Rubbermaid vs. Igloo Cooler

Systems, Gear, & DIY
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Some of us compose our longer comments on Word or similar word processing program, and then cut and paste into our reply for that very reason.

Back on topic:
I’ve used the 10 gallon orange Igloo coolers with white lids (bought at Home Depot). 
I have two of them:  one is the HLT, and the other is the MLT.
I don’t know if they’re made any differently than the yellow and red coolers.
After 1.5 years, I’ve encountered no splits in the lining, and I’ve put water as hot as 185 to 190 F in the HLT.

I usually just use the HLT for my sparge water (initially around 175 F when it goes into the HLT, and when it stabilizes, it settles around 170 F by the time I use it within an hour of pouring it into the HLT).

Using two coolers allows me to more quickly heat up the mash in water in the BK and get the mash started by pouring the water and grains into one cooler (the MLT).  Then, about half-way through the mash, I heat up the sparge water portion and pour it into the second cooler (the HLT), so it is ready to go.  The remaining mash-out water is then quickly heated to near boiling temps and added to the mash at mash-out.  This frees up the boil kettle to be moved into position (gravity system) and receive the first runnings right after vorlauf is completed.

Probably just as importantly is the fact that I only use water to rinse out and clean the coolers when the brew day is over.  No harsh chemicals are necessary.

Having said all that.  I’ve switched to using a rectangular 82 qt (20.5 gallon) cooler as my MLT. 
Lautering/sparging is so much easier (i.e., faster) now.
You should be able to acquire one this size for cheap (maybe even “free”) as everyone seems to have one of these.

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I have all three typical MLT’s - the 5 and 10 gallon cylinder, the rectangular cooler, and the converted keg with false bottom.  I get my best efficiency from the rectangular one, but I like to use the converted keg in the summer when temperature drop is less of a problem, since hosing it out and treating it a little rougher is no cause for concern.  I use the rectangular one in the late fall and winter when holding temp is tougher with the uninsulated keg (though I have rigged up an insulated jacket to velcro fasten around it and I can always fire up the burner and stir…).  Just my 2 Lincolns.