I’m thinking about stepping up from 5 gallon batches to 10 gallon batches. From the equipment that I already have, the easiest thing seems to be using my two 10 gallon coolers as mash tuns. I have one false bottom and I can borrow a second one. But I’m worried about the mash being split. Do I need to split the grain evenly? Otherwise wouldn’t the amount of water needed in each be different? Is this worth it?
Why would it be difficult to split the grains evenly? And if they were close, the amount of water could be the same of you are mixing it all to boil together.
Seems like the hassle of doing two mash vessels take some of the benefit out of a ten gallon batch
I would try to split it as evenly as possible just to keep it simple. What I would be more concerned about is if the grain bill had a large percentage of wheat, rye, other hulled grain or flakes, you would want to make sure those were evenly split between the coolers to avoid one of the cooler getting most of it and having a slow or stuck mash.
This is the kind of thing I was mainly thinking about. It probably will mainly depend on what I brew. I will probably end up taking two containers with me when I get the grain so I can split it evenly from the start.
[quote=“560sdl”]Why would it be difficult to split the grains evenly? And if they were close, the amount of water could be the same of you are mixing it all to boil together.
Seems like the hassle of doing two mash vessels take some of the benefit out of a ten gallon batch[/quote]
If I mash both at the same time and sparge at the same time then I don’t see much difference from having one mash tun. I would still end up with one kettle to boil.
[quote=“bistro37”]If I mash both at the same time and sparge at the same time then I don’t see much difference from having one mash tun. I would still end up with one kettle to boil.
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You are correct. I do this as well, except my “big” batches are slightly larger than 10 gallons. 
Just weigh the grist that’s going into each tun and match your water volume via your water:grist ratio. Equal volumes in both tuns does make it easier, thinking-wise.
