15.5 gal Keggle and HLT vs. Cooler

[terrencetheblack]

I have the opportunity to purchase a keggle mash tun and HLT to replace my current cooler setup and I was wondering if anyone has any positive or negative experiences with using keggles. I am getting about 67% efficiency with the current setup, but I'd also like to be able to better control the temp during my mash.

Thanks,
TTB

P.S. We need more LunchMeet!

[NervousDad]

Negative is that they're heavy as hell when they're full of wet grain. Cleanup makes me want to go back to my cooler, but the knowing the temp of my mash at all times makes it worth it.

[mors]

I use both depending on if I'm brewing in my kitchen or not...
Pros: Keggle can hold more grain than my 10 gallon igloo cooler.
Keggle is pretty much invincible
keggle can be direct fired for step mashes
cons: keggle is heavy
keggle doesn't hold temp as well (Unless insulation is added... Then the worry of burning insulation....)

[ScottyB-Brewing]

I'd get another keggle if I could afford it, I have one keggle for my boil kettle and two 10 gallon igloos so I can do bigger beers.

I say go with the keggle for your mash tun and then sell or give your igloo mash tun to a new homebrewer, imagine how happy you would make them.

[Ozwald]

Definitely get one for the HLT, no cons there & it beats the shit out of having a cooler HLT.

As for the MLT...

It depends

If it's a good price, go for it. They're always handy to have around. My old keggle BK is on a long term loan right now to a trusted friend. I'd rather see him get into AG & upgrade some of his other stuff before worrying about buying a decent sized kettle.

[terrencetheblack]

Thank you guys. I think that I may go ahead and get them. And KCCO NervousDad

[JoeBeer100]

I use a keggle for my mash tun, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Being able to do a mash out or steps with a flame is good. I don't find them that heavy. In fact, I feel a lot more confident in the keggle handles than I would in any plastic cooler handles. If it's too heavy, then scoop the grain out until it's manageable.

[NervousDad]

Thank you guys. I think that I may go ahead and get them. And KCCO NervousDad