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nicosan1:
Seeking some advice as a newer AHA member. I have been doing nothing but partial mash for the past year or so, have recently took an All-Grain class and am interested in getting into All-Grain fully, to save some cash and control my brews a bit more. I generally do a range of higher 5-8% beers in 5 gallon batches. What type of cooler should I get that will allow me to do my regular brews and a few bigger bears like a DIPA, Imperial Stout? Given the limits of the 5 gallon coolers, would a 7 gallon be the best option? Should I just buy online and do the work myself or buy a regular setup?  Space and price limitations (I live in NYC, but may be in DC soon) are a part of my calculus.

Thanks!

Jeff M:
You have a choice to make first off.

Bazooka tube or False Bottom? Or vice versa Round or rectangular?

This first choice will pick what kind of cooler you get.  Ive seen most people using bazooka tubes in rectangular MLTs.  I use a round false bottom in my 10 Gallon round drink cooler.  I think the price difference for the type of cooler is pretty negligable, but i havent done a lot of research in this department.  I just went to Lowes and bought a cooler like this for 50 bucks
http://www.lowes.com/pd_217539-528-00042125_0__?productId=3742177&Ntt=10+gallon+rubbermaid&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3D10%2Bgallon%2Brubbermaid&facetInfo=
a cooler like this seems to be the minimium size to make 5-6 gallon Big Beer Batches.  With the grain bill of some Big Beers being upwards of 30 lbs, that makes this cooler maxed out.  Have to remember the large amount of grain will displace a large amount of space.

denny:
Take a look at www.dennybrew.com

duboman:
10 gallon Bev coolers will handle up to about 23# grain and IMO should be the minimum size.

I use a copper manifold but you could do false bottom or bazooka screen as well

I would also recommend a 10-15 gallon kettle with 10 being the minimum, my opinion as well!

BTW, put the money saving idea aside as while the grain is cheaper the toys you buy for AG will always be on the wish list:)

a10t2:
+1, 10 gal is really the minimum to be able to do big beers with a workable mash. I'd look for something in the 50-60 qt range. At that size your kettle will probably fit inside it for storage.

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