Mash Paddle

[TCC]

I have started doing AG and find a need for a mash paddle. I will do 5 gal batches but will most likely do 10 gal in the near future. I use a 10 gal drinking cooler for the mash tun.

I would like to make a mash paddle out of wood. What kind of wood would be best? Will this hold up for 10 gal batches?

Or would the stainless steal be a better choice?

[Sent From My iPhone]

Pine is too soft. Oak is hard but very porous and will absorb moisture, eventually becoming dry and brittle. Maple is probably a good choice.

[Dirkus]

Go with maple. It holds up well. Just take your time in shaping the paddle. Since maple can be rather hard, it can be a little tough to cut and shape. If you get impatient, you might end up making a cut you wish you could undo.

Dirkus

[Mylo]

Or you can buy one from your LHBS. I think mine was $15 and it's some sort of rosewood. I have all the tools necessary, too. It probably would have taken me less than an hour - but that is an hour more that I can be brewing or spending with my family.


Mylo

[TastyMcD]

I've never seen a wooden mash paddle that wasn't too big for a 10 gallon batch. That might be a reason to make your own or use a nice size stainless spoon.

Tasty

[BeerPal]

I've never seen a wooden mash paddle that wasn't too big for a 10 gallon batch. That might be a reason to make your own or use a nice size stainless spoon.

Agreed. But I bought one of the new wooden ones from Morebeer (and used it on my last batch, which was 5 gallons ) and I have to say, it breaks up dough balls much better than a spoon or the little plastic mash paddle I used previously. It may be overkill, but it works great.

[Bugeater]

The best gadget I have found for breaking up dough balls in the mash and stirring the mash in general is a 15" wire whisk like this.


You can get a good sturdy one from any restaurant supply house for under $15. Get one with a solid handle and avoid the "piano wire" versions as they are too floppy for our use.

Wayne

[TCC]

A little food for thought. My LHBS is not all that great on pricing. I thought making one would be a good project for me and my dad. But I will check the restaurant supply store here in town to see what they have.

Thanks for the advice.