Best cooler for a mash tun? (Coleman, Igloo, Rubbermaid)

[Dog House Brew]

I do 12.5 gallon batches in an Extreme 100qt cooler. The problem I have with the Extreme is that when the cooler is full the sides bow out and the lid doesn't want to seal in the middle. The thing I like about the Coleman is that it has a clasp at both ends. I think this could make a difference when tying to maintain temps. The Extreme does a good job of maintaining temps if it is pre-heated. I think you should always pre-heat a cooler MLT anyway. I'm going to change to the Coleman 150qt on my new HERMS rig to increase to 20 gallon batches. I think round coolers have an advantage in the fact that the lid can be screwed, but for me they just aren't big enough.

 

[reddskinnfan]

I have a Coleman Xtreme 50 and Xtreme 70. They work great, and have been leak free.

 

[mikeysab]

I just bought a 52 qt coleman xtreme (20 drakmas at Sears), and ordered a cooler conversion ball valve from Bargain fittings.com. What kind of manifold are you guys using to get the best efficiency? I was thinking of using a copper manifold, then I thought about the bazooka screen, then I thought that since the cooler has that channel on the bottom, is it even necessary to use anything that goes through the cooler, or can I use a sort of dip tube to pick the wort out of that little channel? The way I'm thinking of it is the most concentrated liquids are going to collect in the channel, maximizing efficiency. I'm probably totally off base, but figured I'd ask you guys with more experience than I.

 

[wilserbrewer]

So go against using the Ice cube? I have one and am considering converting it to start my adventure in All grain!

I use an ice cube and it works fine. With any cooler, most important to preheat thoroughly!!! The igloo is kind of thin though, I brew indoors, not sure how well it would do outdoors w/ fridgid ambient temps. IME brewing w/ all sorts of inexpensive coolers, they all have held heat well if properly preheated, and the vacant headspace is not too great.

 

[mikeysab]

so my research has brought me to this......it doesn't matter what kind of manifold or braid you use, what's important is your technique.... crush technique, mash technique and sparge technique. So I'm going with a copper manifold in my 52 qt coleman xtreme. I see it this way... if I get my technique down, I'll make great beers. I currently have two tuns, a 5 gallon round, for BiaB smaller batches( 5 gallons, small to moderate ABV brews), and the 52 qt coleman with SS BV and copper manifold for bigger beers or 10 gallon batches. So with this combination, there's nothing I can't brew. I'm going to follow the basic copper manifold directions online to finish my rectangular tun, then follow strict instruction on mashing and sparging to round out my technique. Lets see how that all works out.

 

[wilserbrewer]

so my research has brought me to this......it doesn't matter what kind of manifold or braid you use, what's important is your technique.... crush technique, mash technique and sparge technique.

Pretty much spot on IMO...I have always favored the saying that " a talented brewer could make a nice beer in his hat"

 

[badmajon]

I use an ice cube and it works fine. With any cooler, most important to preheat thoroughly!!! The igloo is kind of thin though, I brew indoors, not sure how well it would do outdoors w/ fridgid ambient temps. IME brewing w/ all sorts of inexpensive coolers, they all have held heat well if properly preheated, and the vacant headspace is not too great.

I use the igloo ice cube and well, I'm on this thread now b/c I'm not too happy with it. A mash starting out at say, 152-154 will drop in some places to 148 even 147 after 60 minutes, and that's with six big fluffy bath towels wrapped around it, in the 90 degree Georgian summer.

 

[reddskinnfan]

I use a Coleman Xtreme 70 qt quarter. It is AWESOME! Have never had issues with temperature drop. Just saying.

 

[patrck17]

I imagine the OP may have found the information he was looking for, but what the heck....

I use a Rubbermaid 10gal for my 10 gallon batches. Would need to be bigger for higher gravity beers but I usually only make 5 gallon at a time of big beers. For the house ale quaffer (usually BM's blonde), it works great for 10 gal batches.

 

[elproducto]

Is there any consensus on which size of Xtreme cooler? I was thinking the 36 quart, but I can't seem to find any. Next up I think is 50, is that fine?

 

[Memorex88]

Is there any consensus on which size of Xtreme cooler? I was thinking the 36 quart, but I can't seem to find any. Next up I think is 50, is that fine?

I have the 52 quart and it perfect for 5 or 10 gallon batches. Not to mention... camping too

 

[elproducto]

Anyone know if this will suffice?

http://www.walmart.ca/details?tabId=7&departmentId=46&categoryId=265&lang=en&assetId=44249

Does it have to be an "Xtreme" cooler?

 

[reddskinnfan]

Go for it. At least it will be easy to move it around. Now if you eventually want to do a brewstand (and use a cooler with it), you will want something without wheels.

 

[rico567]

I've been using the Rubbermaid 10 gal. "Home Depot" model for over a year, and no complaints. Works as advertised, and I just went the easy way for conversion and ordered a Bargain Fittings kit.

Yes, the Rubbermaid cooler's interior lining will warp; mine does. It's only logical. They are designed as coolers -hence the name- and not "heaters." When 170F preheat water is dumped into the cooler, the plastic lining expands, and warps. I can't see how that affects its performance as an MLT.

