Making a Mash Tun

AZbrewer1 · May 15, 2011

well i just got a 5 gallon rubbermaid round cooler for free from my brother in law and am looking to turn it into a mash tun. i am wondering what the best option to go with as far as the manifold. I am thinking the steel braid but also thought about just doing cpvc as it will be pretty inexpensive. i would like to hear peoples thoughts on what would be best to use.

OHIOSTEVE · May 15, 2011

AZbrewer1 said:
well i just got a 5 gallon rubbermaid round cooler for free from my brother in law and am looking to turn it into a mash tun. i am wondering what the best option to go with as far as the manifold. I am thinking the steel braid but also thought about just doing cpvc as it will be pretty inexpensive. i would like to hear peoples thoughts on what would be best to use.

I started with the steel braid.. had a few stuck sparges. went to the hot water intake line ( bigger stainless braid) no more stuck sparges... went to a copper manifold...even better. I would assume the cpvc would be the same as the copper.

lumpher · May 15, 2011

if you can sweat copper, go copper. if not, go cpvc

bob1852 · May 15, 2011

It really depends on your sparge technique. If you're going to be batch sparging, either would work. If you're going to fly sparge you need a manifold/false bottom that won't cause channeling.

For me, the SS braid works great - easy with batch sparging, cheap, easy to clean, etc.

LakewoodBrew · May 15, 2011

I would say there really is no "best" option. but i prefer false bottoms or copper piping for things due to the stability of the materials. you don't have to worry about knocking it around if it's sturdy.

AZbrewer1 · May 15, 2011

are there any possible issues as far as cpvc causeing off favors or odd tastes that i should know of? if not i can always upgrde to copper later when the money situation gets better

lumpher · May 15, 2011

i started with cpvc, and i don't have any problems except a twitch on my right side... i mean my left.. wait.. i can't remember which side it's on

Brasco20 · May 15, 2011

I ordered a steel braid today from northern brewer since i always get a stuck sparge with my false bottom, will this work ok with a fly sparge?

Making a Mash Tun

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Making a Mash Tun

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