This review is by Homebrew Finds Contributor Brad Probert. Brad is an engineer, expert homebrewer and experienced reviewer. Grab a link to Brad’s website at the end of this review.
Chapman Thermobarrel
Coolers being used for mash tuns are quite common in the homebrew world. This makes sense because they are some common household gear that can be easily repurposed for homebrew use, and they do a great job doing what you need while mashing- hold temperature steady. Steady mash temperatures gets you on the path to repeatability. And no one likes brewing with an “I don’t know we’ll see if this turns out” approach.
1-inch Thick Insulated Walls
The Chapman Thermobarrel is essentially just like a big Gatorade drink cooler, but instead of the insulation being wrapped in hard plastic, it’s skinned in stainless steel. The stainless skin makes it easy to clean and sanitize, and you don’t have to worry about long-term discoloration or scratches in the plastic. The insulated walls are 1” thick, and the base and lid have just under 1” of insulation or insulating air gap.
3/5 11:30 PM Central: This is on sale for $35.99. Shipping is also free to many US addresses.Prices and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info – More About Prices
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
Premium Material: The double-sided insulation roll is made of high-quality reflective aluminum film and polyethylene air bubble cushion, with a surface round hole design to increase reflectivity. The RV window insulation is durable and long-lasting, resistant to scratches.
Temperature Protection: The reflective insulation roll reduces heat transfer for year-round comfort, while the reflective bubble sheet provides energy-saving, window insulation and privacy protection.
Excellent Performance: The window insulation for summer has excellent waterproof performance, allowing worry-free outdoor use. It is easy to clean with a simple wipe. When not in use, it can be easily folded up for space-saving and convenient carrying.
Wide Usage: Our insulation sheet is versatile and can be used for various spaces, including windows, RVs, roofs, garage doors, and more as a heat blocker.
Easy Installation: The usage of the foil insulation roll is easy and convenient. Simply cut it to the desired size with a utility knife or scissors, then use the provided double-sided tape for easy installation.
Possible homebrew application: Use to insulate to your compatible mash tun or HLT to help maintain temperatures. Cooler hack… I use similar insulation for my coolers (regular ole cooler as a cooler, not mash tun). I cut a piece to fit the top of each cooler (fitting it to the cooler size as tightly as possible) and place on top of food or ice to provide an additional layer of insulation.
2/28 PM Central: This is on sale for $9.99. Shipping is also free to many US addresses with Prime Membership [Try Prime for Free] or a qualifying order. Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info – More About Prices
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
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From HBF: Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions.
Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.
Premium Material: The double-sided insulation roll is made of high-quality reflective aluminum film and polyethylene air bubble cushion, with a surface round hole design to increase reflectivity. The RV window insulation is durable and long-lasting, resistant to scratches.
Temperature Protection: The reflective insulation roll reduces heat transfer for year-round comfort, while the reflective bubble sheet provides energy-saving, window insulation and privacy protection.
Excellent Performance: The window insulation for summer has excellent waterproof performance, allowing worry-free outdoor use. It is easy to clean with a simple wipe. When not in use, it can be easily folded up for space-saving and convenient carrying.
Wide Usage: Our insulation sheet is versatile and can be used for various spaces, including windows, RVs, roofs, garage doors, and more as a heat blocker.
Easy Installation: The usage of the foil insulation roll is easy and convenient. Simply cut it to the desired size with a utility knife or scissors, then use the provided double-sided tape for easy installation.
Possible homebrew application: Use to insulate to your compatible mash tun or HLT to help maintain temperatures. Cooler hack… I use similar insulation for my coolers (regular ole cooler as a cooler, not mash tun). I cut a piece to fit the top of each cooler (fitting it to the cooler size as tightly as possible) and place on top of food or ice to provide an additional layer of insulation.
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
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amazon
From HBF: Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions.
Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.
From HBF: Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions. prod:B000FDXEN2
What are others saying? Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “mash” – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
You could convert this to use as a mash tun for smaller batches (or for moderate gravity 5 gallon batches) or as an HLT, The seat top style lid (not screw on) is handy because it allows you to run a temperature probe under the lid if you so choose.
