Using 10gal cooler for partial mash

[PGHBrewer]

I have a 10 gallon mash tun that I just made for my slow process of going all grain. I wanted to do a partial mash and use that cooler for the mash period. Is this okay? Will it effect the temp because I'm using such a big cooler for a small mash? Should I just get a grain bag and stop asking questions?

 

[magno]

You should have no problem holding temperature in a ten gal cooler.

 

[jimbot]

Will it effect the temp because I'm using such a big cooler for a small mash?

One thing you will want to do is to pre-heat the cooler before you start the mash. I do full mashes, but I think a similar process will work for you:

Figure out the temp your strike water should be, and add another 10F-15F degrees. Throw that water in your cooler first -- the cooler will absorb about 10 F immediately as it warms up. Then when the water is at the right strike temp, add your grains.

This way you don't have to account for the mass of the tun absorbing heat, and making you miss your mash temp.

--Jimbot