rubbermaid 10 gallon cooler

April 7, 2012 at 12:45 PM

Price: $60.00

Pros: Inexpensive, Functional, Easy to build

Cons: Nearly 3/4 of a gallon of dead space

Recommended? Yes

What can I say? I'm not handy, yet built this Mash Tun in about 20 minutes and it's worked flawlessly. Mine uses the stainless steel braid, and I suppose the dead space leaves a bit to be desired but it really is a great unit for a fraction of the cost of buying one.

April 2, 2012 at 09:32 PM

Price: $0.00

Pros: Keeps temperature well, easy to use

Cons: Tough to clean, can impart smell/flavor from mashing

Recommended? Yes

We have been using two of these for several years now and really have no complaints!

March 26, 2012 at 07:04 PM

Price: $50.00

Pros: Works as a great mash tun once you get all the stuff put on there. Used a video on You-tube to do mine.

Cons: Haven't found any yet

Recommended? Yes

Can't be beat for the few batches I've done in it so far. Pretty easy to make, just didn't expect the cooler to cost $50.

March 19, 2012 at 12:40 PM

Price: $30.00

Pros: Keeps the heat in

Cons: I found it hard to get a good seal on the valve, but other than that nothing to report.

Recommended? Yes

I found that after a year or so, the cooler starts to pick aromas of the previous grains/mash. I always get a new one when I feel the smell might start to effect my beers. I'm not sure it does, but error on the side of caution.

March 5, 2012 at 04:41 PM

Price: $95.00

Pros: With pre-heating for about 45 minutes only lose 1 degree F over an hour mash. Fun DIY project.

Cons: Getting the seal perfect for no leaking was a little challenging.

Recommended? Yes

We got the 10 gallon cooler at Home Depot for $42, we used the CPVC manifold instead of a braided filter, no chance of it getting crushed and less chance for a stuck sparge. With the ball valve, all cpvc, washers, and connections we came in around $95. You will need a dremel if you are making the CPVC manifold. I am very happy with the finished product.