Partial Mash in full size cooler

[sbelongie]

I am sure this would be ok but I thought I would get your input. What are your thoughts on using a full size mash tun? I built one thinking that someday I may be able to do all grain but at this time I don't have a pot big enough. I have been just pots for the mashing process but I would like to try the cooler.

 

[tsjolin]

I'm interested to hear the thoughts on this as well. My brew buddy and I just faced this scenario and we opted to add 8 pounds of 2 row to go from a session beer to something with a kick. Our main concern was not forming a proper grain bed.

It's only been in the fermentor for 2 days now so the results are TBD.

 

[peterj]

I recently started doing half batches but I'm still using my 10 gallon cooler mash tun. I batch sparge so grain bed isn't really an issue for me. The only thing was that because of the reduced size I lost a lot more temperature during the mash. So I bought some styrofoam insulation from home depot and cut it to fit right down on top of the mash. It's been working pretty well so far, haven't been losing very much heat at all during 60 minute mashes.

 

[hophop]

As Peter said, it will work fine. I usually lose 1 degree for a 5-6 gallon batch but will lose 3 degrees for a 3 gallon batch. And I do preheat my mash tun.

 

[sbelongie]

Thanks for the info guys I will be trying this tomorrow

 

[sbelongie]

Just an update I did this today and it worked great