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mattyb85 · 06-23-2012, 03:02 AM

Typically yes however I had the cooler already and it will keep h2o at very steady temp for a decent amount of time. I'll heat the h2o in a regular 5gal pot that I use when brewing kits and put it in the HLT. One day I'll buy another pot to turn into a traditional HLT but for now the cooler will have to do.

hnsfeigel · 06-23-2012, 03:13 AM

Right on, was just curious because others had previously mentioned doing the same thing. Couldn't figure how you guys were heating them.

JohnnySardonic · 06-23-2012, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hnsfeigel

Ok, so this is probably a stupid question, but I've only been brewing for 6 mos so chalk it up to newbie. Isn't the point of the HLT to be able to heat water in it? If you're using a cooler you couldn't exactly put a fire to it. Good looking setup BTW.

In a lot of home brewing setups (especially those using only one burner), the HLT is used to store the sparge water while the mash is happening, rather than heating up the liquor. At least that's how I see it.

hnsfeigel · 06-23-2012, 03:40 AM

I guess that's what threw me off, because I am used to being able to fire my HLT just in case my mash finishes a little low and I need a bump to mashout. I just like to understand how different setups work.

grasshopperfirestarter · 06-24-2012, 12:23 AM

Thank you flyguy! I have been brewing all grain for the last year on my gas stove using 2 pots. Its been fun but messy! I know my system and actually get good efficiencies but I want to take it outside so after seeing your post I went to my local home depot for cooler and most parts and local small hardware store for some parts. It looks beautiful and doesn't leak. It cost me right under $100 and I can't wait to take it for a test run this week!

FloridaCracker · 06-25-2012, 01:23 AM

Flyguy,
Thanks for the article, put mine together last night! I followed your parts list and it all went together very well. I went to Lowes for my project, and the grand total was right at $75. Lucky for me the 10 gallon cooler was on sale for $38 as opposed to the listed price of $44.99.

I used it for a cream ale last night and all went well. I added four gallons of 165 degree water, then the grain. The temperature stayed at 155 for the entire hour. My only complaint is that it drains pretty slow. But seeing how my LHBS wanted $145 for the same thing, I don't mind waiting a couple extra minutes.

Thanks again!

FloridaCracker · 06-25-2012, 01:26 AM

I just wanted to add, that I could NOT find a ss fender washer in that size. So I had to buy a $13 bit for my drill press and enlarge another ss fender washer. If it wasn't for that the entire build time would have been 25 minutes... The washer took another 35 (the 5/8 bit was a little smaller than the 5/8 threads so I had to grind it down.)

**pannell77** · 06-25-2012, 01:41 AM

Lowes around me didn't have the washes either but home depot did.

geeyoupee · 06-25-2012, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pannell77

Lowes around me didn't have the washes either but home depot did.

I had the same problem. If you check online you can find which HD had the create a bolt kit. The ones near me didn't have it so I went to fastenals and got a 10pk of ss washers . My cooler needed 7 or 8 total washers to work so I used the ss ones because I didn't get enough regular ones.

**sidepart** · 06-26-2012, 09:41 PM

Found a hardware store with 5/8" stainless steel FLAT washers...anyone had luck with these? I guess the outer diameter isn't as big as a fender washer? The OD on these are 1-1/4". I think this might be large enough, but just thought I'd check. Couldn't readily find anyone else trying these when searching the thread.

EDIT: Sorry I take it back. I went deeper and found this post. Said they worked fine for him.