5 or 10 gallon water cooler mash tun?

[desertsoilguy]

I am lining up an equipment list for an all grain brewing setup. I want to brew 5 gallon batches. If I purchase a 5 gallon water cooler mash tun vs a 10 gallon model will it really limit my ability to brew beers with higher original specific gravities such as Belgium Trippels and Imperial IPAs?

 

[triangulum33]

Yup. I've had my 10G 75% full with a 1.08 stout.

 

[Jazman]

I am lining up an equipment list for an all grain brewing setup. I want to brew 5 gallon batches. If I purchase a 5 gallon water cooler mash tun vs a 10 gallon model will it really limit my ability to brew beers with higher original specific gravities such as Belgium Trippels and Imperial IPAs?

If you want to go all-grain without any sugar or DME additions, then yes. Basically, you can get 25lbs max of grain/water into a 10gal cooler or 12-13 (maybe push to 15 with a thick mash) in a 5gal cooler.

Jaz

 

[CidahMastah]

I would recc 15g if you want to ever do a barley wine (5G) or jump up to 10g batches

 

[weirdboy]

Even in my 12 gallon MLT I have filled it up to the rim making a high OG 5 gallon batch before.

 

[Firebat138]

def the 10... bang for your buck as they say..

 

[TrainSafe]

def the 10... bang for your buck as they say..

+1

Cost is almost the same. The valve and screen account for a big portion of the expenses. Go big.

 

[TyTanium]

At Home Depot, 5g is ~$23 and 10g is ~$42 I think, but I'm willing to pay 20 bucks for TONS more flexibility. And it's not too big for normal 5g batches either.

 

[bigbeergeek]

12.5 gallon cube all the way. Who doesn't want 10 gallons of IIPA a few times a year?

 

[SDVmnt]

Check out the 70qt Coleman Extreme cooler via Walmart. Came to 39? Or thereabouts shipped to the store. Target wanted around 80 if I recall. Has the drain in the right spot with a cutout putting the center of the drain nearly parallel to the bottom of the cooler also.

Those coolers are fantastic at keeping ice for days. The wort holds temp for the duration of the mash.

 

[Aunt_Ester]

If you want to go all-grain without any sugar or DME additions, then yes. Basically, you can get 25lbs max of grain/water into a 10gal cooler or 12-13 (maybe push to 15 with a thick mash) in a 5gal cooler.

Jaz

Jaz's right.

My 5 gallon cooler has served me faithfully, but its size limits my mashes to a grist of about 13lbs. (Comfortably. You can always fill to the rim.)

As with most brewing equipment, just build to what you like to drink! If you rarely drink beers above 1.065 (OG) then it may not be necessary.

 

[mrveeno]

I just bought a 60 Qt Igloo Ice Cube at Sam's for $27.95.

They listed for $48 at Amazon.

I am in the process of putting a tap on the front of it, and will use a square drain array inside.

I also talked to a liquor store owner I frequent, and he sold me a 16 gallon SS keg for $40. Have it marked for 13 gallons to boil.

I bought a fermenter when I was in Germany that holds 60L. I have it marked for 12 gallons, which leaves 2 gallons in the bottom before it stops draining. Should keep the pour into the second fermenters nice and clean. It has about an 8" diameter top to allow for easy cleaning.

MrVeeno.