NB 5 gallon cooler mash tun - plastic smell?

[iheartbeer81]

Hey everyone,

I just got my Northern Brewer 5 gallon Rubbermaid cooler mash tun, and am planning on using for the first time this weekend...it has a pretty strong plastic smell though, even after I've rinsed it a couple times with star san and hot water. Is this something that I should worry about affecting the taste of my first batch? Should I clean it with something else beforehand?

Thanks guys!!

 

[doc5md]

my coleman extreme 52qt smelled a bit of plastic at first too.. After the first brew (and now the second) it smells like beer-making!

 

[one-L]

Baking soda and water also do a good job of getting out plastic smells before first use.

 

[lem14]

My coleman cooler did too before my first mash. I heated water to about 180 F and poured it in. The plastic smell grew significantly, however I tasted the water afterword and no plastic taste. Taste is key, not the scent. The smell was replaced by the smell of mash after the first time I used it anyway.

You should definately clean it well first with your brewer's cleaner of choice, I like a 5-10 minute soak with PWB followed by a good rinse. Try the baking soda too.

Good luck

 

[iheartbeer81]

I won't sweat it then! Thanks! Mainly concerned about flavor.

 

[bighorn_brew]

Wash it with non scented dishwashing detergent and a nice soak with baking soda water...