During summer months I cool as best I can with the IC then put it in the ferm chamber and plan on pitching the next morning. Works great for me!
Brew On
oops, didn't answer the original question.
As to draining the sugars more efficiently, I say no.
Horizontal or vertical I don't think it makes a difference
I think it has more to do with water to grain ratio. I have a 5 gal igloo & 11 lbs of grain seems to be the maximum while still getting acceptable efficiency. Again, consistent grain crush assumed
Bolton & Hay on the east side of dsm deals in used restaurant equipment and could give you a starting point price wise. Unless you'll take my $50 offer
I kick kids out the way to get to the bunn. Add whatever flavor of preground coffee on hand and then steal the soul from the pot, wife yells at me if I get caught. Pretty much the routine unless the kids arn't awake, then omit the kid kicking
It could be made to work. The pickup tube would have to be modified as it currently draws from the bottom center of the keg.
How would you rate your tube bending skills is the question
I poke at it with the mash paddle but never thought of trying to skim it. Seems like it would plug a skimmer up and make a mess cleaning it out after each pass