Switch to round cooler?

I have been mashing in my 48qt rectangular cooler for a while now, but was wondering if there are any benefits to the round ones. It has worked for me so far with batch sparging and running about 65-70% efficiency. My only problem with it isi get inconsistent runnoff volumes every time. Since i am only batch sparging are there any benefits to the round gott style coolers over the rectangular ones ?

 

I think a round container would stay hotter/colder longer and there are no corners to clean out.

 

I have a 10 gallon Gott beverage cooler waiting to get converted into a MLT. I've been having problems with inconsistent runoff volumes as well, so I'll let you know if I have any improvements with the round cooler.

I'm debating between SS braid, manifold, or false bottom for the round cooler, and I'm leaning to a false bottom. That way, if I ever get crazy enough to attempt fly sparging, I'll be ready to go.

 

By all (many?) accounts, the SS braid is the best for batch sparging. So unless you prefer to fly sparge, you might want to reconsider purchasing a false bottom. Besides, if you ever change your mind later and want to fly sparge, you can by the false bottom then, and all you are out is the $5 you spent on the braid.

 

I've done 3 AG brews so far, all batch sparged, and the SS braid is already abused. It's compacted in two or three different spots, and still tends to float up when stirring the mash, and I have the unattached end weighed down with a brass cap. So, these are also motivations for me to consider a false bottom.

Realistically, I don't see why a false bottom wouldn't work well for batch sparging. Maybe the chance of compacting the mash is greater, but I don't know. Maybe I'll look into a manifold, if that's the case.

 

Greg -- I started to have a similar problem with my SS braid and fixed it by inserting a piece of high temp vinyl tubing inside the braid. It definitely doesn't float anymore, either. There is a picture here.

And I am sure false bottoms work fine for batch sparging. The only negative I have heard (second hand -- take it for what its worth) is that false bottoms are slightly more prone to stuck sparges and recirculation take a bit longer. Pretty minor drawbacks. Of course, the price is quite a bit more, too, but like you imply it would be a one-time purchase. -- Cheers.

 

I use a false bottom in my keg MLT and it works great for either batch or fly sparging. I can't imagine that a SS braid would work better, it just the cheapest technique out there.

I've also never had a stuck sparge. Watch, my next mash will stick now.

Also, to answer the op's question. I would stick with what you've got. I don't see how a round cooler benefits you with batch sparging. Fly sparging is a different story.

 

Right...less surface area per unit volume. A sphere would be even better, but impractical

If batch sparging, I doubt the shape alone will get you much better efficiency unless there's something wrong with the design of your current braid/false bottom.

 

What a great idea! I'll have to give that a try. Thanks for the tip!

 

What I did with my braid was to insert a coiled piece of copper wire. Coiled to resemble a spring. This has the advantage of extra strength, extra weight, and the design don't impede flow.

 

Hey that's a nice idea. I'm worried the braid will dent or crunch while stirring. What sort of wire did you use? Coil it around a pencil or something?

 

I've done the same thing. I just used some romex wire that I had lying around from a household project. The bare copper wire used for grounding in your house wiring.

An wrapping it around a pencil/pen gave me the perfect size. The only problem I'm running into is that the braid is getting beat up when I stir. If I get any sizeable holes I may have to re-think the braid idea, or at least work out a way to stir as thoroughly but not as violently

 

I made this manifold out of SS tubing from my work. The sparge is great it doesnt stick at all. Thats even with the slots up. I can turn it over if I have to It works perfect stirring the mash is not a problem. In this cooler I didnt lose 2 degrees during the 60 min mash

 

Pit some tubing into the braid with slots cut into it. That will stop the braid from getting mashed up when you stir.

 

Another option is to make a ring out of your stainless braid: connect each end to a t-fitting.

In my ten gallon round cooler, I did that with a ss braid from a dishwasher line. Works great. No stuck sparges, no floating braid problem. Easy to stir around, or in the middle of.

 

Still possible to dent the braid blindly stirring the mash. It's been reported here.

I always have a little anxiety dumping the spent grain & checking the condition of the braid. Need to just chill and enjoy a brew

 

It just tastes better out of a round cooler.