Mash tun

[Bruceleesgran]

Im looking for some recomendations on types of coolboxes for a mash tun? I was thinking about a 10Gallon size? What is better round or rectangle? Im also wodering where is the best place to get them? The Igloo ones seem quite expensive.

[johnrm]

Igloo and Coleman coolers are expensive because they originate in the US.
When you first open your  new cooler,   shove your head in and take a deep breath of the old US of A!

If you want to get one locally, go to a camp shop, otherwise go to Amazon.co.uk,  You can get free shipping if you buy from Amazon themselves.

[delzep]

Whats the smallest volume that should be used for a typical 23L batch?

[johnrm]

Coleman do a 34quart/33litre.
Ideal for this volume.

[Bruceleesgran]

I seen an igloo 50 l for 50 euro yesterday only prob it didn't have a tap

[johnrm]

 You should be able to fit a tap easy enough to it.
Have you link to where you spotted it? post it here

[Bruceleesgran]

Ted johnson in naas have a small selection of igloo cool boxes ranging from about 30 up to 100+ euro.

I wanted a round one but I might just get the 67l one from ted johnson although i don't  know if thats just to big.

[johnrm]

I would think that 67 is a bit on the big side,  but good if you plan on increasing your batch size in the future.  You could fashion a 'false top' to reduce the headspace for smaller batches - cut a piece of  Styrofoam to a snug fit  about half way down the inside.  Or use expanding foam in a  plastic bag to have a  custom fit.

[Ciderhead]

for 10 gallon batches thats about right
Are you really sure you want to brew 10 gallon batches? as I have seen a lot of large mash tuns for sale recently where it was just too much on a continual basis, eyes and belly etc.

[newToBrew]

I'd have to say doing  10 gallon batches is not a bad thing really - I've done it a few times now and its basically only added an extra 2 hours to the brew day and I came out with 2 batches of beer - If your clever and plan ahead you can make widely different beers - my first 10 gallon one - I split into 2 5 gal batches - I cold steeped some dark grains the night before and ended up with a pale ale and a stout - I think for the effort you go to to make a 5 gal batch  set up - cleaning ect. - you may as well do a 10 because  there is not that much more work involved really

I mean you can always mash smaller amount in a bigger vessel right ?  - but not bigger amounts in a smaller tun ( unless its a tardis tun !!!)

[Bruceleesgran]

I was thinking along the same lines. If I mashed 10 kg I could make two beers. I really don't get to brew as often as I'd like.

[newToBrew]

yeah - I'm the same - don't get to do it as often as I'd like myself  so I tend to mash the common grains in the tun
and whatever I need for the individual brews - it can be done as a "tea" in a pot - basically follow partial  mashing   like for extract brewing