2/17 5:30 PM Central: This is on sale for just $29.99. Shipping is also free to many US addresses with Prime Membership [Try Prime for Free] or a qualifying order. Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info – More About Prices
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
Quick disconnects make connecting and disconnecting things on brew day easier. I have QDs (a different brand) on every hose connection I use on brew day, including sprayers and my wort chiller.
1/29 1 PM Central: This is on sale for just $19.45. That’s a whopping HALF OFF list and the best historical third party Amazon price I found, notwithstanding Lightning Deals or coupons. Shipping is also free to many US addresses with Prime Membership [Try Prime for Free] or a qualifying order.Prices and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info – More About Prices
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
Quick disconnects make connecting and disconnecting things on brew day easier. I have QDs (a different brand) on every hose connection I use on brew day, including sprayers and my wort chiller.
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
MoreBeer’s Weldless Spigot designed for installation in both kettles and coolers.
More Info
From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:
Do you have a kettle or cooler but would like the ease and convenience of using a ball valve to easily drain liquid? Are you a Do It Yourself Type person? At a fraction of the cost of having a spigot welded into your kettle you can drill a whole and install a weldless ball valve.
The problem with most weldless fittings is they are thrown together from assorted hardware. Common issues include leaking and lots of flex when you use the ball valve. These new weldless fittings feature are designed for brewing. There is no comparison to the weldless fittings of yesterday with their rock-solid feel and a solid leak free connection.
This unit is also unique in that it feature 1/2″ female threads on the inside. This allows you to thread in various other fittings that you can see below. Want to later make a mashtun… no problem just thread in our stainless screen. want to fully drain your boil kettle? No problem, just add our kettle maximizer! This allows for unlimited flexibility.
Weldless kit includes a 1/2″ Full Port ball valve and a 1/2″ barb. All fittings are made from 304 type stainless steel for a lifetime of corrosion free use. Full installation directions included. This product replaces our WL101. Manufactured by Fermentap.
You will need to drill a 1″ hole in your kettle for installation of this weldless spigot. We recommend a Step Drill Bit for this.
For cooler installation instructions, please see “Installing A Weldless Spigot In Your Cooler” under the documents tab.
Limited Availability Deal of the Day: As of this posting, this is marked down to $28.95 as a MoreBeer Deal of the Day. Shipping is also free to addresses in the contiguous US with most $59 Orders. Availability: This is available today only, while supplies last. Quantities are limited. Check the MoreBeer’s Deal of the Day to check today’s offering.
Product Description – Here– Use coupon code BEERDEAL to get this discount.
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
A mash tun is a container that holds grain and warm water. The warm water activates enzymes in the malt and converts complex carbohydrates to yeast-friendly simple sugars.
A mash tun can be as simple as a bucket. Many homebrewers convert coolers to mash tuns. Those have the advantage of insulation. That insulation helps maintain a steady temp throughout the mash process. Kettles are also regularly used as mash tuns and there are also some purpose built stainless mash tuns. An example of that is Ss Brewtech’s InfuSsion Mash Tun.
Components of a Mash Tun
A container – Examples: bucket, cooler, kettle, keggle or a purpose built vessel
【Family Brewing Filter】a Great Home Brew Lover's Tool, Suitable for Brew Bucket Fermenter, Great for Homebrew Hops Beer & Tea
【Multiple Advantages】Item Made from 304 Stainless Steel Works Better than Beer Cloth Bags, Advantage: Food Safety, Rust-proof, Hot-resistant, Long Life, Easy to Clean
【Fine Filter Mesh】This Hop Spider has a Filtration Accuracy of 300-Micron, Effectively Remove most of Solid Impurities in Beer to be Clearer and Better Taste
【Great Steadiness】Item with two hook handles which could Firmly Fixed on Brew Bucket Fermenter Kettle, Easy to Use
[Wide Application]: Suitable for filter pot, filter, water purifier, homebrewing filter, etc.
