5-gallon vs. 10-gallon cooler?

[denny]

Interesting. I ruled out the rectangular cooler because I thought I heard/ read that it's not as good at smaller, partial mashes. I'm also not sure how to make the adjustments. I'm assuming that you pop out the plug at the base and replace it with the same valve you'd use in the circular cooler, but is the rest of the process the same as with a circular? Would a false bottom be needed, or can you just use a stainless steel braid?

SS braid.  Full instructions at www.dennybrew.com  The AHA is in production on a video that will demonstrate how to build and use one.

[a10t2]

The AHA is in production on a video that will demonstrate how to build and use one.

Awesome! Spreading the Gospel of Cheap 'n' Easy!

[jeffy]

Interesting. I ruled out the rectangular cooler because I thought I heard/ read that it's not as good at smaller, partial mashes. I'm also not sure how to make the adjustments. I'm assuming that you pop out the plug at the base and replace it with the same valve you'd use in the circular cooler, but is the rest of the process the same as with a circular? Would a false bottom be needed, or can you just use a stainless steel braid?

SS braid.  Full instructions at www.dennybrew.com  The AHA is in production on a video that will demonstrate how to build and use one.

One day, perhaps before they shoot the video,  I'd like you to please move the clamps so they all face the same direction.

[fmarlo]

Wow! Thank you one and all. I can't believe it's this easy. I found a set of directions on the net with a whole list of parts that made this sound soooo much more complicated. I was going to ask for a gift card from Home Depot for Christmas to cover the cost of this, but now I can save the gift and get something useful, like a refractometer!

[ynotbrusum]

All this discussion and no mention of color?  (Mine is white)....

[davidgzach]

All this discussion and no mention of color?  (Mine is white)....

Oooh, white!  Better paint that bad boy blue.  You'll get better efficiency.....

I like the ball valve and stainless connector approach on my Home Depot cooler.  But, they all work!

Dave

[BrewArk]

Yup, once you go blue there's no going back!

[fmarlo]

Didn't know where the blue cooler comments were coming from until I did a search. I guess I'll have to pay extra for the blue, or my whole future of brewing is doomed to horrible failure

One additional, related question: can a thermometer be installed into a rectangular cooler (the way I've seen in the round ones)? I would think that would be a problem, just given the size of the cooler. If so, how? If not, is the only alternative to periodically check the temp?

Thanks again for all the help. It's nice to know that there are so many helpful people around here.

[denny]

One day, perhaps before they shoot the video,  I'd like you to please move the clamps so they all face the same direction.

But having the clamps all different is part of the design and how I hit 137% efficiency!

[denny]

Didn't know where the blue cooler comments were coming from until I did a search. I guess I'll have to pay extra for the blue, or my whole future of brewing is doomed to horrible failure

One additional, related question: can a thermometer be installed into a rectangular cooler (the way I've seen in the round ones)? I would think that would be a problem, just given the size of the cooler. If so, how? If not, is the only alternative to periodically check the temp?

Thanks again for all the help. It's nice to know that there are so many helpful people around here.

Yes, you can install a thermometer but I prefer not to.  If you install a thermometer you only know the temp in that one spot.  I like to be able to move the thermometer around the mash tun to ensure I have even temp distribution.

[thebigbaker]

In my opinion, and I could be wrong, you really don't need a thermometer installed into the cooler.  My cooler will hold the mash temp easily for one hour and at most i will lose two degrees over that hour.  I would say once you mix your grains into the mash water and stir, check a couple of places in your mash w/a thermometer  (I'm getting a thermapen soon), then close the lid.  I put an old comforter around the cooler just to help insulate the cooler, but I'm not sure if that's even necessary.

[thebigbaker]

But having the clamps all different is part of the design and how I hit 137% efficiency!

137% Efficiency!  Ha, I just envisioned you jumping up and down yelling that like Doc Brown in Back to the Future..."88 MPH!"

[davidgzach]

Didn't know where the blue cooler comments were coming from until I did a search. I guess I'll have to pay extra for the blue, or my whole future of brewing is doomed to horrible failure

One additional, related question: can a thermometer be installed into a rectangular cooler (the way I've seen in the round ones)? I would think that would be a problem, just given the size of the cooler. If so, how? If not, is the only alternative to periodically check the temp?

Thanks again for all the help. It's nice to know that there are so many helpful people around here.

Yep, all other colors are slightly defective.  Or you could look at it as blue is slightly better!   

BTW-Not sure of your equipment, but a refractometer came late on my brewing wish list, per your earlier post.  There is another thread on equipment upgrades in the equiment section which would be very helpful for you IMO.  If you have everything listed in the thread already though, a refractometer is a very nice to have.....

Dave

[mtnrockhopper]

One day, perhaps before they shoot the video,  I'd like you to please move the clamps so they all face the same direction.

But having the clamps all different is part of the design and how I hit 137% efficiency!

I get that my adding flubber to the mash. Changes the mouthfeel a bit though.

[denny]

One day, perhaps before they shoot the video,  I'd like you to please move the clamps so they all face the same direction.

But having the clamps all different is part of the design and how I hit 137% efficiency!

I get that my adding flubber to the mash. Changes the mouthfeel a bit though.

Last time I tried using flubber I couldn't catch my mash tun!