Anything to know before using an immersion chiller?

I know double check the hose clamps but is there anything else to know before using one for the first time?

Give it a good soak in some water/vinegar mixture first. Gotta get all that crap off the new copper. You'll know it's done when it's shiny - 30-60 mins should do the trick.

I'd say just make sure you put it in the boiling wort for at least 5 minutes to sanitize it before you start. I just used my new one for the first time last week and it worked perfectly right out of the box!

Be careful with the hose that expels the water. I had a loose fit on the nozzle, readjusted it, and then turned it back on. The pressure caused the bottom hose to fly out of the sink and shoot water (200 degree water) all over my foot. The blisters were radical.

TLDR: Take care, that stuff gets hot.

Triple check the hose clamps. I replaced my hoses before my last batch and the test run went good. I think the heat softened them up slightly and mine had a slow drip when i started the water. Needed just a little more to stop the drip once the hoses were up to temp.

Collect the runoff water, use it for cleaning.

Check the pressure on the hose(s) leading into the copper part as you up the water pressure. Too much can pop the connection or split the line.

Stir wort using a spoon or move the IC to increase cooling efficiency

Don't leave it in freezing temps with water in it between uses

mikeysab said:

Don't leave it in freezing temps with water in it between uses

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I could see myself doing that

When you first start it for the first time don't put you hand in front of the out water to see if it's hot.

Believe me it's hot.

Rudeboy

If your chiller has water in it before you put it in your boil to sanitize it, be aware that you'll have boiling hot liquid coming out at ya

Bmorebrew said:

Check the pressure on the hose(s) leading into the copper part as you up the water pressure. Too much can pop the connection or split the line.

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+1. I never run my cold water into the chiller at full blast. Not only do I find it to be an inefficient waste of natural resources, I've also created two messy situations in which the hose popped off and sprayed water all over my kitchen.

I have found that the best pressure is one where you're sure you're optimally transferring temperature from the tap to the wort but not much more.

Oh - and move the thing around when you're cooling! Cuts the time in half.

Good call! It also improves the clarity of your beer since it's cooling down faster.

Pretty much what everyone has already said. I always test it before putting it in the wort. Put it in with 15 minutes left to sanitize it. After you put it in, check the fittings because the hoses will loosen up from the heat and you might get some leaks. Definitely watch out for the out end because it is out. Make sure something is holding the out end down because it might flow around at first with hot water and air pushing through the IC.

Before first use, clean it with water/vinegar or boil it well in water.