redblacktree
Active Member
I am building an immersion chiller, which I bought parts for this evening. I bought ~$20 worth of brass fittings, two each of 1/2" compression to 1/2" pipe thread, and 1/2" hose connectors. I was comparing my price at the hardware store to what was available from my LHBS, so I called up my LHBS to ask about the immersion chillers they had for sale (specifically, the length and diameter of the tubing). The guy I talked to seemed to think that compression fittings were overkill, and that I should consider hose clamps and vinyl tubing instead. So who has built one, and would you recommend hose clamps or fittings?
I'll tell you that the main reason I chose compression fittings is because my buddy's immersion chiller sprung a leak into our wort last time we brewed. The LHBS rep dismissed this as a "loose hose clamp," but a brass fitting will never get loose, no?
Also, does anyone have any advice on using 3/8" tubing vs. 1/2"? I would expect the greater fluid flow of 1/2" to be more efficient at cooling, but I would be able to afford more surface area of 3/8" tubing. Thoughts?
I'll tell you that the main reason I chose compression fittings is because my buddy's immersion chiller sprung a leak into our wort last time we brewed. The LHBS rep dismissed this as a "loose hose clamp," but a brass fitting will never get loose, no?
Also, does anyone have any advice on using 3/8" tubing vs. 1/2"? I would expect the greater fluid flow of 1/2" to be more efficient at cooling, but I would be able to afford more surface area of 3/8" tubing. Thoughts?