cooler conversion?

[fumanchu]

I've bought all the parts to convert a cooler to a mash tun. Well, all except the cooler.

Are there any specific brands that I should or shouldn't get? I'm worried about my beer tasting like plastic or plastic actually coming off in my beer.

many thanks.

 

[gandalfiii]

I bought this and it works great. Conversion was super easy.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F6SHTK/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[AmandaK]

I have a 10 gallon IGLOO water cooler.

You shouldn't have to worry about your beer tasting like plastic unless you are somehow boiling your mash in the plastic cooler (or buy a seriously non-food grade container). Mash temp ranges are fine for water coolers.

EDIT: LOL if you click on that amazon link and see the "Frequently Bought Together" list.

 

[DonMagee]

I bought a 10 gallon cooler from home depot, it's a big red rubbermaid cooler.

 

[krenshaw]

yellow and red igloo brand for me.. works like a champ

 

[Horseballs]

I have a 52qt coleman xtreme that I bought from kmart on sale for $28. It is a beast when it comes to holding temperatures - it advertises that it can keep ice for 5 days even with 90+ degree ambient heat. In my experience, when I preheat it it doesn't drop a single degree over the course of the mash.

 

[frankieboy007]

I use a 48 qt square Ice Cube cooler, have had it for several years, with a home-made manifold constructed out of cpvc. Holds the temperature nicely, and is easy to clean up afterwards. What are you going to use for a manifold?