Turning 10 gallon cooler into mash tun

So, I decided this week to try and get supplies to make the jump to all-grain. I found a pretty decent deal on a 10 gallon orange igloo cooler, so I just need to find out what else I need to make things go a little easier.

Looking at Austin Home Brew, it looks like i should get one of these. So I can get the wort out easier.

https://www.austinhomebrew.com/product_info.php?products_id=11639&wishlistattributes=

Also, I know I need a braid or manifold or a false bottom. This looks like the one for my cooler.

https://www.austinhomebrew.com/product_info.php?products_id=10654&wishlistattributes=

So, question is, what do I need to go from the false bottom to the ball valve? Also, what tubing do i use to go from the cooler to the brew pot?

Also, what size brew pot should I get. I was looking at a 10, but would going to 15 give me the flexibility to brew a 10 gallon batch?

I'd get another 3/8 barb to put on the other end of the of the weldless cooler kit: that way you can use a 3/8 tube to go from the barb of the false bottom to the ball valve. Any tubing that's food grade and can withstand temps up to 212 will be good.

Here is a popular thread on the cooler conversion you are doing. https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/cheap-easy-10-gallon-rubbermaid-mlt-conversion-23008/

If you at all think you are going to 10 gallon batches someday then get the 15 gallon pot and you will be set.

Blender said:

Here is a popular thread on the cooler conversion you are doing. https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/cheap-easy-10-gallon-rubbermaid-mlt-conversion-23008/

If you at all think you are going to 10 gallon batches someday then get the 15 gallon pot and you will be set.

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Thanks that looks like exactly what I need. Hopefully Igloos are similar enough. Sounded like a few people needed some different things.

1 vote for a braid over FB or manifold...just personal preferrence...all will work. I guess I just like the simplicity of the braid and batch sparging.

+1 on the 15 gallon boil kettle.

wilserbrewer said:

1 vote for a braid over FB or manifold...just personal preferrence...all will work. I guess I just like the simplicity of the braid and batch sparging.

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Yeah, I think I decided that since I'm going to start with batch sparging I might as well use the braid. If i do move on to something else then at least it won't have set me back very far either.