First Look: SS Brewtech Infussion Mash Tun

[mfabe]

but alas homebrewers dont always understand what or why they do some of the things they do... look at all the people who invest in rotating sprinking sparge arms when they batch sparge? just another cool gismo that doesnt serve a purpose in their setup.. Form over function.. which is fine but it doesnt make the more practical setups "Ghetto" or functionally inferior.

Just a thought, but maybe you should try the SS Brewtech product before generalizing and passing so much judgement. I posted the review as one man's opinion, and comparing it to other products that I have ACTUALLY used or owned. I didn't usher in sensationalism and look to attack other products or groups of people for the benefit of another. I simply laid out a common sense budgetary comparison for comparable products and options on the market.

No one is attacking coolers, since that's how most people here got started, me included. But a cooler was not originally designed to be a MT, this product is, so it has some appreciable benefits I think everyone can recognize and appreciate. However, those features may not be as important to some brewers, so they can keep their coolers. Yet, don't ruin this thread for the brewers that are looking for the next evolution in their system and find this product attractive.

I think its part of the American spirit that motivates innovation and improvement to a design that was simply a clever modification to an otherwise unspecified use. I hope that all equipment makers continue to evolve the basics and come out with new and interesting products. That's what this thread should be all about, not brow beating each other in a cooler vs. SS MT fight to the death! LOL

Cheers!

 

[BorderBrewer]

I think its part of the American spirit that motivates innovation and improvement to a design that was simply a clever modification to an otherwise unspecified use. I hope that all equipment makers continue to evolve the basics and come out with new and interesting products. That's what this thread should be all about, not brow beating each other in a cooler vs. SS MT fight to the death! LOL

Bravo!
BTW, I have been using an upside down, Insulated Sanke keg mash tun in my RIMS system since 1997....

 

[angrybits]

That's what this thread should be all about, not brow beating each other in a cooler vs. SS MT fight to the death!

I really have no idea what drives this behavior. We get it, not everyone can afford it, and not everyone wants it. Those of you who can't or won't, you don't need to uplift yourselves by making others feel guilty or stupid for being able and willing to buy it.

Now, with that out of the way, has anyone heard any rumors about the recirculation fittings for the 10 gallon version yet? They seem to be targeting Q4 for it. (Exact words were "pre-Christmas launch".) Guessing it will use the return manifold from the 20 gallon version as well. C'mon guys, gimme an early Christmas present!

EDIT: Removed some inflammatory language.

 

[augiedoggy]

Well for what its worth I was trying to keep it about facts in the beginning by asking what the practical advantages of this would be over a cooler but that thread was over in a couple sentences ...Then it became about advantages that people cant explain but arent cosmetic, whatever those might be and how coolers or regular kettles are "Ghetto garbage" because they arent originally sold as out of the box retail mash tuns as if that makes some kind of difference.... Apparently there's some useful advantage to having an insulated MT with a rims that im unaware of even though I had that combination for over a year with my rims and cooler and noticed no change when going to a regular stainless kettle... If their really is a real tangible advantage im all ears and would like to hear it? I asked this before and the conversation just keeps getting sidtracked by the "oh shiny" mindset. I was fine with the fact that its just an expensive cool looking mashtun but some here keep siting it is so superior yet stop short on giving a REAL explaination why?

I dont need to own one to see how they work. I had a plastic one already which worked the same for my use. I mentioned the very real advantages a cooler has over a big stationary stainless mash tun because its important to recognize the disadvantages as well ad advantages of each setup.

since I prefer to just carry my mashtun out to my compost bin and dump it this would not be a practical choice for me. I will admit my cooler was even better than my 16 gallon stainless mashtun in this regard.
I will let it go in because at this point I'm just upsetting the people that want or bought one and its pretty clear no one is interested in discussing it seriously.
Yeah im a critic because I'm not sold on why this is $250 better than a kettle or cooler.. I asked for owners to give some reasons and they so far havent been convincing.. This would be the thread to ask for this feedback right? We all know it looks pretty but beyond that...

