Brewing in Winter, how to get temp up to 170?

[mrrrkva]

I have a More Beer. B3-1500 "Brew Sculpture". I am having more trouble getting my temp up to 168-170, after the Mash. I have sparge arm and it is set up for RIMS. But it seems to cool down before it gets there. I cant get it above 163. Does anyone have any suggestions? I dont have any problems when external temps are over 60F

 

[onthekeg]

Can you insulate the lines? How hot can you get the HLT? You don't have to mash out if that is what you were trying to do.

 

[Brad1775]

isulate the lines with expamnding spray foam where possible. you can build a box out of paper or cardboard as a form and get it full of foam pretty easy

 

[SankePankey]

If you can get your HLT up to 180, you can use your (assumption) immersion chiller and wort pump as a HERMS assist loop.

 

[dcp27]

if you're just talking about for mash out, 163F is plenty fine. 168-170F isn't a necessity

 

[mobilecabinworks]

Go to your local home repair store and buy some silver/Mylar insulation. It comes in rolls and is about 3/8 thick. Looks like silver backed bubble wrap/cardboard. Then get some foam pipe wrap for the sparge arm.