I have used a home made copper immersion chiller for the last year and a half. Its not the prettiest, but it does the job. A while back, my Father-In-Law (who used to do refridgeration) called me out to the pole barn and dusted off an old box. It was an unopened refridgeration "study-kit". Inside were a small radiator and a coil of what appeared to be aluminum tubing. He said maybe I could find a use for it while I am brewing.
Last week I took it out and started looking at it. Turns out the radiator is copper with aluminum fins painted black. The aluminum tubing was actually copper with a spun aluminum outer coating (not sure why). I figured a trip tot he hardware store could turn this into a nice pre-chiller. I was right.
Although it isn't pretty....it works. I intorduce....Franken-Chiller!!! :rockin:
It worked beautifully....sort of. I made an Amber Lager last night and it cooled my wort to 70 in about 25min. It should have been much quicker, but I didn't have enough Ice. I thought we had a 25lb bag in the deep freeze, but forgot it was just used for a party. I used everything form the freezer, but it was melted within ten minutes. Doh! Next time though, my little metal monster will be packed with the right amount of ice.
-Todd
Last week I took it out and started looking at it. Turns out the radiator is copper with aluminum fins painted black. The aluminum tubing was actually copper with a spun aluminum outer coating (not sure why). I figured a trip tot he hardware store could turn this into a nice pre-chiller. I was right.
Although it isn't pretty....it works. I intorduce....Franken-Chiller!!! :rockin:
It worked beautifully....sort of. I made an Amber Lager last night and it cooled my wort to 70 in about 25min. It should have been much quicker, but I didn't have enough Ice. I thought we had a 25lb bag in the deep freeze, but forgot it was just used for a party. I used everything form the freezer, but it was melted within ten minutes. Doh! Next time though, my little metal monster will be packed with the right amount of ice.
-Todd