DSmith
Well-Known Member
Similar situation. 2 batches of extract & specialty grains (5-6 gal, partial boil in 5 gallon pot). I built a 5 gallon MLT with the intent to start partial mashing and decided to do 3 gallon, all grain, full boil brewing and ferment in a 5 gallon carboy. For me, less beer, more variety and more brewing is ok. That MLT should be able to make big beers at the 3 gallon end of boil volume. Making 5-6 gallons would be a significant equipment investment and relocation out of the kitchen.
Here are upgrades that will keep your mash temp to 1F drop in 60 minutes:
Preheat with water 15F more than what you need to get your grain to your mash temp for about 30 minutes. Overshoot your temperature and stir to cool a few degrees to the desired mash temp.
Wrap the cooler in a blanket.
Use spray foam inside the hollow lid.
Cut a styrofoam disk the same diameter as your cooler and put it in a food grade bag (turkey cooking bag) to reduce your air space above the mash. Use R5-R10 (1"-2") thick styrofoam. You can probably skip the spray foam inside the lid if you do this step because no heat will get past this. I throw away the turkey bag or crock pot liner after each use and the styrofoam stays clean and dry.
Here are upgrades that will keep your mash temp to 1F drop in 60 minutes:
Preheat with water 15F more than what you need to get your grain to your mash temp for about 30 minutes. Overshoot your temperature and stir to cool a few degrees to the desired mash temp.
Wrap the cooler in a blanket.
Use spray foam inside the hollow lid.
Cut a styrofoam disk the same diameter as your cooler and put it in a food grade bag (turkey cooking bag) to reduce your air space above the mash. Use R5-R10 (1"-2") thick styrofoam. You can probably skip the spray foam inside the lid if you do this step because no heat will get past this. I throw away the turkey bag or crock pot liner after each use and the styrofoam stays clean and dry.
