Has anyone built a small mash turn for all grain test batches. I have been tinkering with test batches so I don't spend too much money on what could be a bad recipe. I was thinking I need something about 3gal in size too hold the grain and water. I shoot for 2gal in the pot, so I can end up with 1.5gal in the primary. I have been using a small cooler with no valve, so I have to dip and strain through a strainer to keep the grain out of the pot. Not very efficient and messy.
Mash Tun for All Grain Test Batches
- Thread starter MTBbrewer
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You're not the only one - I was about to suggest a BIAB in a 4-5 gallon kettle as well.
"More efficient" is a matter for debate...but likely for another thread. Small batches are great candidates for BIAB.
"More efficient" is a matter for debate...but likely for another thread. Small batches are great candidates for BIAB.
iijakii
Well-Known Member
You could also just get a bag and BIAB with your cooler. Pull the bag out then dump it in. Or any stockpot you have + mash in your oven to keep temps.
I have just recently built a small mash tun out of a 2 gallon Rubbermaid cooler I got from home depot, I have not done a batch yet but it will hold liquid without leaking a drop. It is pretty much the same as building a larger mash tun, just some modification to deal with the thickness and inside diameter of the cooler.
Search the forum for DIY mashtun and look at others write ups and modify it to your cooler.
I built mine using stainless steel instead of brass fittings, and cpvc for the manifold. I could give you more detailed parts list if you wish.
Search the forum for DIY mashtun and look at others write ups and modify it to your cooler.
I built mine using stainless steel instead of brass fittings, and cpvc for the manifold. I could give you more detailed parts list if you wish.
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OP
OP
MTBbrewer
Well-Known Member
I would like detailed parts list if that is not too much trouble.
Thanks in advance.
The detailed list I used was
2 gallon rubbermaid cooler from home depot.
http://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors...Zc7nw?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051
1/2" NPT SS ball valve.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0043LAC8W/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
1/2" MPT x 3/8" SS Barb
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064OJ7U0/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
1/2" SS pipe nipple by 1-1/2" length
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003JQJMWE/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
#15 O-ring
http://www.homedepot.com/p/DANCO-15-O-Rings-10-Pack-96732/100309239?keyword=#15+o+ring
1/2 in. CPVC CTS FPT x S Female Adapter
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Genova-P...S-Female-Adapter-50305/204489671?N=5yc1vZbuug
For the manifold construction I used 1/2" cpvc pipe with 1 T and 4 elbows(90 degree), I will add pictures later of the manifold but the design is up to you. you could alternatively use a SS braid. for the cooler I used you don't need much cpvc pipe.
you will also need Teflon tape for the male fittings and make some sort of spacer on the outside so the parts will fit tight and flush against the cooler. I made one out of wood by using a drill press and hole saw fittings, but you could stack washers alternatively.
You could also use any diameter pipe or use brass as the material instead of SS. If you use thinner diameter pipe you would need to get a smaller Oring.
The construction of the parts goes, hose barb--ball valve--spacer--pipe nipple--cooler--Oring--cpvc female adapter--manifold. Again ill add pictures later to make it more clear.
2 gallon rubbermaid cooler from home depot.
http://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors...Zc7nw?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051
1/2" NPT SS ball valve.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0043LAC8W/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
1/2" MPT x 3/8" SS Barb
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064OJ7U0/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
1/2" SS pipe nipple by 1-1/2" length
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003JQJMWE/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
#15 O-ring
http://www.homedepot.com/p/DANCO-15-O-Rings-10-Pack-96732/100309239?keyword=#15+o+ring
1/2 in. CPVC CTS FPT x S Female Adapter
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Genova-P...S-Female-Adapter-50305/204489671?N=5yc1vZbuug
For the manifold construction I used 1/2" cpvc pipe with 1 T and 4 elbows(90 degree), I will add pictures later of the manifold but the design is up to you. you could alternatively use a SS braid. for the cooler I used you don't need much cpvc pipe.
you will also need Teflon tape for the male fittings and make some sort of spacer on the outside so the parts will fit tight and flush against the cooler. I made one out of wood by using a drill press and hole saw fittings, but you could stack washers alternatively.
You could also use any diameter pipe or use brass as the material instead of SS. If you use thinner diameter pipe you would need to get a smaller Oring.
The construction of the parts goes, hose barb--ball valve--spacer--pipe nipple--cooler--Oring--cpvc female adapter--manifold. Again ill add pictures later to make it more clear.
Last edited by a moderator:
heckler73
Well-Known Member
so, why can't I just use my 5 gallon cooler MT and do a smaller batch? Half the grains, half the water, half the hops??
I'm wondering if I can make a high gravity ale in my 5G cooler that way. I'm limited to about 11 lbs of grains for a full batch.
I'm wondering if I can make a high gravity ale in my 5G cooler that way. I'm limited to about 11 lbs of grains for a full batch.
iijakii
Well-Known Member
You certainly can do that, as long as you don't have a high FB and deadspace.
heckler73
Well-Known Member
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f163/fermenter-head-space-301974/
what's the problem iijakii? I have a standard bucket (6 gal), and would end up with half of it empty.
what's the problem iijakii? I have a standard bucket (6 gal), and would end up with half of it empty.