[High Performance]: This brew filter will dramatically keep hop trub from getting in your brew bucket, and obtain max utilization of hop pellets to make beer with lots of hop flavor and aroma.
[With Lid]: Easy to turn the hop filter and sprayed the mesh strainer from the outside to rinse the remaining residue.
[Reduce Impurities]: The filter can be used to contain hops when boiling wort, helping to reduce impurities and enhance filtration level of fermentation broth.
[Material]: Beer Dry Hop Filter Strainer Made from Stainless Steel. Works Better than Beer Cloth Bags, Rustproof and Hot resistant.
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
Strain hops and trub in your boil kettle or use in your mash tun.
12″ Boil Screen 1/2″ NPT Fitting – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
DIY Window Insulation kit: Our foam core reflective insulation sheet is easy to apply and remove. You can cut it to the size you need with scissors and then apply it to your windows or doors with a self adhesive pads, which are included in the package. It's a great DIY project that will save you money.
Heat Resistant Window Insulation: Our DIY reflective window insulation kit is designed to reduce heat transfer from the outside to the inside of your home or office. It blocks up to 97% of the sun's heat, keeping your space cooler in the summer.
Thermally Insulated Windows: Our DIY reflective window insulation kit is designed to reduce heat loss of your home or office in winter. It's a great way to improve the energy efficiency by reflecting the heat back inside of the house and not let heat to escape. Also works great for "behind the radiator" application.
Privacy Window: Our DIY reflective window insulation kit provides full privacy from the outside world.
Easy to Clean: Our window kit is easy to clean and maintain. It can be wiped clean with a damp cloth or a mild soap and water solution. It's also resistant to scratches and stains, making it a long-lasting and durable solution for your window and door needs.
Many Applications: Perfect for garage door insulation, behind the radiator insulation, water heater insulation, wall insulation, ceiling insulation, ducts and pipes, RV insulation, car insulation and many more...
Top Quality: INSULATION MARKETPLACE offers top quality products for less. Please search for INSULATION MARKETPLACE on Amazon to see our best selling products and thousands of product reviews. We are happy to serve your refelctive insulation needs.
Possible homebrew application: Use to insulate to your compatible mash tun or HLT to help maintain temperatures. Cooler hack… I use similar insulation for my coolers (regular ole cooler as a cooler, not mash tun). I cut a piece to fit the top of each cooler (fitting it to the cooler size as tightly as possible) and place on top of food or ice to provide an additional layer of insulation.
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
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From HBF: Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions.
Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.
Insulated Cooler Mash Tun | Hot Liquor Tank | 14 gal.
More Info
From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:
If you’re ready to step up to all grain brewing, this converted insulated cooler works wonders as a mash tun! The 14-gallon size can hold upwards of 25 lbs of grain, so there’s plenty of room for even the strongest 5-gallon beer recipes and is perfect for most 10 gallon batches up to 1.070 SG. Comes pre-assembled with stainless steel perforated false bottom, high temperature silicone tubing, and 1/2″ female threaded ball valve. Pair the valve with the male threaded fitting (plus a little plumber’s tape) that best suits your setup and you’ll off and running.
The cooler also works perfectly as a Hot Liquor Tank. Use with the false bottom in place, or simply remove it and keep it on hand in case you decide to use the cooler as a Mash Tun down the road. Two of these coolers plus the Fermentap Sparge Arm Assembly work perfectly as a gravity fed all-grain setup. To connect the cooler’s ball valve to the sparge arm assembly, we recommend a 1/2″ MPT x 3/8″ Barb fitting and 3/8″ ID silicone tubing. Plumber’s tape will ensure you have a leak-proof connection between the barb fitting and the ball valve.
Includes:
Insulated beverage cooler
Max Volume: 14.7 Gal (56 L)
Stainless dome-shaped perforated false bottom
High temperature silicone tubing
Stainless 1/2″ BSP ball valve
External Dimensions: Approx. 19″ L x 19″ W x 22″ H
KegLand Part Number: KL04671
From MoreBeer:
If you’ve been thinking about making the move to all-grain brewing, now’s the perfect time! Exclusively for our email subscribers, you can SAVE 35% on a 14-Gal Cooler MT/HT – but only while supplies last!
