Mash Tun Cooler Outdoors in the cold?

[jamie3]

I have a coleman extreme 72 qt cooler and want to start doing my mashes outside. Although spring is technically here the weather here in Canada hasn't reached the double digits yet (Celsius).

The weather outside when I brew is between 2-6 degC. I'm a bit worried about heat loss. I was going to test out the heat loss using some hot water but was wondering if anyone has mashed outdoors with the same cooler in similar environmental conditions?

 

[Ace_Club]

I just did my first all-grain with my Coleman Xtreme 70 qt cooler about a week ago. It was 34F (1C) when I did. I wrapped it in a sleeping bag after mashing in, just to be safe. It held the 152F mash temp without losing a single degree during the 60 minute mash.

I also kept the cooler indoors while the strike water was heating up, so as to keep it at room temperature prior to the mash. Additionally, I added the strike water at 170F and let it preheat the mash tun for 10-15 minutes. Once the water temp dropped to 165F, I doughed in and hit my strike temp right on the nose. Then I sealed her up and relaxed (I didn't really relax since it was my first AG brew, but it sounds better if I say that ).

 

[bullinachinashop]

Most times when it's colder than 32 degrees, I just bring my mash tun inside.
If you don't feel like moving it then at least cover the lid with a blanket. That's where most of your heat loss is as the lids aren't insulated.

Good luck

Bull

 

[Ace_Club]

I think that's true of most coolers, but the larger Coleman Xtremes (I know mine is at least) have insulated lids. Regardless, covering it keeps it out of the wind and helps to maintain temps in the really cold weather.

 

[eelpout]

I brew pretty much all winter with a round 5 gallon cooler and might lose a degree or two when its in the teens or lower,, but thats about it.

 

[BoxofRain]

I mash in my kitchen, drain to a bucket and transfer it outside to the burner. Then again, I have sliders next to my kitchen that lead out to the deck.