BTW this is not some new American product, nor was it invented here... its a Chinese clone of the ones that have been sold everywhere BUT the united states for years now only they sell for much less. https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=322452

 

[flatchulense]

Being on a fixed income caused me to weigh my options when considering a new mash tun. The cooler I had been using developed a leak around the spigot assembly purchased to replace the one that came with the cooler. The stainless steel bulkhead fitting, being much heavier than the one fitted to it for its intended use, caused undue stress on the plastic. The result was a nearly 10 gallon spill of wort. After about 5 batches with the SS Mash Tun, I feel confident that it will perform for years to come without an engineering failure, as it's designed task is as a Mash Tun, not a lightweight cooler. The plastic buckets served me well, for fermention & Mash Tuns, and no regrets in having used them for past 20+ years. But I saved up and got Stainless pots, saved more, got Stainless fermenters to control temps, and finally a Stainless Mash Tun. Very happy with quality & function & price. This is a hobby, not a production brewery, so whatever equipment you brew with, go for it!

 

[augiedoggy]

Lets not forget that if it wasnt for the comparing and critism the first 10 gallon version received there likely wouldnt have been all the improvements made to the 20 gallon setup...

 

[ingchr1]

Well for what its worth I was trying to keep it about facts in the beginning by asking what the practical advantages of this would be over a cooler...

Over time plastic coolers have been known to warp and crack, some folks don't want to deal with that. Some folks also have concerns with heating plastic above what it may have been designed for, plenty of debate threads on that already. While some folks may not have any concerns with plastic and therefore there's no justification for the added cost of stainless. And yes, aesthetics and purpose built do weigh into equipment buying decisions. It's a hobby and not always about brewing beer in the cheapest way possible, which seams to be a popular force in a lot of threads. The opinion that if you're not doing it the cheapest way possible then somehow you're doing it wrong, wasting your money.

I'm actually thinking of adding HERMS to my insulated MT as a way to adjust/dial in temperature. Even with calculators and experience sometimes you miss mash temperature and need a way to adjust for it.

What I like about a insulated MT is that you are not recirculating/heating the whole time and can walk away from it. This gives me an hour to go take care of other things, or break away for breakfast with the family.

So while a product may not fit your specific situation, for others it will.

 

[angrybits]

I will let it go in because at this point I'm just upsetting the people that want or bought one and its pretty clear no one is interested in discussing it seriously

It's been discussed at great length, if you aren't convinced by now then you aren't going to be. Letting it go is probably the right move.

 

[angrybits]

I'm actually thinking of adding HERMS to my insulated MT as a way to adjust/dial in temperature.

I have a similar plan but I mean to use a RIMS tube. My main motivator is step mashes, so I may or may not use it for single step schedules. That said, there might be an advantage for mashing in slightly low and adjusting up to target. Whether or not it's enough of an advantage to warrant having to clean it remains to be seen, but it's good to have choices. In fact, choice is the key value proposition for this particular piece of equipment for my part.

 

[augiedoggy]

Over time plastic coolers have been known to warp and crack, some folks don't want to deal with that. Some folks also have concerns with heating plastic above what it may have been designed for, plenty of debate threads on that already. While some folks may not have any concerns with plastic and therefore there's no justification for the added cost of stainless. And yes, aesthetics and purpose built do weigh into equipment buying decisions. It's a hobby and not always about brewing beer in the cheapest way possible, which seams to be a popular force in a lot of threads. The opinion that if you're not doing it the cheapest way possible then somehow you're doing it wrong, wasting your money.

I'm actually thinking of adding HERMS to my insulated MT as a way to adjust/dial in temperature. Even with calculators and experience sometimes you miss mash temperature and need a way to adjust for it.

What I like about a insulated MT is that you are not recirculating/heating the whole time and can walk away from it. This gives me an hour to go take care of other things, or break away for breakfast with the family.

So while a product may not fit your specific situation, for others it will.

