Chapman Thermobarrel

[WillieBananas]

To frame this discussion I would like to start by saying that I switched to AG about a year ago. Currently I am using a 10 gal gatorade cooler to mash in. Working in a college town I actually found the cooler amongst the trash when the kids disembarked for summer vacation. You'd be amazed by the stuff they throw away! It was missing the lid though. So I fashioned one out of thick styrofoam and covered it with aluminum tape. It works fine, but really looks like a crap. So this winter I decided I was going to step up my game. I have a total of maybe $30 wrapped up in this bad boy. So my question is, if your current cooler style mash tun were to suddenly explode would you rebuild or spend the $250 for an insulated stainless steel model? Thanks!

 

[ProblemChild]

Went from Igloo to SS brewtech for mash tun. Really happy I did.

 

[Dog House Brew]

I bought a 120qt Colman Extreme Marine 6 for $38 to my door on Black Friday. I would buy stainless, but when you get to 30g it is too much. I’ll stick with a cooler until this one croaks. Stainless is always best IMO, but it isn’t always in the budget.

 

[Staticsouls]

I bet you could find a used kegs for cheap to replace the cooler, and wrap it in a towel or blanket, or even better reflectix insulation. Using your existing false bottom you could prolly spend less than $60

 

[Staticsouls]

.

 

[RM-MN]

To frame this discussion I would like to start by saying that I switched to AG about a year ago. Currently I am using a 10 gal gatorade cooler to mash in. Working in a college town I actually found the cooler amongst the trash when the kids disembarked for summer vacation. You'd be amazed by the stuff they throw away! It was missing the lid though. So I fashioned one out of thick styrofoam and covered it with aluminum tape. It works fine, but really looks like a crap. So this winter I decided I was going to step up my game. I have a total of maybe $30 wrapped up in this bad boy. So my question is, if your current cooler style mash tun were to suddenly explode would you rebuild or spend the $250 for an insulated stainless steel model? Thanks!

How much does it bother you that it isn't shiny and new? How many of your friends come by on brew day and mock you for a mash tun that isn't shiny? Are their thoughts worth $250 to you?

I don't even have a mash tun. I BIAB and do it right in my boil pot and the only extra cost is the bag. Your money, your choice.

 

[idkhood]

I have a 15 gal Chapman and love it. Works great for 5 and 10 gal batches.