I've got an old Northern Brewer 7 gallon mash tun that's got a crack in it, and so I'm looking to replace it. I also have their larger 14 gallon. I tend to use the 7 for normal 5 gallon beers, and the 14 for the occasional Russian Imperial. It's been working well generally speaking, if I use them this way. Couple (seems to be 2-3 degrees) temp drop over an hour, about what's expected. If I do a normal brew in the 14 and only fill it like 1/3 the way up, I lose a lot more, seems more like 5 degrees. So, this is my eperience.
Looking to replace the 7, since the 14 doesn't do the best temp holding job. Looking at either the Chapman or SS for an insulated stainless tun. I like that the SS has that conical bottom to get every last drop of wort, love that a lot actually (I normally up-end my cooler tun and pour it into the boil kettle).
Wondered if others have done the same upgrade, from cooler to SS (or Chapman), and if you were happy? Was it a waste of money? Do you have solid temps or similar drops?
Looking to replace the 7, since the 14 doesn't do the best temp holding job. Looking at either the Chapman or SS for an insulated stainless tun. I like that the SS has that conical bottom to get every last drop of wort, love that a lot actually (I normally up-end my cooler tun and pour it into the boil kettle).
Wondered if others have done the same upgrade, from cooler to SS (or Chapman), and if you were happy? Was it a waste of money? Do you have solid temps or similar drops?