10 gallon all grain batches with 50qt cooler?

[bassballboy]

I am beginning to collect the pieces necessary for an all grain set up.

I got a good deal on a 50qt Coleman xtreme, and I know it will work for 5 gallon batches, but will it work for 10 gallon batches for anything below imperials?

Using the can I mash it calculator, I could in theory fit up to 32lb of grain and water, but that would be to the full capacity. Does that matter?

 

[Omahawk]

I've done 10 gallon batches in my 10 gallon (40 qt) Igloo of average-sized (1.050 SG) beers. 32 lbs of grain for 10 lb batches makes a high gravity beer (something around 1.075 to 1.08, right?). In my experience if you're doing single infusion, full capacity in the mash tun is fine as long as you leave a tiny amount of space at the top so you can stir the mash occasionally.

 

[chickypad]

Using the can I mash it calculator, I could in theory fit up to 32lb of grain and water, but that would be to the full capacity.

I was going to say, you just answered your own question didn't you? Any recipe above 32 lb you'll need to figure another plan like add some extract.

 

[bassballboy]

Cool, I want sure if it was acceptable to fool it nearly to full capacity or if that would create problems. Thanks guys