7 Gal MLT

[Crabmeat]

I read that a 5 gallon water keg isn't large enough for all AG recipes. Would a 7 gallon water be able to handle all recipes? They are much cheaper than a 10 gallon one.

http://www.rubbermaid.com/rubbermaid/ecommerce/product.jhtml?prodId=HpdProd160026&catId=HpdCat160023

 

[Bugeaterbrewing]

Wow, I didn't know they even made a 7 gallon cooler like that. My own preference is to use a rectangular cooler. You don't have as deep a grain bed and it is easier to stir. Plus they are quite a bit cheaper. If you are just getting into all grain you should consider doing batch sparging rather than fly sparging. It is quicker, simpler, and harder to screw up. Check out these links.
http://hbd.org/cascade/dennybrew/
http://cruisenews.net/brewing/infusion/

In theory, fly sparging is more efficient. In real life there is no clear difference in efficiency. The differences are in the individual setups rather than the process itself. I have been batch sparging for 4 years now and see no reason to go to fly sparging.

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company

 

[raceskier]

That's not a great price on the 7 gal. I still have the bruises from kicking myself for not buying the 10 gal Rubbermaid on sale at Home Despot last month for $40. You can get the 10 gal delivered to your local Ace for $50. I want to do some big double IPA's, Wee Heavies and the like, so I want a minimum of 10 gal. According to Palmer, the 5 gal is good for 12 lb of grain, so that would put the 7 at around 17 lb. The Steelhead Wee Heavy clone calls for whopping 21 lb of grain! I looked at the square cheap ($28) Igloo 48 qt, but it is very lightly insulated. Some of the other rectangulars can be found for less, but I haven't investigated them. Shop around some more and let everyone know if you find a great deal.

 

[McKBrew]

I'd recommend doing an internet search and looking for a cheaper price on the 10gallon cooler. Here's what I've found so far.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002N9F4/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

http://www.cspoutdoors.com/10galwatcool.html

 

[Crabmeat]

I checked: Lowes, Home Depot, Ace Hardare, Gander Mountain, Sears, Meijer, and of course Wal-Mart and have been unable to locate it. If only Lowes sold it, then I could use my employee discount on it.

 

[Bugeaterbrewing]

I picked up one of those 10 gallon coolers at a local farm supply store for $29 last fall.

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company

 

[Crabmeat]

All grain adds up quick, and so far my calculations don't show any reduced price over time. Oh well, it is more fun than extract (so far) and thats all that matters.

 

[Cookiebaggs]

I just got this 10 callon Coleman drink cooler on ebay for $26 delivered. I've brewed twice with it already and I love it.

I drilled through the lid and put a Listerman's sparge arm that I had in the center. It fits like a glove and can be adjusted up or down 6-8 inches depending on the level of the grain bed.

I did a 10 gallon IPA with a 25 lb grain bill on St. Patrick's day.

 

[Reidman]

I'd recommend doing an internet search and looking for a cheaper price on the 10gallon cooler. Here's what I've found so far.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002N9F4/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

http://www.cspoutdoors.com/10galwatcool.html

2nd link, great price.

My experience tells me that if you go through the manufacturer to buy it you will pay an arm and a leg. Even coleman offers up there coolers on their website for $20 more than you get them at GI Joes or walmart.

As for the Gott round style coolers I read that those are more necessary for fly sparging where you need a thicker grain bed and you don't want to promote channeling, which isn't an issue if you are batch sparging. Rectangular coolers will work fine for that and are much cheaper.

 

[hialtitude]

I found the 10 gal rubbermaid cooler at Home Depot this week for $39. Ask if your local Home Depot will order some at that price, then you wouldn't have to pay for shipping. By the way, I don't work there or anything, just liked the price.