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bkwudz · 04-15-2008, 02:23 AM

I just went through this decision, ended up with the Igloo 10 gal from the depot. For no other reason than its smaller foot print and i had a gift card to burn.

enderwig · 04-15-2008, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by broadbill

I'll play devil's advocate here since I'm one of those who owns a Ice cube mash tun (I got it for free so I didn't have to make a financial decision on a cooler for a MT):

How long do you really mash for? Its great that some of these extreme coolers can hold ice for 5 days, but most people typically mash for no longer than 60 minutes. On top of that,of the malts we mash are highly modified and convert in something like 20-30minutes...so I don't really see the point of a cooler and sustains mash temps +/-1degree for 6-7hours.

Just my 0.02

I am going to the round cooler this weekend. Up till now I have been using the cube cooler and have been losing anywhere from 4 to 10 degrees over an hour. I found that it does not seal well around the hinge. I tried putting weatherstripping on it, duck tape, a heavy towel, you name it, nothing works. I just can't decide between the 5 gallon round max cold for $25 or the 10 gallon round regular for $45. I will probably go with the 10 gallon, even though the other one is cheaper and better insulated, it just don't hold enough!

Brett0424 · 04-15-2008, 05:21 AM

Honestly the tried and true rubbermaid will never fail. They have screw on lids unlike the igloos. They also have built in sturdy handles unlike the igloos. They also have twice as thick a wall at the hole where you would install a valve. All in all they hold temperature great, have a nice grain bed thickness and are heavier duty than most.

**FSR402** · 04-15-2008, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbrewnut

What size are your brews, 5or 10 gallons? I also just bought one from Wal-Mart, I am a liitle concerned that it will be too big when I make a 5 gallon batch.

I make 10 gal up to a 1.070 OG, then I drop to a 5 gal because of the boil size.

I have made 1.050 og 5 gal with the 80qt and it works just fine.

Jewsh · 02-11-2010, 08:58 PM

So go against using the Ice cube? I have one and am considering converting it to start my adventure in All grain!

mordantly · 02-11-2010, 10:00 PM

soon to be proud owner of coleman extrem 70qt tun.

Schnitzengiggle · 02-11-2010, 11:14 PM

Coleman 52qt Extreme-FTW!!! I also have a Coleman 70qt that can easily be converted with the same parts from the 52qt if I wanted to make something HUGE.

I think the 52 qt is a perfect size, it reduces the headspace for 10 gallon brews, but for 5 gallon batches, I would recommend some type of insulation for the additional headspace as my temps were all over when using this Tun for a 5 gallon batch (8lb grainbill).

3/4" SS water heater supply braid, have had no problems with it, last brew was 21lbs of grain for a 10 gallon batch of APA.

RebelHouse32 · 02-11-2010, 11:50 PM

I'm looking into moving into the all grain in the next month or so, and where can I find the valve and braid for the cooler? Home depot or Lowes?

Schnitzengiggle · 02-12-2010, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RebelHouse32

I'm looking into moving into the all grain in the next month or so, and where can I find the valve and braid for the cooler? Home depot or Lowes?

You can find the braid at either HD or Lowe's, if you want a SS ball valve and fittings, online is usually the best bet. I purchased mine from www.bargainfittings.com you may have a local hardware store that carries SS plumbing supplies, however I couldn't find a place in my area that did. Plus by purchasing from an online vendor here on HBT you are supporting the brewing community.

For the braid you'll need to cut the ends off and remove the hose, a hacksaw or dremel will work, but I found that an angle grinder is the quickest and cleanest.

Kershner_Ale · 02-12-2010, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_bird

I have the Coleman Xtreme (36 quart) and couldn't be happier. Holds heat great, effectively zero deadspace. Unless you might fly sparge in the future and therefore want a cylindrical cooler, I'd highly recommend the Xtreme.

Ditto! I batch sparge with mine and it works great.