So I am currently using a 5 gallon blue cylindrical cooler with a waterproof fitting and SS braid hose.
I'm not really happy with it becausefor a couple reasons. Capacity does not let me mash as much grains as I want. I get stuck mashes, and when batch sparging I have managed to knock the SS braid off of the fitting causing it to get stuck. This makes me consider a false bottom but I hear people complain about these as well. I'm not beyond just buying the whole shebang but I don't want to throw money away needlessly if I can put something together cheaper.
I was looking at TBN's fantastic sponsor Northern Brewer and was a little suprised at the price of the cooler they're using mainly. The false bottom I have no problem paying for.
Is there any difference in this cooler and this one? Besides $30.