Is the Coleman Xtreme 52 to Big for 5 Gallon Batches.

[LiquidFlame]

Hello, I'm getting ready to start doing AG, and I just picked up the Coleman Xtreme 52 from Kmart because it was on sell for $32.99 and everyone says to start out with this cooler. I'm only going to do 5 gallon batches, and I know that some well say keep it because you'll have room to move to 10 gallon batches, but I have no interest in doing 10 gallon batches. I'd rather have more different types of beer than more of the same type of beer.

I just got done reading the "Lauter Tun Design For Batch Sparging" from John Palmer's "How To Brew", and I'm concerned that the Coleman xtreme 52 is to big for 5 gallons. Using his equation for estimating grain bed depth it comes out to 3.15" deep, which doesn't meet the his recommended minimum grain bed depth of 4". So is the Coleman Xtreme 52 to big for 5 gallon batches?

Equation:
1: 5(batch size) x 50(average OG) / 30(typical yield in ppg) = 8.3lbs for average gain bill
2: 8.3 x 42(fluid oz per pound) = 350 fl. oz volume of the grain bed
3. 350 x 1.8(convert to cubic inches) = 630 cu. in.
4. 630 / (9.5 x 21 floor area of the tun) = 3.15" deep

 

[Toecutter]

i have that cooler and it works just fine for 5 or 10 gallon batches. a lot will have to do with the design of your manifold.

 

[Stauffbier]

I have one, and I do 5 gallon batches in mine. It holds temp great, and I get 79% efficiency with it.

 

[looneybomber]

Is the density of grain really 3.05lb/gallon? I ask because if it's less dense, you could get more depth. Sorry, new to brewing, so I don't know densities off the top of my head.

 

[Catnip_X07]

As toecutter said, a good manifold design will help you reap the benefits of this 52g cooler. I too have this cooler for 5 gal batches. I used CPVC for a manifold, cut slits in it with a dremel (easy to do). The manifold has four arms, or pipes, evenly spaced.

Just don't forget to put the manifold in the cooler first when you do your first mash...

 

[Stauffbier]

I just have a water heater SS braid in mine, but I'm happy with it. It makes good beer, and 79% efficiency is fine by my standards. I would indeed make the manifold if I didn't get good results, though..

 

[ButcherBoy]

I've got one also, only do 5 gal batches. It works great, I really like it. I usually try to brew in a 1.050+ range, typically 9 to 11 pounds of grain, and I batch sparge. Holds temp really well, probably looses less than 2 deg over an hour, plenty of room for stirring and moving up to 'big beers' or barley wine or 10 gal batches.

I use a SS braid with a bulkhead valve. Couldn't be happier with it.

 

[wilserbrewer]

http://www.acehardwaresuperstore.com/282-hard-sided-coolers/20528.html

Not as good a cooler, but 1/2 the price. A 28 qt is a nice size for average 5 gal batches IMO. While the 52 qt will work fine for batch sparging...I find it a bit inconvenient using a cooler twice the required size.

If well preheated, I have found that just about any cooler that's sized for the batch will hold the heat well.

Just tossing out options....

 

[LiquidFlame]

Thanks for all the information, looks like I'll keep it. Now I just have to decide if I'm going to make my manifold out of CPVC or Copper.

 

[40watt]

Great cooler for both 5 and 10 gallon batches.

 

[BrewerDon]

I bought a Coleman Extreme 52 when I started all grain brewing. It worked pretty well for me but I wasn't happy with the shallow grain depth so I bought a 10 gallon, round, Home Depot, Rubbermaid.

I am much happier with the grain depth, filtering, and I find that it is easier to stir than the rectangular coolers. I also like that the inside comes with depth markings in gallon and liter increments.

I will say that the Extreme coolers are really well insulated. Since that is what you already have you should give it a try. I use a steel mesh manifold that can be used on either of my coolers. You may consider that if you are not sold on your current cooler.

 

[jamboparty]

I've got the same cooler, with this manifold design...

I was going to add a couple more intersecting arms across the long runs, but it's worked so well that I never bothered. I use it mostly for 5-gallon batches, but I have done 10-gallon batches as well. It holds temps really well and very little dead space. Overall, I've been very pleased with it!