Please evaluate this mash tun on eBay

[chemnitz]

I'm looking to get into all-grain this Christmas, and I'm looking for a good deal. I'd like to get something big enough that I don't have to worry about replacing my equipment down the road.

Does this look like a good deal?
http://cgi.ebay.com/15-gallon-Mash-...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item45ee6d0b29

Does anyone have experience with this seller? Are there any sub-par components that I should be worried about? Would this set-up be sufficient for a career of 5- and 10- gallon batches?

Thanks.

 

[samc]

You can use the calculator here to figure out how much you can mash http://www.rackers.org/calcs.shtml

I can do about 35lbs of grain in my 15.5 gallon keggle which will get you a pretty high gravity 10 gallon batch of beer.

You can save some money and buy a 15 gallon cooler pretty cheaply and build the set up by yourself. Many threads on HBT showing how to do it.

 

[BarleyWater]

That's a good mash tun for a really bad price. It's not that tough to build your own out of a cooler and some parts from Lowe's for less than half of what that guy is charging. That is just an Igloo Ice Cube 60qt cooler with a ball valve attached.

 

[Clonefarmer]

Seems pretty expensive for a walmart cooler and some fittings.

 

[arturo7]

As stated by the others, you can build your own for a lot less.

 

[Palefire]

+1 to all the above. Especially since he's just selling a cooler and parts. You could do the exact same thing for less than $50.

Oh, and by "stainless steel collection manifold" does he just mean ... "braid"?

 

[Yuri_Rage]

To answer the rest of your question, it's perfect for 5-15 gallon batch sparged brews. If you're going to fly sparge, you'll probably have to keep the batch size to 10-15 gallons to get the grain bed to set properly.

 

[lanvp]

You should check this thread in the DIY projects. I build one if this and it was very easy not to mention a lot cheaper. Cost was around $60 but that was because I built a copper manifold (instead of the SS mesh). All the components for the project can be found at Home Depot!

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/cheap-easy-10-gallon-rubbermaid-mlt-conversion-23008/

Hope this helps!

Cheers

 

[Kauai_Kahuna]

I use that exact same cooler to do 5 gallon batches, using batch sparging, a SS braid, an elbow joint, etc. Fly sparging you would want to do 10 gal batches for a good bed.
See:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/60qt-ice-cube-mash-tun-build-cheap-simple-144475/

I think my cost was around 1/3 of what he is charging.
Works GREAT, but what he is charging is way over priced.

 

[chemnitz]

Thanks for the advice. I'm a little intimidated about building one of these myself because I am not all that handy. I'll give it a try. I'm trying to decide between three different options. Do you have an opinions?

1. 10 gallon round cooler with SS mesh
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/cheap-easy-10-gallon-rubbermaid-mlt-conversion-23008/

2. 10 gallon round cooler with false bottom

3. 15 gallon ice cube cooler from Walmart with SS mesh or PVC manifold
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/60qt-ice-cube-mash-tun-build-cheap-simple-144475/

What are the pros and cons of these different systems? #3 is the cheapest, and #2 is the most expensive. Is the more expensive system worth the difference in money? How would the efficiency be effected? How is the ability to maintain the temperature? I want to build one mash tun that will last me for many years and do what I need it to do, but I don't want to overpay. What do you recommend?

 

[sjlammer]

Use the KISS principle, and start with batch sparging. It is easy and makes things simpler to start off with. using that logic you can eliminate #2 because a false bottom, while nice, is overkill for batch sparge.

Next thing is, how big a batch will you be doing. #3 (the one i am building) will have issues holding the temperature for the mash unless you put a false top on the grain bed, or have a herms or rims system. the false top could be as simple as a piece of foil over the top of the grist.

Really its up to you. if you are going to be doing 5 gallon batches (or low gravity 10 gallon batches), go with number one. If you think you will be moving up in volume, go with # 3 so you can grow into it.

Bargainfittings.com has great prices on weldless kits to add valves and such.

good luck

 

[TheAleMaster]

My buddy bought this set up from this guy. It works great. He has no complaints. He even converted the HLT to an EHLT.

While it is true you can build it yourself for cheaper, I think it is a decent price compared to what you would pay at the LHBS.

Just my $.02.

 

[chemnitz]

Another question: when I'm buying fittings for the cooler, what is the difference between brass and stainless steel? Why would you pay more for SS? Also, how much would you expect to pay for all of the fittings at a Home Depot or Lowe's?

 

[zanemoseley]

Dude, if you want cheap, easy and fail safe get a 10G Rubbermaid round cooler from Home Depot for like $35 and the following pieces. Easy DIY with all parts supplied.

9" Stainless False Bottom (check diameter before buying): $24
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdByID.aspx?ProdID=4122

Kewler Kitz Basic Conversion w/ Barb: $32
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdByID.aspx?ProdID=4503

So thats $91 for a really nice MLT that has very little assembly. I've done about 6 AG batches with mine so far and love it. Never got a stuck sparge even after doing a Hefe 2 weeks ago with no rice hulls. You can do it cheaper but only if you want to hunt parts down and mess with a braid but after using my false bottom I'd never switch over.

