Inexpensive spigot for mash tun -- advice needed.

dougdecinces · Oct 31, 2011

I am a BiaB brewer, but I had to purchase a Coleman 48 qt. cooler for an unrelated reason. This particular cooler has a built-in drain plug. Chances are, I will not need it for cooling purposes maybe once in a blue moon, if at all, so I figure that is a good enough excuse to make myself a mash tun.

Bear in mind that I still love BiaB and will use that method primarily, but I want to have a mash tun available in the rare instances that I want to brew a large batch or a very big beer. Also I am poor. Therefore, I prefer low cost over durability. I plan on making a CPVC manifold, but I want ideas for an inexpensive spigot. If I only plan on using this system, say, 1-2 times a year, is there any issue with me using a threaded Italian bottling spigot? Is there anything else that would cost about the same, but be more effective? I'm a total noob in this area, so any advice would be appreciated.

Kahler · Oct 31, 2011

You can find SS ball valves for under $20 if you look hard enough. Or go brass. I wouldnt use a plastic one.

BigTerp · Nov 1, 2011

I just got my order from Bargain Fittings last night for my 10 gal rubbermaid MLT. Cheap yet quality stuff!!

audger · Nov 1, 2011

how much is the spiggot you want to use? so we have an idea of your expected budget...

unless we are talking either "free" or "$1.95", its hard to justify not spending $10 on a regular old brass ball valve from home despot.

dougdecinces · Nov 1, 2011

It would be free. I have a spare ones for my bottling bucket. Plus, the 3/4" spigot fits perfectly snug in the drain hole of my cooler. I know it won't last forever, I just want to know if I could get, say, 2-3 uses out of it in its lifetime.

shortyjacobs · Nov 1, 2011

So are you asking if it will work, or if it'll kill you?

I sincerely doubt it'll kill you. It's probably made of the same HDPE as the bucket, which is the same HDPE as the cooler, and you at least know it's food safe.

Will it work? Probably...it shouldn't soften enough at mash temps to fail.....there's one way to know for sure, and since you already have it, why not give it a shot?