This project is devoted to converting a top loading direct-drive washing machine into an automated mash tun for brewing beer. The purpose of a mash tun is to steep grains in water at elevated temperature for a specific duration of time. This will naturally release enzymes which will convert the starches contained within the grains into sugars that will then be fermented by yeast in the final product.

The key to a good mash production is accurate, precise, stable, and uniform temperature throughout the vessel. For decent sized batches, hot/cold spots can cause poor efficiency (low starch conversion), but stirring the grains can solve this. So why not agitate that sumbich? And you lose heat to radiation? Why don't we put that sumbich in a re-circulation loop with an in-line heating element to maintain its temp? But where can we find a stainless steel vessel that can agitate? I got to do some laundry, I'll get back to you when I have an answer...