Why we love these: Many of us at MoreBeer! started our all-grain brewing journey with one of these cooler mash tuns, winning numerous awards with them along the way. They’re reliable, easy to use, and maintain temperature in almost any condition. When we think of these mash tuns, terms like tried and true and old-school cool come to mind.
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
morebeer
Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. tag:b3peroff
Insulated Cooler Mash Tun | Hot Liquor Tank | 14 gal.
More Info
From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:
If you’re ready to step up to all grain brewing, this converted insulated cooler works wonders as a mash tun! The 14-gallon size can hold upwards of 25 lbs of grain, so there’s plenty of room for even the strongest 5-gallon beer recipes and is perfect for most 10 gallon batches up to 1.070 SG. Comes pre-assembled with stainless steel perforated false bottom, high temperature silicone tubing, and 1/2″ female threaded ball valve. Pair the valve with the male threaded fitting (plus a little plumber’s tape) that best suits your setup and you’ll off and running.
The cooler also works perfectly as a Hot Liquor Tank. Use with the false bottom in place, or simply remove it and keep it on hand in case you decide to use the cooler as a Mash Tun down the road. Two of these coolers plus the Fermentap Sparge Arm Assembly work perfectly as a gravity fed all-grain setup. To connect the cooler’s ball valve to the sparge arm assembly, we recommend a 1/2″ MPT x 3/8″ Barb fitting and 3/8″ ID silicone tubing. Plumber’s tape will ensure you have a leak-proof connection between the barb fitting and the ball valve.
Includes:
Insulated beverage cooler
Max Volume: 14.7 Gal (56 L)
Stainless dome-shaped perforated false bottom
High temperature silicone tubing
Stainless 1/2″ BSP ball valve
External Dimensions: Approx. 19″ L x 19″ W x 22″ H
KegLand Part Number: KL04671
From MoreBeer:
If you’ve been thinking about making the move to all-grain brewing, now’s the perfect time! Exclusively for our email subscribers, you can SAVE 35% on a 14-Gal Cooler MT/HT – but only while supplies last!
Why we love these: Many of us at MoreBeer! started our all-grain brewing journey with one of these cooler mash tuns, winning numerous awards with them along the way. They’re reliable, easy to use, and maintain temperature in almost any condition. When we think of these mash tuns, terms like tried and true and old-school cool come to mind.
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
morebeer
Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. tag:b3peroff
Insulated Cooler Mash Tun | Hot Liquor Tank | 14 gal.
More Info
From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:
If you’re ready to step up to all grain brewing, this converted insulated cooler works wonders as a mash tun! The 14-gallon size can hold upwards of 25 lbs of grain, so there’s plenty of room for even the strongest 5-gallon beer recipes and is perfect for most 10 gallon batches up to 1.070 SG. Comes pre-assembled with stainless steel perforated false bottom, high temperature silicone tubing, and 1/2″ female threaded ball valve. Pair the valve with the male threaded fitting (plus a little plumber’s tape) that best suits your setup and you’ll off and running.
The cooler also works perfectly as a Hot Liquor Tank. Use with the false bottom in place, or simply remove it and keep it on hand in case you decide to use the cooler as a Mash Tun down the road. Two of these coolers plus the Fermentap Sparge Arm Assembly work perfectly as a gravity fed all-grain setup. To connect the cooler’s ball valve to the sparge arm assembly, we recommend a 1/2″ MPT x 3/8″ Barb fitting and 3/8″ ID silicone tubing. Plumber’s tape will ensure you have a leak-proof connection between the barb fitting and the ball valve.