 

[Doog_Si_Reeb]

My mash tun is nearly identical to that one listed on ebay. I purchased that cooler at Walmart and installed the fittings as outlined in the link lanvp referenced. It's very easy to do if you are using a stainless braid like the one on ebay has.

I am very happy with my mash tun. It's reliable, consistent and has plenty of room for doing big beers or 10 gallon batches.

 

[ForRealBeer]

I'm sure that this setup works well and that the guy who is making them has a lot of satisfied customers.

But ask yourself, wouldn't you rather spend an afternoon in your garage or living room building the same thing and spend the difference on grains to make a few batches with your new gear? Or...alternatively, you could spend the difference on getting some of the other things you are going to absolutely want, like an immersion chiller.

 

[lanvp]

Thanks for the advice. I'm a little intimidated about building one of these myself because I am not all that handy. I'll give it a try. I'm trying to decide between three different options. Do you have an opinions?

...I want to build one mash tun that will last me for many years and do what I need it to do, but I don't want to overpay. What do you recommend?

My recommendations is the same as many have expressed. I would try the cooler conversion. It is cheap and upgradable. The important part is that you buy the correct tank capacity. If the braided hose does not work well, you can try a CPVC slotted manifold (see videos listed below for references).

at the end of video 2 of 8, Chris Knight shows his CPVC manifold. that should give you an idea!

These are more videos on building a Mash Tun...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_f2QsmBCBY&feature=related





Making a CPVC Mash Lauter Tun Pt. 3

This should get you started. Good Lock!!!

Cheers

 

[lanvp]

Sorry about the repeat video link. the system uploaded the same video twice. Don't know why.

Anyway here is the correct link (I hope it works this time!)

 

[Pappers_]

+1 on this sage and wise advice. You can also buy an industrial strength braid at the same site. Still cost effective, but you don't have to worry about whether you are getting the right parts and sizes at the big box store. I bought this conversion kit and the quality is outstanding.

Dude, if you want cheap, easy and fail safe get a 10G Rubbermaid round cooler from Home Depot for like $35 and the following pieces. Easy DIY with all parts supplied.

9" Stainless False Bottom (check diameter before buying): $24
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdByID.aspx?ProdID=4122

Kewler Kitz Basic Conversion w/ Barb: $32
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdByID.aspx?ProdID=4503

So thats $91 for a really nice MLT that has very little assembly. I've done about 6 AG batches with mine so far and love it. Never got a stuck sparge even after doing a Hefe 2 weeks ago with no rice hulls. You can do it cheaper but only if you want to hunt parts down and mess with a braid but after using my false bottom I'd never switch over.

 

[wrestler63]

That's a good mash tun for a really bad price. It's not that tough to build your own out of a cooler and some parts from Lowe's for less than half of what that guy is charging. That is just an Igloo Ice Cube 60qt cooler with a ball valve attached.

Agreed, I did my first 15g cooler for about 50 bucks.

 

[The Pol]

This system keeps popping up here... with the same question.

IMHO, no it is not a deal. It is over priced and the components are cheesy. The guy is using 3/8" OD plumbing... really. Many people are using 1/2" ID plumbing on thier systems. Whether they are gravity or HERMS/RIMS systems.

Just saying... those are cheap coolers and the plumbing is even cheaper. Everyone wants a deal, but you can only go so cheap before you are really not doing yourself any favors. And what he is charging, isnt that cheap!

Do what everyone else said, build something better, for less... should be easy, I mean, he is making a profit.

OH YEAH, this is also the same dude selling only a MLT for $140 that has a fly sparge manifold at the top and a braid at the bottom? That seems... well... different.

 

[zanemoseley]

I forgot to mention you do need this $4 adaptor sold at the same site. That is it though except maybe a hose clamp or two.

http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdByID.aspx?ProdID=5010

 

[lanvp]

Dude, if you want cheap, easy and fail safe get a 10G Rubbermaid round cooler from Home Depot for like $35 and the following pieces. Easy DIY with all parts supplied.

9" Stainless False Bottom (check diameter before buying): $24
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdByID.aspx?ProdID=4122

Kewler Kitz Basic Conversion w/ Barb: $32
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdByID.aspx?ProdID=4503

One little detail. I belive you will need the 12" false bottom for a 10gal "Rubbermaid round cooler" (see http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewi...ipment/false-bottoms/12-s-s-false-bottom.html for reference only).

Best price:
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdByID.aspx?ProdID=4123

 

[zanemoseley]

Thats why I said check diameter. I remember Midwest has some conflicting info on their diameters on their site. I made them aware of this several months ago but don't think they fixed it. I wasn't near my tun to measure it. Very good system though.