Mash tun question

[DCLavs]

Have only done kit brewing until now and haven't brewed in over a year but thinking about moving onto AG for a change.Looking at two boxes and not sure which one I should get.Hoping for a bit of advice please.

The 33L version http://tinyurl.com/onpre7z or 50L http://tinyurl.com/lg966d3

Think I'll be looking at 20-23L brews.

[alealex]

I wouldn't brew or mash in plastic container, it's not food grade.
But rather start of BIAB - s/s pot, stove, bag.

[delzep]

I wouldn't brew or mash in plastic container, it's not food grade.

Plenty of people do

[DCLavs]

Have seen a lot of videos on YouTube of people using them.Just not sure what size I should be going for.

[alealex]

He asked I answered.. just trying to say materials like glass and ss are healthier.

[mr hoppy]

What size is your brew kettle? Most people do 20 - 25l batches. You'll crank a 5% ABV batch out no problem with the 33l cool box but the 50l one is probably better if you are planning on doing high ABV beers.

This is a useful formula to keep in mind when you are looking at a mash tun

V = G x (R + 2/3)

V = Volume in litres your grist takes up.
G = Weight in kg of grist
Ratio of volume of mash liquor divided by weight in kg of grist.

The volume of mash liquor plus sparge liquor divided into your total gravity (grain bill in kgs x gravity / kg of your malts) drives your OG.

So if you've a small mash tun you won't be able to do big batches of Russian Imperial Stout or Barleywine.

On the other hand if you get a really big mash tun it mightn't give you great efficiency for lower ABV brews - so I'd get the big one and buy a cheapo 33l, or even 24l from argos or what have you. If you stick a bit of extra polystyrene in the lids of the argos ones it does wonders for their heat retention - as do camping mats etc.

[donnchadhc]

He asked I answered.. just trying to say materials like glass and ss are healthier.

What about butter and ice cream containers?

[Garry]

What about butter and ice cream containers?

They're only designed for single use. You wouldn't get much grist in one anyway   

Alex is just saying that glass and stainless steel are better than plastic. And he's correct. But I still love my plastic mash tun. I must use it soon before I forget how to brew 

[donnchadhc]

Really, what do you ferment in? Alex said he wouldn't brew with plastic as it's not food grade, that's not correct. Plastic is perfectly food safe and perfect for mashing in

[Garry]

Actually, Alex does say, "it's not food grade", in his first post. I missed that. The plastic used in fermenters, coolers etc is food grade and safe. I think he was trying to clarify in his second post that plastic is not as good as glass/ss.

[donnchadhc]

Yeah I accept that, I need some shiny!!!!!!

[Damofto]

How about one of these, they make a great mash tun?

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Igloo-5gal-Gallon-400-Series-Yellow-Red-beverage-Drinks-cooler-cool-box-16450-/221541472117?pt=UK_TravelTickets_Accessories_RL&hash=item3394e69775

You could get a false bottom from the homebrew company or make your own

[DCLavs]

Thanks all for the tips/info...that'll help me decide which way to go.Cheers.

[Will_D]

How about one of these, they make a great mash tun?

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Igloo-5gal-Gallon-400-Series-Yellow-Red-beverage-Drinks-cooler-cool-box-16450-/221541472117?pt=UK_TravelTickets_Accessories_RL&hash=item3394e69775

You could get a false bottom from the homebrew company or make your own

At US 5 gallons (19 Litres in new money) they are a bit too small for a mash tun!

[Damofto]

ah yes sorry, should have spotted that mine is the 10 gallon version.