Cheap Mash Tun question

[beerbuddy]

Okay I’ve been bitten by the bug and after 2 extract batches I want to take my brewing to the next level.

I have an old rectangular 48 quart cooler that I was thinking would make a great Mash Tun. But Then I read that if I’m only going to do 5 gallon batches that the grain bed would not be deep enough for proper filtering.

Any thoughts?

 

[Donasay]

I guess you are going to have to upgrade to 10 gallon batches, what a shame.

 

[lustreking]

I used to batch sparge 5 gallon batches in a 48 qt rectangular cooler and it worked just fine. In fact 48 qt is probably the smallest that I would build. Grain bed depth may make a bigger difference if you're planning on fly sparging, but I've never done that.

I just built a new 70 qt mash tun. Here are the instructions, but they should work for any size cooler.

 

[IowaStateFan]

If you plan on batch sparging, the grain bed depth makes very little difference. A 48qt cooler should work great for 5 gallon batches and is big enough that you could do 10 gallons, too.

 

[beerbuddy]

Thanks for the info.

I guess I know what my next project is.

 

[beerbuddy]

Ok I just built my MLT using SS mesh from a water supply line and brass for everything else for $20. From reading several post I read today I'm questing using brass.

Did I waste my money?

 

[cowgo]

I just built a new 70 qt mash tun. Here are the instructions, but they should work for any size cooler.

Thanks for the pictorial Steve! I made a Coleman Extreme Cooler mash tun tonight using your instructions. Should be a big step up from my 5 gallon igloo with a plastic colander false bottom.

Going to take it out on a trial brew this Saturday.