26L cool box for sale in Lidl from Thursday

[delzep]

Might be shite, but who knows?

http://www.lidl.ie/cps/rde/xchg/SID-AE1FF5AE-B81C0D45/lidl_ri_ie/hs.xsl/index_31489.htm

[GrahamR]

The exact same size and shape is in Centra still for €8. Picked one up myself on Saturday. Now I just need to figure out how to convert it to a mash tun and how to do all grain brews and im set

[LordEoin]

Build it and they will come

[fizzypish]

Picked one up yesterday. No insulation in the lid and very tall. Very light too so the insulation in the side walls probably isn't great. For 12 quid though tis grand. With a good manifold and a blanket over it during the mash it could work!

[Danny(00833827)]

sorry to drag up old thread, but did anyone get one of these successfully converted in the end? I ask as i found one in my auld mans shed - wonder if tis worth attempting a conversion or should i get a better model.

thanks!

[ColMack]

I did one before not sure if aldi or lidl as it was not as swish looking as this one.
I have to say it was fine for me.  Never lost more than one degree and I only used a sleeping bag over it in the depths of winter. (Two kettles of boiling water required to preheat)  You are obviously limited to sub 6% abv by the size, but these are a great starter mash tun and isn't it better to make mistakes converting a 12€ mash tun than a fancy 70€ coleman?

[Danny(00833827)]

thanks ColMack - did you install an outlet tap in it? im guessing a hole saw will give a tidy result and then some rubber gaskets on each side

[Garry]

thanks ColMack - did you install an outlet tap in it? im guessing a hole saw will give a tidy result and then some rubber gaskets on each side

You don't need to put a hole in the base if you want to keep it very simple. Have a look here for more info, he'll explain it better than I will!

[Danny(00833827)]

even better! thanks Guys - will give it a lash. if it doesn't work out, no harm done.

[ColMack]

thanks ColMack - did you install an outlet tap in it? im guessing a hole saw will give a tidy result and then some rubber gaskets on each side

Yes, that's exactly what I did. 1/2" hole saw I think, I can check. Explained what I was doing to someone in my local builders providers and they gave me all the plumbing fittings. Made the manifold following the instructions on the Beoir knowledge base.
I've taken it apart now and used most of the parts when making a new manifold for a larger mash tun.

[Danny(00833827)]

thanks - seeing as its a small enough cooler (26liters) and i am likely to go for a bigger cooler in time, I might try and avoid cutting it for now and try the method Garry outlined - i have some copper and some qualplex too so will see what i have to work with and get the fittings to match.

[delzep]

I used a 22mm hole saw for my 1/2" ball valve recently

[mr hoppy]

I think the mash tun converted in this video is the lidl one.

[Ciderhead]

Weird video, it's like the odd couple make a mash tun
All the info there though.
I would just save the money and buy a bigger better quality one than those small budget boxes

[LordEoin]

or convert and insulate a keg