sat Oct 16, 2021 8:46 am

Any paddle will do given the right amount of violence, perhaps this would help your motivation zombie slayer

guypettigrew
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Re: Mixing paddle

Post by guypettigrew » Sat Oct 16, 2021 9:10 am

f00b4r wrote:
Fri Oct 15, 2021 9:45 pm
Guy, automated "mash agitators" are very common in the German (European?) homebrew scene, no idea if they add any value though but you can find some examples here:
https://www.amihopfen.com/Agitator-_1
Thanks f00b4r. Lovely looking bits of kit. They'd certainly stir the mash well.
vacant wrote:
Sat Oct 16, 2021 8:46 am
Any paddle will do given the right amount of violence, perhaps this would help your motivation zombie slayer
Nice one, vacant, but it would still need me to apply lots of energy!
MashBag wrote:
Sat Oct 16, 2021 7:40 am
The camurri brewer uses that system.

The drill stirrer might 'catch' probes, elements etc.

Guy what brewing machine / system are you using? If you have a centre rod, or at least a centre peg a 3 blade paddle is excellent.

This Camurri brewery video is great! Thanks for mentioning it, Mashbag, never heard of them before

I have a straight forward insulated SS mash tun with a false bottom. No probes or elements. The run off is from below the false bottom.

The stirrer would only be used for a couple of minutes, hopefully. Just to get an even temperature throughout the mash at the very beginning before sealing it up for 90 minutes to do its stuff.

Just discovered Lidl are doing a double paddle stirrer on offer this week. I'll call in this morning and check it out.

Guy

WalesAles
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Re: Mixing paddle

Post by WalesAles » Sat Oct 16, 2021 9:45 am

Guy,
Those whisks are half that price on ebay.
Make sure the flutes are fully submerged or there will be a mess! :D

WA

guypettigrew
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Re: Mixing paddle

Post by guypettigrew » Sat Oct 16, 2021 10:09 am

WalesAles wrote:
Sat Oct 16, 2021 9:45 am
Guy,
Those whisks are half that price on ebay.
Make sure the flutes are fully submerged or there will be a mess! :D
WA
Thanks WA. Do you mean the powered ones, like at Lidl, are half the price on ebay? I looked, but couldn't find any that cheap.

Guy

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MashBag
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Re: Mixing paddle

Post by MashBag » Sun Oct 17, 2021 6:20 am

Guy, i do secretly fancy a go on a camurri

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Jocky
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Re: Mixing paddle

Post by Jocky » Sun Oct 17, 2021 9:31 am

I previously used a paint mixing paddle, and yes it did the job very well, until the paint started flaking off.

That one linked above would also work fine, although I’d be concerned about the nickel coating on it going into a hot acidic mash.

I eventually spent the extra on getting a 304 stainless steel paddle. Expensive, but it works, although I tend to only use it for stickier mashes.
https://www.coleparmer.co.uk/i/303-304- ... ia/0454100
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MashBag
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Re: Mixing paddle

Post by MashBag » Mon Oct 18, 2021 6:12 am

Are these a bit too aggressive?

guypettigrew
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Re: Mixing paddle

Post by guypettigrew » Mon Oct 18, 2021 8:31 am

The mixer from Lidl turned out to be much too big for the job when I went to look at it. Definitely designed for builders and plasterers.

I'll try a relatively cheap one from Screwfix on my next brew. If it does the job I'll think about getting the SS one.

Guy

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MashBag
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Re: Mixing paddle

Post by MashBag » Mon Oct 18, 2021 9:27 am

I suppose if you fit it to a drill they are the variable speed of the drill.

guypettigrew
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Re: Mixing paddle

Post by guypettigrew » Mon Oct 18, 2021 9:41 am

Definitely--or a grain and wort fountain would be created! My drill has a really slow bottom speed so should hopefully be fine.

Guy

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