Lowes Igloo Mash Tun

[kempshark]

Has anyone used the blue and white 10 gallon Igloo drink cooler from Lowes instead of the normal red/yellow Igloo? I know the lid looks like it is a little different design, but I don't know if there are any differences other than that. The reason I am asking is because the one at Lowes is remarkably cheaper than the red/yellow one you see everywhere else. I'm just starting to set up a system for my first brew (all grain), and don't want to make any stupid mistakes on my first purchases........I'm sure I will make enough stupid, rookie mistakes while brewing!!

 

[bferullo]

For what its worth, I use to use the 5 gallon version with no problems.

 

[brewkinger]

I have a blue/white 5 gallon igloo cooler that was given to me by a coworker.

I have no idea where he got it, but it works just fine.

I have done several batches in it and had absolutely no problems, as a matter of fact I have been consistently in the 75% efficiency on last 4 batches.

 

[Snagg30341]

How much cheaper is it? Maybe ill go that way also.

 

[kempshark]

I believe it is about $47....that's considerably cheaper than I see the red/yellow one other places. Are you guys using the 5 gallon cooler for 5 gallon batches? I was thinking it would be better to go with the 10 gallon even though I am planning on doing 5 gallon batches at the most. I might be doing some 2.5 gallon batches since I am the only one drinking beer at my house.

As I mentioned, I am a complete noobie to this, so any advice would be well received. I plan on going with a 10 or 16 gallon Bayou Classic brew kettle (with a spigot) and either a Bayou Classic banjo burner or a Blichmann......possibly also a cheaper kettle (or another Bayou Classic) for the HLT with a cheaper burner since I will only need to achieve/maintain 170 degrees on that one and won't need to achieve a rolling boil. Planning on building a cheap, wooden three tier system to start off with. Comments or advice??

 

[brewkinger]

I use mine for average gravity 5 gal batches.

Anything over 1.060 start gravity is too much grain for the 5 gal cooler.
So eventually you will be like me and be looking for 10 gal cooler (or larger)

 

[Snagg30341]

I'm new also.


Was thinking of this kit. Not sure if anyone has used it. I really like the sparge top. I may buy that anyway. You can also just get the kit and buy coolers on your own.

http://www.homebrewstuff.com/5-gallon-mash-tun-with-hlt-parts-kit.html

 

[kempshark]

I'm new also.


Was thinking of this kit. Not sure if anyone has used it. I really like the sparge top. I may buy that anyway. You can also just get the kit and buy coolers on your own.

http://www.homebrewstuff.com/5-gallon-mash-tun-with-hlt-parts-kit.html

I like the looks of the set-up, but I'm not sure about the valves. They mention that they just push or press in? Would have to look at it to see if I had faith in those.

 

[Jay1]

That's the cooler I use. I did my own conversion: male to male fitting with a ball valve one on side and a washer and nut on the other. I loose about 1-2 deg during a 1 hour mash. I'm happy with it.

 

[Snagg30341]

Yeah. I just emailed them and they said the fittings are plastic. I don't like that.

 

[rossi46]

I'm new also.


Was thinking of this kit. Not sure if anyone has used it. I really like the sparge top. I may buy that anyway. You can also just get the kit and buy coolers on your own.

http://www.homebrewstuff.com/5-gallon-mash-tun-with-hlt-parts-kit.html

I have that set up from them. Works great, never had a problem in over 40 batches.

 

[Cathedral]

I use mine for average gravity 5 gal batches.

Anything over 1.060 start gravity is too much grain for the 5 gal cooler.
So eventually you will be like me and be looking for 10 gal cooler (or larger)

Me too. If I want a bigger beer I just throw in some DME, but for most beers the 5g is good enough, and I've never had a problem with my Lowes cooler.

 

[Gumbys_Brew]

Has anyone used the blue and white 10 gallon Igloo drink cooler from Lowes instead of the normal red/yellow Igloo? I know the lid looks like it is a little different design, but I don't know if there are any differences other than that. The reason I am asking is because the one at Lowes is remarkably cheaper than the red/yellow one you see everywhere else. I'm just starting to set up a system for my first brew (all grain), and don't want to make any stupid mistakes on my first purchases........I'm sure I will make enough stupid, rookie mistakes while brewing!!

I have the blue and white 5 gallon version and the yellow/red 10 gallon version.
There is a difference between the blu/white and the yellow/red coolers. the yellow/red coolers are industrial grade and are heat rated as well. where as the blue/white coolers are not industrial grade and are not heat rated. From experience they both hold temps well but the yellow/red coolers do hold temps better

 

[kempshark]

Hmm, sounds like I may as well just go with the industrial grade red/yellow one. It's not that big of a price difference in the long run.

 

[Gumbys_Brew]

Hmm, sounds like I may as well just go with the industrial grade red/yellow one. It's not that big of a price difference in the long run.

and if you happen to know someone that works for igloo you can get the industrial grade 10 gal coolers anywhere from $0 - $24 a piece. I got 2 10 gal industrial coolers for free

 

[kempshark]

and if you happen to know someone that works for igloo you can get the industrial grade 10 gal coolers anywhere from $0 - $24 a piece. I got 2 10 gal industrial coolers for free

Unfortunately I don't know anyone who works for Igloo.....really wish I knew someone that worked at Blichmann or Bayou Classic so I could pick up a brew kettle really cheap!!! and maybe a burner too!!

 

[Indian_villager]

I use the 10 gallon one and it works great.

 

[Gumbys_Brew]

Unfortunately I don't know anyone who works for Igloo.....really wish I knew someone that worked at Blichmann or Bayou Classic so I could pick up a brew kettle really cheap!!! and maybe a burner too!!

you and me both

 

[VonRunkel]

I did a 2 hour mash on accident the other day and I only lost a degree in my blue tun.

As for buying a kit to build it, you are better off looking at one of the tutorials on here and following suit. I saved a bunch of money this way, and my tun was built in under an hour.