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Suggest a 48-52 qt. rectangular cooler for mash tun

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Larry Sayre, Developer of 'Mash Made Easy'
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I'm looking for mash tun conversion cooler suggestions. What's out there in this size range that will convert into a decent cooler, and not break the bank?
 
I think you could find a bunch in the 48 range without wheels that will be in the right price range. When you go bigger most people want wheels because they get too heavy. If you are going to be doing 10 gal batches i would suggest going even bigger. There are quite a few build threads using the 72qt coleman xtreme with a manifold or a braid or with a bag.

You might just have to go to the store and look around. I got mine from lowes but storting goods stores are alslo a good place to look.
 
I found my old 10 gallon orange igloo beverage cooler for like $30 shipped on amazon... worked perfect with the standard 12" false bottom..
 
I found my old 10 gallon orange igloo beverage cooler for like $30 shipped on amazon... worked perfect with the standard 12" false bottom..

I may decide to go this route. I presently have a wheeled 50 qt. Coleman Extreme, and it is awkward and clumsy to use, plus loads of heat leaks out of the lid at the location of the hinges. I mashed recently in my cold garage, and steam was billowing out of the lid around the hinges. Plus the lid is a bear to open. And need I say that the cooler rocks and is unstable.
 
I may decide to go this route. I presently have a wheeled 50 qt. Coleman Extreme, and it is awkward and clumsy to use, plus loads of heat leaks out of the lid at the location of the hinges. I mashed recently in my cold garage, and steam was billowing out of the lid around the hinges. Plus the lid is a bear to open. And need I say that the cooler rocks and is unstable.

Too bad you werent closer.. its sitting in my attic next to my old keggle and 13 gallon BK... I think im going to build a spare electric setup now that I have all the components and throw it on craigslist.
 
Excellent choice above. That and a braid or a bag and you have a nice mash tun for batch sparging, or full volume mashing.

5-10 gallon batch capable.
 
I just bought the above cooler from Amazon (of course before Wally World put it at that low of a price) put it on sale. In fact I'm waiting on my mash bag from wilserbrewer above. I tested for leaks with warm water and was surprised how well it held temp. I'm still gonna go overboard and insulate the lid and make an insulation sheet to cover the grain bed. Looking forward to brewing with it.
 
I just bagged one. Yesterday it was $30.62, and today it is marked down to only $22.94. Had to bag it at that price.
 
I'm still gonna go overboard and insulate the lid and make an insulation sheet to cover the grain bed. Looking forward to brewing with it.

Go overboard all you like, imo your just making exercise. That cooler will hold heat just fine as delivered.....rdwhahb

Most importantly preheat the cooler by adding strike water over temp and letting it settle to strike temp. JMO cheers and thank you!
 
Coleman 52-Quart Xtreme Cooler. Has anyone tried one of these?


Agreed. Great choice! I use that exact cooler with a simple bazooka conversion kit. Great for 5 or 10 gallon batches and REALLY keeps temps. I just brewed a 5 gallon cream ale outdoors at below 0C temperature and I only lost just about 2 degrees over an hour mash. In the summer I usually lose between 0-1 degree.
 
Brand and model number please. Does it have a drain valve? Is the lid hinged or removable, I prefer removable.

I is an Igloo Cube. 48 qt. Mine had no wheels no drain. But easy enough to drill through and add a my own drain valve. Lid is a hinge but it pops off easily. I got it about 8 years ago so not sure they still make the exact version. It's been a good mash-tun.
 
I just bagged one. Yesterday it was $30.62, and today it is marked down to only $22.94. Had to bag it at that price.

I just learned today the lid on this cooler is already insulated. Luckily I was smart and only drilled a small enough hole to find this out.
 
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