Beat Up Cooler Usable for MLT

DFP51 · Mar 16, 2011

Hello all, and thanks in advance for any assistance. I am planning to try my first all grain brew as soon as the weather cooperates up here on the North Coast. This will of course require the construction of a cooler mlt. I have an old Coleman 48 quart cooler in the basement, which I previously used to store cigars. It has a slight but recognizable cedar odor to it and is beat to all billy h**l on the inside (scratches and the like). I am more concerned with the odor than than the scratches, as although I enjoy the scent of Spanish Cedar I doubt it would improve the flavor of my beer. I'm guessing the best thing to do is buy a new cooler, but thought I would ask the experts first to make sure. So, new Home Depot special or will the old cooler be fine?

Thanks again.

Dan.

IrregularPulse · Mar 16, 2011

If it reeks of wood, I'd replace it.

wilserbrewer · Mar 17, 2011

OK, I'll take the counterpoint, clean it with oxi clean, or bleach, comet/ajax and rinse very well w/ hot water and air it out for a few days to rid the smell and use it. I have cleaned and used a few old coolers w/ success,the very old coleman 48 specifically has an insulated lid and worked well. Coolers don't have a memory AFAIK :mug:

If you feel more comfortable w/ a brand new one...which smell kinda plasticy IMO, well get out your wallet.

mmonacel · Mar 17, 2011

+1 on OxyClean. Do that first and then decide.

pulptastic · Mar 17, 2011

Wash it out with oxyclean, add some mashbtemperature water and see how it does. I doubt much cedar flavor would come out, if you're worried about it you could brew a darker beer that would go well with/hide the wood flavor.

Gunfighter04 · Mar 17, 2011

I agree with the oxyclean, and then fill it with mash temp water and let it set for 90 minutes or so, then taste the water. That will let you know right away if any smells are leaching in.

DFP51 · Mar 18, 2011

All right, thanks guys. I will give it a good soak this weekend and see what comes of it. I know a new cooler is only a couple bucks, but part of the fun I am having with this hobby is jury rigging old stuff.