Mash Tun Size and Shape

[Kwitty]

Bought a Rubbermaid 60qt rectangular cooler with the thought of a mash tun. Now with reading and calculating I'm wondering if it's too big? Average grain bill and dimensions of the cooler put me at about a 5 inch grain bed and 10 inches of head space. I may do larger batches or heavier beers once in a while but not often. It should work but may be overkill and inefficient. I may get a different cooler but wanted some thoughts before wasting more money. So hit me with your input!

 

[Derek1985]

Bought a Rubbermaid 60qt rectangular cooler with the thought of a mash tun. Now with reading and calculating I'm wondering if it's too big? Average grain bill and dimensions of the cooler put me at about a 5 inch grain bed and 10 inches of head space. I may do larger batches or heavier beers once in a while but not often. It should work but may be overkill and inefficient. I may get a different cooler but wanted some thoughts before wasting more money. So hit me with your input!

Are you batch or fly sparging?

 

[Kwitty]

Batch for now. If I fly sparge maybe down the road.

 

[Derek1985]

Batch for now. If I fly sparge maybe down the road.

Grain bed depth isn't a variable when your batch sparging so that cooler should be fine.

 

[Acaciadrian]

I usually do grain bills between 12-20lbs and I use the same cooler size with a couple ball valves and a couple dryer coils (homemade false bottom). Personally I have had great efficiency out of it! I will be happy to send you pictures of what it looks like if that helps!
Brew on!

 

[Kwitty]

Grain bed depth isn't a variable when your batch sparging so that cooler should be fine.

Ok. That's awesome news! I just wonder what's the difference? Why is it OK for batch and not fly?

 

[Kwitty]

I usually do grain bills between 12-20lbs and I use the same cooler size with a couple ball valves and a couple dryer coils (homemade false bottom). Personally I have had great efficiency out of it! I will be happy to send you pictures of what it looks like if that helps!
Brew on!

Pictures would be great if you have the chance. Always looking at other peoples work for ideas. I thought I heard efficiency drops with a shallow grain bed. Maybe that was just for fly and not batch sparge? I'm still learning all about using a mash tun. Been doing BIAB for the last year.

 

[Yooper]

Ok. That's awesome news! I just wonder what's the difference? Why is it OK for batch and not fly?

First, the shape of a rectangular cooler isn't good for fly sparging, as a round one with a false bottom is best to avoid channelling. Also, grain bed depth does matter for fly sparging, but not at all for batch sparging since you stir thoroughly before draining in batch sparging.

 

[Kwitty]

First, the shape of a rectangular cooler isn't good for fly sparging, as a round one with a false bottom is best to avoid channelling. Also, grain bed depth does matter for fly sparging, but not at all for batch sparging since you stir thoroughly before draining in batch sparging.

Ok. Makes sense! I've been trying to piece it all together but had no luck making sense of it all. Thanks!