Chilling is the worst part of my brew day. I make 10g batches. Current set up is:
30' Copper Im Chiller (3/8) with whirlpool arm.
I have two march pumps, one whirlpools the wort, one pushes cold liquor through the chiller.
Also, I live in Austin - Sunday's brew session was close to 100f air temp with water temps in the mid 70s.
I push city water through the chiller with the march pump until wort drops below 120, and then I add 20# of ice. It is taking me over 45m to drop the wort below 70f.
Thinking I need to upgrade the IC to 50' (or more). Here are my questions:
1) 3/8 or 1/2" tubing?
2) copper or SS?
3) am I pissing in the wind? should I just go plate chiller?
I would like to be able to cool to lager temps, but worried about affording the ice.
30' Copper Im Chiller (3/8) with whirlpool arm.
I have two march pumps, one whirlpools the wort, one pushes cold liquor through the chiller.
Also, I live in Austin - Sunday's brew session was close to 100f air temp with water temps in the mid 70s.
I push city water through the chiller with the march pump until wort drops below 120, and then I add 20# of ice. It is taking me over 45m to drop the wort below 70f.
Thinking I need to upgrade the IC to 50' (or more). Here are my questions:
1) 3/8 or 1/2" tubing?
2) copper or SS?
3) am I pissing in the wind? should I just go plate chiller?
I would like to be able to cool to lager temps, but worried about affording the ice.