The cooler is food grade and tested to temps up to 170 degrees... coincidently thats as high as any mash should see... I believe the warped plastic is a result of people doughing in or mashing way too high myself as I had no such issues in the year and ahalf I used a cooler
The insulation has merit when not recirulating and controlling the temps with heating by rims or herms.... But when doing so its just not practical. at $300 it would take many years to recoupe the $250 extra with couple cents in electric you would save each brew. and most importantly there would be no difference into beer.

I didnt say I dont think these have a place... If one has a an aesthetically pleasing setup for show behind his or her bar and doesnt recirc than this would be a good fit. But for someone who doesnt have the extra money to spend without real gains this is not $250 better than a cooler and its even less practical is one uses a herms or rims which make the insulation pointless. The gains are mostly cosmetic... those that understand how herms and rims works and have used them should know... I HAVE gone from an insulated tun to a regular kettle as a mash tun and I can say that there way no real world difference in mash temps or stepping capability...

 

[augiedoggy]

It's been discussed at great length, if you aren't convinced by now then you aren't going to be. Letting it go is probably the right move.

So just so I got it clear the advantages are, and we try to weight them objectively.

1 its made of stainless (while the outside will become dinged and banged up more easily and it less practical to move or clean, the inside wont pick up odors or ever possibly warp. and should technically outlive the plastic in a igloo beverage cooler if one uses it for more than say 20 years?

2 center drain such as one would get from using an upside down keggle. (efficiency increase would be immeasurable) as long as one has a dip tube setup under the false bottom. but this is a better setup for clean in place which effects the disadvantage #1 for those doing so.

3 its insulated which gives it the advantage over a stainless kettle MT for non recirculating setups where cosmetic appearance is important.

From the technical standpoint if one does use a herms or rims it would be more beneficial and practical to use a regular stainless kettle that would be easier to clean, cost much less not to mention eliminate any possible bulkhead issues and be more versatile in configuration.

A disadvantage would be the much higher cost over other options which wont effect function or the beer.

Is there any other real tangible advantage I may have missed?

 

[ingchr1]

I think your post:

The insulation has merit when not recirulating and controlling the temps with heating by rims or herms.... But when doing so its just not practical. at $300 it would take many years to recoupe the $250 extra with couple cents in electric you would save each brew. and most importantly there would be no difference into beer.

I didnt say I dont think these have a place...

Is exactly the point I was trying to make with my post:

It's a hobby and not always about brewing beer in the cheapest way possible, which seams to be a popular force in a lot of threads. The opinion that if you're not doing it the cheapest way possible then somehow you're doing it wrong, wasting your money.

So while a product may not fit your specific situation, for others it will.

 

[angrybits]

Is there any other real tangible advantage I may have missed?

I think for the sake of the thread, it's best if we just agree to disagree. To aid in putting the debate to rest, I add you to my ignore list. Good luck and happy brewing, sir.

 

[NSNO]

Been doing extract for years and will soon be investing in an all grain system. I will most likely stick to 5 gallon batches, but i do love big stouts and will be brewing large grain bills. Would a 20 gallon mash tun be a good investment or would 10 gallon be better?

 

[augiedoggy]

I think your post:



Is exactly the point I was trying to make with my post:

after reading these last two commentsI do have to say I think you guys totally missed my point. I recognized the cosmetic advantage MANY TIMES.
I was asking for PRACTICAL advantages. and advantages OTHER THAN LOOKS. Looks are cosmetic in case its confusing and that mainly to be pleasant to look at or impress people or ones self. Can we not agree this advantage alone does not apply to everyone or their needs. I do agree it can apply to those where the looks are more of a concern than the money spent. That does not make it any more practical or economical on a homebrewing scale does it?

If the cosmetic reason is you only real advantage for you thats fine but for comparisons sake I asked for OTHER advantages besides cosmetic ones and make a list of what has been determined so far and where one setup may be the best fit over another asking for other factors and all I get is people disagree with no explanation or justification to back up or explain what they mean?..
DISGREE WITH WHAT? That their arent other practical advantages to paying 3-5 times more for an insulated stainless mashtun over other options??

OK GREAT! SO WHAT ARE THEY?

