5 gal MLT limitations

[Mountainbeers]

What are the limitations when using FlyGuy's design for an MLT: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/cheap-easy-10-gallon-rubbermaid-mlt-conversion-23008/, but going with 5 gal cooler instead? I realize that I won't be able to make very "big beers" with this size. What OG constitutes a "big beer" in this case? Are their any drawbacks to using a 10 gal if you are making normal small beers?

 

[Synovia]

about 12lbs at 1.25 qts/lb.


At 75% efficiency, and 5gs, that's 1.065


Now, I like to mash thinner than 1.25qt/lb, so my mash tun limits me. I think thinner mashes make better beers.

 

[gromitdj]

According to this "Can I mash it" calculator, you can mash about 12 lbs. of grain @ 1.25 qt/gallon in a 5 gallon cooler. But that would give you no room for stirring: I would think 10 or 11 pounds is more likely.

 

[Mountainbeers]

about 12lbs at 1.25 qts/lb.


At 75% efficiency, and 5gs, that's 1.065


Now, I like to mash thinner than 1.25qt/lb, so my mash tun limits me. I think thinner mashes make better beers.

How do you calculate your efficiency?

 

[Richabt]

about 12lbs at 1.25 qts/lb.


At 75% efficiency, and 5gs, that's 1.065


Now, I like to mash thinner than 1.25qt/lb, so my mash tun limits me. I think thinner mashes make better beers.

I use a 5g myself and this is about as good as you can do with it. Hasn't been a big problem for me. When I do a high gravity beer, I will tend to do a smaller batch anyway. I'll still move to a 10g at some point.