first AG batch was a disaster!!

[Gremlyn]

I don't preheat my tun, so I've never really thought about it much. But you're right, and some testing would be good to figure out how much temp is lost to the cooler.

 

[PatientZero]

Yeah, pretty typical. There's a reason why lots of people never move up to all-grain! Just keep working the kinks out. I do have a couple suggestions though...

1. Try doing all grain in smaller batches. I do some in 2 gallon batches all the time and they work out way better than the 5.

2. Use whole hops if you don't already. If you don't, you'll thank me.