If you think an insulated benefit has a real advantage over a non insulated one and its advantages even when used with a herms or rims please explain your point of view!
@angrybits
Not this "im adding you to my ignore list taking my toys and going home" approach it does nothing for either aspect of this comparision and evaluation. If you have an opinion you should be able to voice your reasoning for it so others can understand why you have it just as I did.

 

[augiedoggy]

Been doing extract for years and will soon be investing in an all grain system. I will most likely stick to 5 gallon batches, but i do love big stouts and will be brewing large grain bills. Would a 20 gallon mash tun be a good investment or would 10 gallon be better?

10 gallon mashtuns are a bit small for high gravity belgian triples, imperial stouts and barley wines...(I learned this the hard way and can confirm that) you would be fine with 5 gallons of pretty much any other style though...

 

[ingchr1]

after reading these last two commentsI do have to say I think you guys totally missed my point. I recognized the cosmetic advantage MANY TIMES.

I was asking for PRACTICAL advantages. and advantages OTHER THAN LOOKS.

OK GREAT! SO WHAT ARE THEY?

If you think an insulated benefit has a real advantage over a non insulated one and its advantages even when used with a herms or rims please explain your point of view!

Didn't miss your point at all, and I did post up the advantages an insulated SS MT has to me.

Here they are again:

Over time plastic coolers have been known to warp and crack, some folks don't want to deal with that. Some folks also have concerns with heating plastic above what it may have been designed for, plenty of debate threads on that already. While some folks may not have any concerns with plastic and therefore there's no justification for the added cost of stainless. And yes, aesthetics and purpose built do weigh into equipment buying decisions.

I'm actually thinking of adding HERMS to my insulated MT as a way to adjust/dial in temperature. Even with calculators and experience sometimes you miss mash temperature and need a way to adjust for it.

What I like about a insulated MT is that you are not recirculating/heating the whole time and can walk away from it. This gives me an hour to go take care of other things, or break away for breakfast with the family.

Note that the heating of the plastic doesn't concern me much, but I know it does for others. Hence the reason I listed it.

 

[pretzelb]

DISGREE WITH WHAT? That their arent other practical advantages to paying 3-5 times more for an insulated stainless mashtun over other options??

OK GREAT! SO WHAT ARE THEY?

After reading this it seems pointless to repeat the advantages since all you are going to do is point out the flaws. What makes this strange is I really see no motivation for you to do this. I feel as if you are taking the role of consumer protection agency trying to keep people from spending money on products you deem overly priced, which really isn't needed nor asked for in this case.

Here's a link to the 10g mash tun. As companies do, they've listed several bullets on why you should buy the product. I'm very sure you will dismiss nearly all of them. Heck, in this case I'm sure you can dismiss just the fact that it's SS and probably not needed.

Where you really lose me is when you do something called "moving the goal posts". It starts with cost and point out how a cooler is cheaper, so you win right off the bat and use the 3x to 5x cost point. If someone says they don't want to use a cooler, you immediately switch them to a RIMS or HERMS setup. But the trick is you don't include the 3x to 5x point in this case because odds are the cost difference isn't that close anymore. Heck, a 10g Bayou Classic with false bottom and spigot is about $200 on Amazon - so at the start you're at half the $400 price. But what you completely ignore is maybe the fact that the person doesn't WANT to go RIMS or HERMS at this time which then puts the comparison back to a cooler vs this product. But after all the distracting points about price or RIMS are mentioned, lost in the shuffle are the specific points like the conical type bottom only found on this product. If the point is plastic vs SS you switch the topic to RIMS. If the point is RIMS vs this product, you point out how much cheaper a cooler is.

As square cooler user I can also say that while it works I've never considered it a great option. I also don't know why you think it's perfectly safe since even Igloo doesn't recommend you use hot liquids in coolers designed for cooling. Technically my bazooka screen works but I could probably get better results with a round cooler and those false bottoms made for the round coolers. That would be an upgrade to my system but using your logic it wouldn't make any sense since it costs more and I'm already making beer my friends like.