Includes:
Insulated beverage cooler
Max Volume: 14.7 Gal (56 L)
Stainless dome-shaped perforated false bottom
High temperature silicone tubing
Stainless 1/2″ BSP ball valve
External Dimensions: Approx. 19″ L x 19″ W x 22″ H
KegLand Part Number: KL04671
From MoreBeer:
If you’ve been thinking about making the move to all-grain brewing, now’s the perfect time! Exclusively for our email subscribers, you can SAVE 35% on a 14-Gal Cooler MT/HT – but only while supplies last!
Why we love these: Many of us at MoreBeer! started our all-grain brewing journey with one of these cooler mash tuns, winning numerous awards with them along the way. They’re reliable, easy to use, and maintain temperature in almost any condition. When we think of these mash tuns, terms like tried and true and old-school cool come to mind.
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
morebeer
Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. tag:b3peroff
Insulated Cooler Mash Tun | Hot Liquor Tank | 14 gal.
More Info
From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:
If you’re ready to step up to all grain brewing, this converted insulated cooler works wonders as a mash tun! The 14-gallon size can hold upwards of 25 lbs of grain, so there’s plenty of room for even the strongest 5-gallon beer recipes and is perfect for most 10 gallon batches up to 1.070 SG. Comes pre-assembled with stainless steel perforated false bottom, high temperature silicone tubing, and 1/2″ female threaded ball valve. Pair the valve with the male threaded fitting (plus a little plumber’s tape) that best suits your setup and you’ll off and running.
The cooler also works perfectly as a Hot Liquor Tank. Use with the false bottom in place, or simply remove it and keep it on hand in case you decide to use the cooler as a Mash Tun down the road. Two of these coolers plus the Fermentap Sparge Arm Assembly work perfectly as a gravity fed all-grain setup. To connect the cooler’s ball valve to the sparge arm assembly, we recommend a 1/2″ MPT x 3/8″ Barb fitting and 3/8″ ID silicone tubing. Plumber’s tape will ensure you have a leak-proof connection between the barb fitting and the ball valve.
Includes:
Insulated beverage cooler
Max Volume: 14.7 Gal (56 L)
Stainless dome-shaped perforated false bottom
High temperature silicone tubing
Stainless 1/2″ BSP ball valve
External Dimensions: Approx. 19″ L x 19″ W x 22″ H
KegLand Part Number: KL04671
From MoreBeer:
If you’ve been thinking about making the move to all-grain brewing, now’s the perfect time! Exclusively for our email subscribers, you can SAVE 35% on a 14-Gal Cooler MT/HT – but only while supplies last!
Why we love these: Many of us at MoreBeer! started our all-grain brewing journey with one of these cooler mash tuns, winning numerous awards with them along the way. They’re reliable, easy to use, and maintain temperature in almost any condition. When we think of these mash tuns, terms like tried and true and old-school cool come to mind.
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
morebeer
Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. tag:b3peroff
The Brew Bag is a high quality purpose designed Brew in a Bag/BIAB bag.
It has four loops for lifting the bag out of your kettle, every seam is reinforced for long life and it is available in a number of sizes for kettles, keggles, coolers and more. If they don’t carry the size you want, The Brew Bag will custom make it for you.
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
A how-to from the American Homebrewer’s Association
Get a Deal on AHA Membership!
The benefits of AHA membership are numerous and valuable. If you’re not a member of the American Homebrewer’s Association, I think you should consider joining.
Get $5 off AHA memberships when you use coupon code HBF. Applies to new and renewed memberships and print or digital.
Coleman 48 Quart Cooler affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link, featured in the AHA’s build
Search Amazon for “Coleman 48 quart cooler” to shop for other options – additional colors may be available, make sure it’s the same style as the original build features.
Rubber Mini Keg Bung – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
How to Build a Mash Tun – via the American Homebrewer’s Association
Unless you’re using the brew in a bag technique, a mash tun is an essential piece of equipment when advancing to all-grain brewing. Mash tuns come in all shapes, sizes and materials, and the ideal vessel for you will depend on your current procedures and future goals as a homebrewer. Mash tuns can be purchased from a homebrew shop, or easily made at home with limited skill and tools.
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!