How to build a mash tun / lauter tun from a picnic cooler

So you’ve done a few extract/kit brews and your ready to go all grain. If you’re like us, you’ve searched the internet unsuccessfully looking for what equipment/tools you will need. Because of this, we have taken the time to easily describe how we built ours. This is no means the best mash tun / lauter tun you’ve ever seen, but it gets the job done. Grain free drain. Easy to assemble. Easy to clean. If you decide to go cylinder cooler, you will need another source for how to build the manifold (draining pipes), but this should suffice for the nozzle. Let us know what you think. Feedback is welcome. We want to improve ours as well. You can get all this at a Lowe’s or Home Depot.

You will need 3 components:

1. 48 qt. cooler with drain (some believe cylinder works better – but I can assure rectangle gets it done)

2. Manifold to separate liquid from grain (~$15)

3. Nozzle / spout to drain liquid (~$15)

Instructions:

Cooler

1. Get a 48 qt. cooler. Take out the nozzle off the cooler. Save the inner seal from the cooler (see picture below).

Manifold

1. Purchase the following parts pictured below

2. Cut the CPVC pipe into the following dimensions (sizes made to fit standard 48 qt. rectangular cooler).

  • D. Four pieces 13 in. (then cut slits half way through pipe about 3/4 inch apart using hacksaw)
  • E. Three pieces 1 in.
  • F. Four pieces 1 ½ in.
  • G. One piece 2 ¾ in.

3. After cutting the pipe pieces and slits, you will need to use brush (pictured above) to remove shavings. We also recommend washing vigorously or in a dishwasher

4. Assemble the manifold using the diagram below. Connect very tightly. When assembled, place in the cooler with slits facing the bottom on the cooler. I have read some posts recommending keeping slits facing up, but the majority of mashers recommend facing them downwards as grain will not defy gravity and flow up.

Nozzle / Spout

1. Purchase the following parts pictured below

2. Assemble the spout as such. Make sure it is very tight.

3. Connect to manifold.

4. Make Beer

Lauter-Tun