decision time. keep the igloo cooler or go with keg mash tun?
I have a big igloo rectangular cooler as my mash tun and am debating wheter or not to start fresh with a keg mash tun. My igloo cooler i have dialed in and know its temps and times. but its not very pretty just a ball valve and a braided hose. I have a converted keg with no false bottom and am wondering if i should spend the money to get a false bottom and plumbing for the keg or just keep the igloo and upgrade the plumbing on it since i know the the temps well. how do the kegs fair as far as mash tun's? any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
BT
I would stick with what works well vs with what looks good.
Unless I need to have a 15.5gallon mash tun capacity regularly, I would keep the keg for another kettle.
But that isn't to say that you wouldn't be able to work out the physics of a new keg mash tun eventually. But I'd look at your whole process to find other areas to invest it to improve your beer before I changed/"upgraded" something that works. Perhaps an investment in temp control for fermentation, or more efficienty chilling equipment, or a pump for better wort clarity.
JMO
It's hard to argue one way or the other. Brewchez makes a good point: having something that already works well is an asset. That said, I use a keg as a mash tun and it works really well for me. It doesn't loose more than a degree in an hour and that was when I was brewing in 23F weather this past January. I have it wrapped in a water heater insulation blanket and use a regular towel and lid to insulate the top opening. It has a nice big capacity for those big beers; I can fit about 35# of grain easily. If you already have the converted keg, the false bottom isn't that expensive of an upgrade and you can get the necessary plumbing at your local hardware store for a lot cheaper than what you can get at the homebrew shops. Also, with the right tools, it is possible to make your own false bottom. McMaster Carr has a ton of stainless steel screen available. Check out this page and click on the "round hole perforated sheet" icon for the right material to make your own false bottom. Cheers!
another problem i can see is that i do not have a top for it. Yes i plasm cut the top off and still have it but i cut the 1 inch or so circular lip that is left behind out. What are you guys using for tops? This one is harder than I am 50 / 50 because the igloo cooler can get a slight upgrade on plumbing or start fresh. if it werent 8 am i would relax and have a home brew. lol
BT
I have the 10 gallon circular igloo cooler with the stainless steel braid also. It works very well, and i'm currently running at 85% effiency, pretty damn impressive if I do say so myself. I also have kegs lying around waiting to get converted, but I don't see a need for a new mash tun, unless your going to go into a RIMS system, or a HERMS system. If you are going to be runing business as usual for a while, why bother to convert it. All it needs is a false bottom, and a ball valve anyway.
I'm waiting until I get my table and everything set up before I use a new mash tun, so until then business as usual.
yeah you guys are right if it aint broke don't fix it. I will spend the money on a March transfer pump instead. Thanks for the input. Thats some sweet efficency bruguru i like it my igloo is at 80 % I might get a better SS braid the old one is getting kinda kinked up but i'm sticking with old trusty for now.
Thanks
BT
ok so I upgraded the igloo cooler a little bit with some 1/2 copper pipe for a false bottom like strainer. Everything went well its installed fits perfect but i am wondering what size holes to drill and do i just drill holes all around the pipe or on one side or what? it looks good and i am very pleased with staying with the igloo just needed a upgrade on her. so what size / how many and where?
BT
I have heard of many people using hack saw cuts instaed of drilling. It will allow wort to easily slip in, but husks will not be able to penetrate. Just a suggestion.
I decided to just wing it grabbed a smallish size bit and went to town. I would say It will be a trial and error type thing i can always drill more holes if i'm not getting the flow I want because i can always slow the flow down with the ball valve on the end.
I'll keep you all posted
BT
I have a buddy who did his mashing in a converted keg mash tun and just recently gave it up for the igloo because of stable temperature problems. Without any insulation you lose a lot of heat through the metal sides of the converted keg. Even with a lid, he had a lot of trouble maintaining a homogenous and steady mash temp.