I’m thinking about upgrading to an Igloo cooler mashtun, but the already made ones are a bit more than I want to spend. I see some HBSs sell the weldless spigots that can be used to convert a plain cooler. Is this as easy as it seems, and easy or not does it work okay?
We’ve got a video on how to make Denny Conn’s “Cheap ‘n’ Easy” cooler mashtun set up on the AHA website: http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/how-to-brew/advanced/videos/. Click on How To Build A Mashtun.
I don’t have the time right now, but I will check it out. Thanks.
Bargainfittings.com for the parts needed.
Effort will vary by the cooler. I recommend picking the cooler first so you can examine it and determine what needs to be done in the conversion.
Denny’s hose braid setup is awesome as well. I have a 50L tun using his method, and a 70L tun using a bulk head.
Steve, check out www.dennybrew.com for step by step
super easy-that’s how i built my two. 10 gal igloo, unscrewed existing spigot, installed weldless spigot from bargain fittings, and hooked up the braid. i since converted from braid to copper manifold i built…also very easy and cheap.
It is easy to put together a spigot. All I had to do though with the coleman extreme was push about 10" of 1/2" OD 3/8" ID tubing through the drain and it fits snugly. I was then able to attach a braid inside the cooler and a ball valve on the other. Doesn’t leak especially with the weight of the mash pushing against it.
Just another option for keeping it simple, cheap and easy.
Thanks Denny,
I cut and pasted the instructions into a doc to study later.
It looks like making one wouldn’t be very hard for anyone who is mildly mechanically inclined. I’m kind of hesitant, since all my life I’ve been mechanically declined.
I am the least handy person in the world. In addition, I hate building equipment and would rather use that time to brew. That’s why I came up with that design. 475 batches in, I still haven’t changed it.