 

[bmckee56]

I have a 5 gallon Igloo cooler from Lowes and it hold temp very close over a 60 - 90 minute mash. I might get 1 or 2 degree drop with the 90 minute. I also have an older coleman 48qt. cooler that I am planning to convert with a stainless (weldless) valve assembly and mesh strainer tube. I have used this cooler while camping and it keeps food cold for extended periods with little need to replace ice.

Salute!

 

[Marsdude]

I don't want to threadjack but if you are looking for a round Rubbermaid drink type cooler there was another thread on this forum that lead me to "hydrationstation.com." They are selling a 10gal cooler for $15! I believe it is made by Rubbermaid do to the description. Of course you add shipping but it is still much cheaper than the $39 HD charges for one. I bought two and with shipping it came to $53.35. Thats about $26.67 apiece. Not bad.

Here's the link if interested:

http://www.hydrationdepot.com/Gatorade-10-Gallon-Cooler-Original-Bright-Orange-Design-Cooler.html

 

[patrck17]

I don't want to threadjack but if you are looking for a round Rubbermaid drink type cooler there was another thread on this forum that lead me to "hydrationstation.com." They are selling a 10gal cooler for $15! I believe it is made by Rubbermaid do to the description. Of course you add shipping but it is still much cheaper than the $39 HD charges for one. I bought two and with shipping it came to $53.35. Thats about $26.67 apiece. Not bad.

Here's the link if interested:

http://www.hydrationdepot.com/Gatorade-10-Gallon-Cooler-Original-Bright-Orange-Design-Cooler.html

Wow that is crazy. I wish I had known when I bought mine. I couldn't find anything below around 45 so 15 is rediculous. Wonder how they manage it.

 

[bniesen]

elproducto:
You do want it to be an "Extreme" IMO, the lid is heavier and denser and more than likely insulated. Where is the spigot on those, are those on the wheel side. If so it might become a PITA when it comes to putting/operating a ball valve on there.

I bought a 62qt Coleman Extreme for $40 and completed the copper manifold yesterday. converting that cooler was super easy, I could reuse the factory spigot washer/gasket. The washer/gasket fits over a 1/2" nipple and not only seals the inside but it also goes between the inside and outside of the cooler walls. added a couple of SS washer to snug everything up and no leaks what so ever.

I ran just straight water to see what the flow was like and to see how much would be left behind. I found out that at the end of drainage, if I elevate the back just a little, only a cup and a half of water was left behind. I know its going to be a different story when there is grain added but I thought a cup and a half wasn't bad.

 

[Captain_Bigelow]

I don't want to threadjack but if you are looking for a round Rubbermaid drink type cooler there was another thread on this forum that lead me to "hydrationstation.com." They are selling a 10gal cooler for $15! I believe it is made by Rubbermaid do to the description. Of course you add shipping but it is still much cheaper than the $39 HD charges for one. I bought two and with shipping it came to $53.35. Thats about $26.67 apiece. Not bad.

Here's the link if interested:

http://www.hydrationdepot.com/Gatorade-10-Gallon-Cooler-Original-Bright-Orange-Design-Cooler.html

The price is $65.12 if I click on the link.

 

[patrck17]

The price is $65.12 if I click on the link.

Me too now. It looked like a mistake anyways. When I clicked on it last week it was priced at 15. It said in that save sticker "Save 70%" or something.

 

[fezzman]

I found this thread a little too late. Last weekend I went to Lowe's to buy a Rubbermaid cooler. Sitting next to it was the 48qt Igloo Ice cube for less than half the price. I figured I was getting 2 extra gallons of space for cheaper.

The cooler did not have a drain plug built in, though it did have the groove in the bottom for a drain. I have already drilled and installed a ball valve, sprayed Stuff foam into the hollow lid, started working on my fly sparge manifold, and installed a braid in the bottom. I've just not yet used it. I guess I can look forward to some temp drops.

The I still have some gaps in the foam in the lid so I will drill a few extra holes and fill those up. I plan to give it a test run this weekend.

Price was a big factor but the size also played a pretty big role in my decision. I used a borrowed Rubbermaid when I brewed a Founders Breakfast Stout clone, which had it pretty maxed out. I'd like to make some pretty big beers this winter so a slightly larger cooler with similar footprint seemed right.

 

[camiller]

I have an igloo 50qt ice cube marine (the all white one) and have been happy with it. I don't understand the person losing 6-10 degrees in an hour. The first few batches when I bothered to measure I lost maybe one degree in an hour. With any cooler you should pre-heat the cooler with hot water to ensure the thermal mass of the cooler doesn't soak up a lot of heat (or start with correspondingly warmer water at dough-in).

The only issue I have had is when I want to do a really big beer in a larger than 5 gallon batch. For the 10-10-10 beer I had a 37 pound grain bill and had to mash thick @ 0.9qt/lb for it to fit. For the 11-11-11 beer I want to do two back to back batches at 12 gallons each final volume to the fermentors and again am looking at something like a 37 lb grain bill. I might have to see if I can scratch up the $ for a 70-qt or borrow a larger mash tun.

 

[Blue_State]

I was looking for the answer too. Bought both to check it out.

 

[habrew]

😂🙂