Coleman Xtreme too much?

quixand · 10-14-2009, 12:20 AM

I plan on going all grain, and I had created a Mash tun from a 70 quart Coleman Xtreme a couple years ago that has been sitting in my closet now.

My question is...for 5 gallon...(total 6.5 gallon of wort before boil) batches is this too large? I may end up doing 10 gallon batches down the road, so I'd like to have the flexibility...but am worried about there being too much head space.

**Dog House Brew** · 10-14-2009, 01:16 AM

You are fine

quixand · 10-14-2009, 01:49 AM

Very nice. =) Thank You.

**Yuri_Rage** · 10-14-2009, 02:06 AM

It's fine as long as you batch sparge. Fly sparging such a small volume in that cooler will likely not work well.

Lupy · 10-14-2009, 02:16 AM

My 5-6gal batches have been totally doable, convenient and effective in this cooler.
You may not want to add water that is too much more than 185*F as my xstream seems to have warped during my first AG attempts with the use of 190*+ 'preheat' water. Still works though.

shortyjacobs · 10-14-2009, 02:29 AM

FYI, http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/how-big-your-mash-tun-needs-123585/

Edit, hey go me! I answered the exact opposite of your question! sorry, I think i need more beer

oswegan · 10-14-2009, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quixand

I plan on going all grain, and I had created a Mash tun from a 70 quart Coleman Xtreme a couple years ago that has been sitting in my closet now.

My question is...for 5 gallon...(total 6.5 gallon of wort before boil) batches is this too large? I may end up doing 10 gallon batches down the road, so I'd like to have the flexibility...but am worried about there being too much head space.

No way, I use one for 5-7 gallon batches all the time. It rocks. And you can ramp it up to 12 gallon batches really easily.

EvilTOJ · 10-14-2009, 10:09 AM

Nope, I have that exact same cooler and I've made 5 gallon batches in it just fine. I also make 10 gallon batches in it too.

Kauai_Kahuna · 10-14-2009, 10:32 AM

I use one, batch sparge, never a problem and I like it becuase the total cost was dirt cheap compared to other options.
As Yuri pointed out, the bed may be a little thin to effectively fly sparge on a low gravity 5 gallon batch.

quixand · 10-14-2009, 11:26 AM

Man you guys are awesome. I plan on batch sparging..so this is fantastic news!

I currently have a cpvc manifold in it now....one that I'm not entirely happy with...do you guys recommend a stainless steel braid for this one?