I think this is would work

[hillybilly]

I have a 5 gallon rubbermaid round cooler that was left over from a former construction project so no cost to me why can't I simply put a Paint strainer bag right in cooler and use it as MLT no expensive false bottom or bazook screen I have a stainless steel that will work I don't make high gravity beers

 

[Pappers_]

Yes, that method is sometimes called brew-in-a-bag or BIAB. Lots of info, do a search or start with this thread https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f36/biab-brewing-pics-233289/

Good luck!

 

[daksin]

That will definitely work. Next time I see a cheap one, I'll probably pick it up.

 

[PackerfaninSanDiego]

I see no reason why that would not work. If you brew in a bag, you would not need the cooler. The "paint strainer" would act as a false bottom IMO

 

[daksin]

But the cooler gives you better insulation for a stable mash temp than just mashing in your boil kettle. Plus it frees up your boil kettle for sparge water so you can now do a sparge rather than a full-volume mash BIAB.

 

[Stauffbier]

But the cooler gives you better insulation for a stable mash temp than just mashing in your boil kettle. Plus it frees up your boil kettle for sparge water so you can now do a sparge rather than a full-volume mash BIAB.

I do exactly this with a 2 gallon beverage cooler for small batches. It's pretty nice actually.

You can also add a ball valve to the larger beverage cooler later and still use the BIAB bag. I know a few people that do that, and they love it.