There are two other points I didn't see mentioned that I just bet won't mean much to you. First, Ss Brewing is strictly focused on brewing. Companies like Bayou might make homebrew stuff but for many people there is a value in a product made by a company with a focused purpose. Do you need silicon on the handles when oven mitts will do? No, but it shows that Ss Brewing is going the extra mile. I'm going to also bet the false bottom works more efficiently with Ss Brewing. Second, some people prefer to buy things in one neat package. You could get a Bayou and all the other parts and make it just like this product, but that isn't for everyone. With this product it's all done for you ready to go after a quick wash. Maybe doing it yourself is cheaper but that isn't for everyone.

I think it's clear this product is superior to a cooler (for the price it should be). If the argument is "go RIMS/HERMS" instead of this then I think you need to provide an off the shelf system of comparable price that would do that in order for it to be apples to apples.

 

[augiedoggy]

See this is a case of you not paying attention to what I said . I stated that With an existing rims or Herm's that the practical advantages of the insulation just aren't there. Just as there would be no advantage of a cooler vs non insulated tun. (Which is one of the key reasons I changed from an insulated run to a non insulated one.) I also compared a the pros and con's of a plastic cooler vs the stainless cooler in a NON suplimentally heated setup. I did try to keep these entirely different scenarios separate. As well as keep it about real advantages and not the obvious bling factor. The possibility of warping mash tuns was mentioned and yes I mentioned that from what I have read of the plastic and what its rated for this damage occurs when the plastic is heated OVER 170 degrees and becomes unstable. So my point was to clarify that its really a non issue if one does a good job of not overheating their mashtun. I mentioned the fact that the plastic used in the coolers is tested and rated to be completely food safe for temps up to 170 degrees per direct quotes from Coleman reps. I could argue these facts were ignored to justify points to buy the other tun.
I have no personal gain... That's a good point. But I do have experience with both Herm's, rims and non heated mash setups as well as insulated and non insulated, as well as plastic and stainless mashtuns so If my experience doesn't coincide with the theory's or suggested issues then I feel that's worth mentioning to weed out real from hypotheticals from my experience. I wanted to contribute to a real review complete with real reasoning for and against such an option and it seems some don't want a real discussion over pros and con's.. Especially when there are many new brewers that may not understand yet and could end up spending much more for unneeded redundant equipment combinations based on someone's biased opinion to justify their own choice.

 

[augiedoggy]

Didn't miss your point at all, and I did post up the advantages an insulated SS MT has to me.

Here they are again:



Note that the heating of the plastic doesn't concern me much, but I know it does for others. Hence the reason I listed it.

Are you suggesting that one has to babysit a Herm's or rims? That's really not the case if the setup is implemented correctly. And yes some have reservations with plastic touching food just as some have issues with aluminum and acidic liquids. There is no evidence that either is justified and that should be mentioned in this conversation. Have you used and experienced warpingor off flavors from a plastic lined cooler? I would venture to guess no. Your repeating what others have repeated to justify upgrading but is it based on facts or exaggeration? My experience with using a cooler for many many brew sessions for a year and a half indicate to me that this is one of those cases where some who add liquid thats much to hot because their process is flawed misrepresents the rest.
I have had more than a couple coffee mugs made and lined with the same plastic as the coolers and unless boiling liquid or damn near is poured in or water somehow gets inside the liner and is frozen the warping doesn't happen.

 

[NewJersey]

Augiedoggy, you can't seem to wrap your head around some guys not wanting to brew with junk equipment.
The differences between a Hyundai elantra and a Mercedes S class go deeper than mere COSMETICS
Sure both will get to the lhbs, but that is where the similarities end.
If you wanna brew on your Hyundai equipment, that's fine, but stop acting like your elantra is an S class

 

[ingchr1]

Are you suggesting that one has to babysit a Herm's or rims? That's really not the case if the setup is implemented correctly.

Have you used and experienced warpingor off flavors from a plastic lined cooler? I would venture to guess no.

I personally would not and do not leave my system unattended when liquid is flowing. I also try not to walkaway when the element is on. If something does happen to go awry, I'd like to be there to intervene. Nothing is 100% failure or fool proof.

