Is a mash/lauter tun chimney necessary?

[norciabrewmonk]

I feel like this is a silly questions, but is a chimney necessary for a mash/lauter tun. I've been told that the chimney for the mash tun on some brew houses is just decorative (to balance the boil kettle) and is actually sealed closed inside.

I certainly understand why a boil kettle would need one, but I guess, in theory, a mash tun might not.

Am I missing anything obvious about this. It would certainly make a mash tun installation easier.

[scottatron]

I don't think it is necessary and ours is not open. My rational is that you would want to keep as much heat in as possible.

[jat147]

I don't think it is necessary and ours is not open. My rational is that you would want to keep as much heat in as possible.

Quite right, and that lovely smell!

[norciabrewmonk]

I don't think it is necessary and ours is not open. My rational is that you would want to keep as much heat in as possible.

Quite right, and that lovely smell!

Thanks, those were my gut feelings.