Mash Tun Temperature Probe Placement

Mash Tun Return

There has been lots of discussion as to the proper placement of the temperature probe in the mash tun. In fact, it took me three different placements to find one that works well. I, like you, want my mash temperature to be as stable as possible.

My temperature probe location is at the top of the kettle nearest the actual mash return. I wanted to know the actual temperature of the wort that is being returned into the kettle and not the temperature of the grain bed. With this setup, I have been able to regulate the temperature of my mash within one degree which is confirmed by the lower thermometer.
The heart of my system is the BCS-460 which allows me numerous options. I constantly recirculate the wort through a pump during mash. The mash tun resides above a propane burner which is connected to a Honeywell brand gas valve. I am not a big fan of the ASCO system since it lacks safety features. The gas valve is controlled by the BCS-460 based on the readings from the temperature probe.

Mash Tun Lower Portion

 The temperature probe placement shown utilizes a 1/2″ stainless steel T fitting, a 1/2″ stainless steel compression fitting, and a 1/2″ barbed hose fitting. The 1/2″ stainless compression fitting needed to be drilled out to accomodate the temperature probe.

The bottom of my mash tun consists of a ball valve and a thermometer. The object inserted in the kettle to the left of the thermometer is a thermowell from the initial configuration. This will eventually be removed and capped since it is not being used.

Creating a better Mash Tun for your beer brewing system is a creative process with numerous options. This converted beer keg is scratching the surface!