And yes, my round Rubbermaid cooler is in fact warped.

I have not experienced off flavors, but then again I mentioned nothing of off flavors. What I did say is that some folks have concerns with using plastic, I really don't. There are plenty of threads on this subject already for folks to read and draw their own conclusions.

For the record, I'm not looking to purchase this product. I have another manufacturers insulated SS MT. I'm simply posting up what's appealing with a insulated SS MT vs. a plastic one. And yes, looks also play into the equation. My "brewery" is in my unfinished garage, so I'm not really showing it off to others as you suggest or bought the MT simply just to show off. My HT/BK is a Bayou Classic, and I'm not changing that. Wouldn't you think I'd have a Blichmann if I was simply buying equipment just to show off? In full disclosure I do have a BoilCoil in that Bayou Classic.

IMO, the insulated SS MT was the one product missing from the homebrew market.

 

[pretzelb]

I personally would not and do not leave my system unattended when liquid is flowing. I also try not to walkaway when the element is on. If something does happen to go awry, I'd like to be there to intervene. Nothing is 100% failure or fool proof.

I totally agree. Every time I see a house fire on the news I try and remind myself to never leave while I'm heating something. Sadly I usually do leave to grab something from the kitchen but I end up running back to make sure everything is OK. You have to figure a good portion of those house fires were caused by someone not paying attention. It just seems like good sense to me.

 

[augiedoggy]

Augiedoggy, you can't seem to wrap your head around some guys not wanting to brew with junk equipment.
The differences between a Hyundai elantra and a Mercedes S class go deeper than mere COSMETICS
Sure both will get to the lhbs, but that is where the similarities end.
If you wanna brew on your Hyundai equipment, that's fine, but stop acting like your elantra is an S class

See you just made my point for me with your simple reasoning.
its a kettle to hold grain either to hold temps itself or just to hold the grain with a rims or herms system maintains the temps. (it performs different primary functions in each different setup which is another point I was trying to make) Its not for showing off and it will not get you laid. (or obviously in your case it is to show off) BUT AGAIN, COSMETICS ASIDE!! I was asking what the real practical advantages were.

What constitutes the difference between your superior mashtun and "Junk" in this case? marketing price and looks.... This apparently adds up to prestige in your mind from your comments. For someone whos primary purpose for owning this is to make good beer this sillyness is not important.

This are the differences you are a prime example of the mentality im talking about. This is a chinese made mashtun not a german automobile Its like arguing that a silver spoon is vastly superior to a stainless one and also agueing that its not because of the fact that it costs more but because that silver spoon has performance benefits but when asked to explain them theres just silence.... so what if the silver tarnishes and is soft... (Just like ignoring the huge weight and inconvenience factor of moving one of these mash tuns around or any other advantage that may have no merit depending on setup and use) Its ok to talk up the silver spoon but when it comes to validating any of the real stuff it seems peopl here dont want to here it because it interferes with their propoganda to convince themselves its more of an upgrade than reality shows.

because the real primary reasoning in most owners eyes will not be functional but cosmetic. Fine but you shouldnt try to convince others that your choice was the correct one for other reasons than you have more money and that means you can affords to spend more it on less important things. then to have the typical additude that everything but your brewery jewelry is junk because

BTW drive that mercedes an hyundai side by side with equal usage for 5 years and tell me what the practical benefit is then when you compare service and maintenance costs...between the two. The truth is the hyundai will likely perform the task of a reliable automobile more cost effectively. You know what they say a fool is easily separated from him money... Nothing wrong with flaunting it if you got it I guess especially if it makes you feel better about yourself but to imply economical choices are all junk just because of the lack of completely uneeded luxuries is foolish.

 

[augiedoggy]

I personally would not and do not leave my system unattended when liquid is flowing. I also try not to walkaway when the element is on. If something does happen to go awry, I'd like to be there to intervene. Nothing is 100% failure or fool proof.


...

IMO, the insulated SS MT was the one product missing from the homebrew market.

Maybe there isnt very many insulated mashtuns for home brewing because it simply isnt that practical / important?

