New Mash Tun

Systems, Gear, & DIY
1

Hi everyone,

I’m starting to build my own mash tun based on the AHA sample using a cooler. Only real difference is I found some fittings that screw together instead of using all the tubing in the video

I have 2 questions,

  1. should I use Teflon tape for the inside connection (inside the mash tun from the braided “false bottom” to the bulkhead)

  2. The instructions say to use a 48 quart or larger cooler and while 48 quarts translates to 12 galons of space will using a 48q cooler limit the size of my grain bill? I currently make 5 gallon batches and don’t for see growing past that anytime soon but I want to make sure that I can make higher grain beers like imperials and not need a new mash tun.

Thanks

2

That video is based on my system which you can see at www.dennybrew.com.  My experience is that a 48 qt. cooler maxes out at about 28 lb. of grain at 1 qt./lb.  And at that point it’s almost too full to stir.  That amount of grain lets you make 5 gal. of a 1.100 beer.

3

BTW, I’ve tried the bullkhead and fittings and went back to the tubing.  I get better performance that way.

4

Thanks Denny,

I guess that makes you the perfect person to ask. I guess I should be more than fine with the 48q sicne I don’t plan on making anything quite that big, I want my friends and family to enjoy my beer not have 1 then a nap  ::slight_smile:

5

I screwed around for ages putting together a ball valve fitting and it was a major PITA.  I finally slobbed it up with silicone and it doesn’t leak.

For my second tun, I just stuffed the hose in through a mini-keg bung and it sealed and worked with minimum effort.

6

Bulkhead and fitting in a Coleman Xtreme work exceedingly well for me (with a bazooka instead of a braid).

7

I use a bulkhead/valve conversion in an Xtreme, except I use a braid. Really happy with it, too.

8

+1.  Love that combo.

9

Yeah, the drain channel in the Xtreme 70qt is its best feature, IMO.

10

Tried that exact setup in my 70 qt. Coleman Extreme and found that it didn’t drain as well as with my Cheap’n’Easy setup.

11

Wonder why.  If I leave more than a cup of liquid in the tun, it’s because I choose to.  Maybe the altitude.  :wink:

12

Yeah, that’s GOT to be it!  :wink:

13

Mine is actually in a 10 gallon Igloo water cooler but with the bazooka screen and SS bulkhead.  I never have issues lautering and sparging.  I’ve never needed rice hulls even with 60% wheat.

14

Thanks for all the god input. I managed to find a 48q Coleman for $20 at my local grocery store thank you Independence Day sales. The tun is nearly ready I just need to put in the ball valve and get to brewing with it .

Last stupid question. Do I need to sanitize the tun prior to adding the strike water and grains, or do I just make sure it’s clean and trust the boil will kill everything?

15

Just keep it clean. I don’t scrub mine but once in a great while. After the mash I scoop the grains out and hose it down.

16

No need to sanitize but I would give it a good cleaning before the first use to get any manufacturing chemicals off the cooler and the other pieces you have installed.

17

I’ve also heard that the ball valve should be removed from the tun and boiled from time to time to clean it thoroughly, as residue can build up on it.  Never have done that but considering it now.  Anyone else familiar with or do this?

18

No need to sanitize anything that’s used pre boil.

19

I do it every 5 years or so.

20

I clean mine with mild dish soap and a microfiber wash cloth immediately after every use.  No need to sanitize.