Beer Forum

My local brewshop has a 5 gallon igloo cooler with a false bottom. Would this work for batch sparging?

If it works for mashing, it works for batch sparging. Think of batch sparging as doing a complete second mash. All you are doing is adding hot water to grains, stirring, and draining.

Absolutely!

If it is one of those round, tall coolers then you might find it challenging to stir effectively, and I suspect will be more susceptible to sticking the mash by compacting the grain bed.

You might have an easier time with a rectangular cooler and a manifold or SS braid. Easier to stir, and less weight to compact.

I will say that stirring in a 5 gallon round Igloo drinking cooler is a little rough. I have a 10 gallon one and stirring in that is just fine.

I whole heartedly recommend spending the extra money to invest on the bigger mash tun. You will thank me later.

Thirsty Mallard wrote:I will say that stirring in a 5 gallon round Igloo drinking cooler is a little rough. I have a 10 gallon one and stirring in that is just fine.

I whole heartedly recommend spending the extra money to invest on the bigger mash tun. You will thank me later.

I agree. That way you leave yourself the option of larger batch sizes or high OG batches.

Should I use a manifold or a false bottom?

whatever floats your boat.
if you are doing it manifold is easier, and for batch sparging it dosen't matter.
BUB