Mash tun size - can't find 10 gallon for the life of me

Hovercar · May 13, 2011

I have checked the website of every canadian big-box store but have not been able to find a 10 gallon cooler. So, short of spending an arm and a leg on importing one to make into a MLT, I'm looking at other options.

Right now, the best I can do is a 12.5 gallon cooler. I have read the "This is how big your mash tun needs to be" thread, but I'm still a little unsure if the 12.5 gallon would be too large for 5 gallon AG batches. I know that the idea is to go bigger than you think you need, but I'm concerned this may be *too* big.

So if I want to do mostly 5 gallon AG batches (but leaving the option of a 10gallon batch open) but can't get a 10 gallon cooler, do I go a little bigger or a little smaller?

For example, would this still be ok for 5 gallon batches?

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...art%2B%252847%2BL%2529%2BCooler.jsp?locale=en

erkwist · May 13, 2011

That would be fine, i use a 52 qt, and even for my smaller 5 gallon batches it does really well. The only thing i would suggest is to make sure you preheat the thing before doing your mash, it makes it a less of a hassle to hit your temps...

and don't forget, mash in a little high to account for the stir in time, and if its still a little high you can always stir out that heat, its harder to raise a non-direct fire mash tun than it is to cool it..f

Pre Heat it, and dough in a little high, a bit of stirring can go a long way

Hovercar · May 13, 2011

Awesome, good to know. Thanks!

hillhousesawdustco · May 13, 2011

I was so moved by your plight that I actually searched the internet for fifteen minutes wondering WHAT DO CONSTRUCTION WORKERS DRINK FROM IN CANADA???? Seriously?

Anyways, I didn't find anything either (there are actually a couple of threads here on HBT lamenting the lack of canadian beverage coolers) but I agree with what erkwist said. I will add that people seem to really like the coleman EXTREME 52 qt coolers because i believe they have extra-thick insulation. SO check this out http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...art%2B%252849%2BL%2529%2BCooler.jsp?locale=en for an extra couple bones. I don't know that the extra degree or so your temp may drop matters that much to you, just thought I'd let you know about the option. Luck.

brieuxster · May 13, 2011

http://www.homehardware.ca/en/rec/i.../No-24/Ntk-All_EN/R-I6456854?Ntt=cooler&Num=0

Hovercar · May 13, 2011

hillhousesawdustco said:
I was so moved by your plight that I actually searched the internet for fifteen minutes wondering WHAT DO CONSTRUCTION WORKERS DRINK FROM IN CANADA???? Seriously?

Anyways, I didn't find anything either (there are actually a couple of threads here on HBT lamenting the lack of canadian beverage coolers) but I agree with what erkwist said. I will add that people seem to really like the coleman EXTREME 52 qt coolers because i believe they have extra-thick insulation. SO check this out http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...art%2B%252849%2BL%2529%2BCooler.jsp?locale=en for an extra couple bones. I don't know that the extra degree or so your temp may drop matters that much to you, just thought I'd let you know about the option. Luck.

LOL

Thanks for the info. That does seem like the wiser option.