Cooler as a Boil Kettle

[Black_Marsh_Brewer]

Hey All,

Been doing some theorycrafting... Thought I would pose the question here.

People are starting to get into the idea of using plastic containers as boil kettles, but has anyone considered using a cooler as a boil kettle?

I can think of a few reasons both for and against, but I am curious what others think.

--BMB

 

[dmcman73]

As a HLT it might be doable but I would say that the plastic on any cooler would warp/crack with a rolling boil going on for 60-90min. Not to mention the chemical leaching from the plastic.

If you look through the boards you'll see people posting how they pre heat their plastic coolers with boiling water poured in and the coolers either cracked or deformed.

 

[wilserbrewer]

I think coolers crack more due to thermal shock than the high temp.

Not sure what type of plastic your cooler is and if it is proper and food safe at boiling temps?

One problem with boiling in a cooler is it may take longer to chill since you won't be losing heat from the exterior like a kettle.

Other better options for a plastic kettle IMHO.