It seems the 'old cooler' mash tun is a popular path for a lot of folks. I have read that a lot of people note a plastic smell/flavor the first time they rinse out their cooler with hot water, but then it goes away. I just wonder if it really goes away or does one just not notice it anymore. Isn't anyone concerned about plastic chemical leaching into your beer? Not necessarily a concern for final beer product, but simply for health reasons? Just curious. I am just looking at options for a mash tun and lean toward some kind of SS option, but they sure are pricey compared to an old cooler. At the same time, I never microwave food in plastic (even if they say it is safe) just due to fear of chemical leaching.