For about $20 I added alarms and a flow switch to my rims setup which cut power to the rims if there is any issue. I am confident that I spend all my money where it was important to make my setup more practical and reliable to brew with... I try to compare the real benifits and disadvantages of everything I consider to do this.
I respect your points and your point of view and think you have actually made more sense than most in this "debate" about the benefits and yes I still admit there are fits for the stainless insulated mashtun. but I also still feel the insulation is not always important and the stainless vs plastic this is more a personal choice thing than something we can say will actually have a real effect on anything tangable as far as the process or the beer.

I guess my biggest grip is the lack of a practical point for the insulated tun verses a non insulated tun when using herms or rims. Those considering either a herms or rims should understand that the whole purpose is to regulate and control mash temps making the insulation more of a burden than anything for anyone who does not clean in place. These things are important to paint an accurate picture of whats important a regular stainless mash tun would make more sense from a practical standpoint and would not be "junk" as some would have you perceive just because its not commercially sold as a purpose built mashtun... This reasoning is blind.

I used my igloo cooler for a year and a half for about 20-25 brew sessions and it still looks brand new inside... Perhaps you cleaned it with boiling water at some point? 170> should not make it warp.

 

[ingchr1]

I used my igloo cooler for a year and a half for about 20-25 brew sessions and it still looks brand new inside... Perhaps you cleaned it with boiling water at some point? 170> should not make it warp.

It's never seen boiling water.

In a search plenty of threads come up on warped and cracked coolers.

Maybe some brands or round coolers are more prone to it.

 

[pretzelb]

It's never seen boiling water.

In a search plenty of threads come up on warped and cracked coolers.

Maybe some brands or round coolers are more prone to it.

Mine is square and its a bit warped but no cracks yet. I'd be surprised if it's ever seen water over 170. And boy it's a pain to clean these days. SS would be a nice change.

 

[augiedoggy]

Mine is square and its a bit warped but no cracks yet. I'd be surprised if it's ever seen water over 170. And boy it's a pain to clean these days. SS would be a nice change.

I do agree that I worry less about cleaning my stainless mashtun even though it doesnt really matter if it gets scratched like it could with a plastic fermenter. Now stainless fermenters? To me thats a real benefit over worrying about scratching plastic. plus my conicals seem so much easier to keep clean than my old carboys.

 

[augiedoggy]

It's never seen boiling water.

In a search plenty of threads come up on warped and cracked coolers.

Maybe some brands or round coolers are more prone to it.

its certianly possible... I have the orange round 10 gallon igloo model, this one actually http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F6SHTK/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Only it was on sale at the time for like $35 shipped from amazon... the bulkhead is solid where the ballvalve goes too so no fears of compressing/cracking or leaking with it but I ultimately decided (mainly to be able to do bigger 10 gallon beers but also for cosmetic reasons) to upgrade to the 16 gallon stainless mashtun since the insulation was no longer needed once I went rims. I noticed no difference in the performance or beer.

 

[jeffjm]

Somebody mentioned 'purpose-built' a few pages back....so has anyone tested side by side to see if the SS mash tun has better insulation than a cooler? Most coolers are notorious for losing heat through the lid - does the SS version do better with insulating the lid? Are the sidewalls thicker/better insulated? If so, the increased temp stability might be worthwhile to someone who doesn't want to mess with the plumbing/control systems required by RIMS/HERMS. Certainly by the time you add in the cost of a pump, RIMS/HERMS and a stainless keg isn't that much cheaper than the SS mash tun.

As for the boiling water- I had a round home depot cooler for three or four years, and brewed on it probably three times a month. From Nov-March or so, I'd preheat it by dumping in a gallon of boiling water. I just tossed it this past spring due to warping. I can see the SS doing better when pre-heating than the plastic.

And finally, if you minimize dead space, that lets you brew bigger beers without adding DME, all else being equal. My old cooler used to have about half a gallon of dead space, or maybe a little less.

I'm not saying this is for everyone - I'm not even sure it's for me. But, I can see where it might appeal to some brewers in some situations.