I need some input. I am planning on building an IGLOO 10 Gallon Mash Tun out of one of their water coolers. The other day I purchased from WalMart a 10 Gallon RED colored IGLOO Water Cooler for the conversion. Since then I have read you should use the IGLOO Commercial OSHA yellow/red industrial cooler. The info said it was built better. However, the info is too late as I already purchased the RED one. (I thought when I purchased it the only difference was the color).
That said, will I be OK using the RED IGLOO cooler I already purchased, or will I have premature problems using it? I plan to install a SS false bottom as well as a SS replacement spigot.
How long is it reasonable to expect a cooler to last a MLT? 1 year? 50 batches? I am assuming reasonable care and handling are used in maintaining the MLT.
I’ve had my 120-qt MaxCold for several years, using it every two or three weeks on average. It’s showing some wear and tear, most notable is the warping in the bottom and one hinge is cracked, about to break.
That is with a standard 48qt rectangular cooler. Not the newer “extreme” style.
My only suggestion would be to look for a rectangular cooler. Usually less expensive for a grater size.
Most likely even the “heavy duty” coolers will have some plastic/insulation buckling with boiling water added. My experience is that there is no loss of performance afterwords.
Thanks guys for the input and help. This Walmart IGLOO cooler didn’t cost ans arm and leg, so based on your notes. I’m going to try using it. If it fails prematurely, I’ll rack it up to experience and buy a better one. At least I’ll be able to move the SS spigot and maybe the false bottom to a better cooler down the road. Again thanks for the help and comments.