wort chiller- 3/8 OD or 1/2 OD?

porterguy · Dec 28, 2010

I did a search. Honest! But I keep finding conflicting information. For 5-gallon batches of beer, the most available length is 20 ft. at H.D., Lowes, etc. So...3/8 with only a 1/4 ID? Or 1/2 OD with 3/8 ID? What if I want to try and make the "rib cage" style?

Thanks!

JasonInBTR · Dec 28, 2010

I used 50' of 3/8". Chills my 5 gal full boils to pitching temp in no time. Should work decently if I ever step up to 10 gal batches.

What is the "rib cage" style?

Jason

porterguy · Dec 28, 2010

I presume the 3/8 in yours is the outside diameter? With an interior diameter of 1/4?

Re: the "ribcage", it's much easier to link than to describe! The basic concept is that there is tubing closer to more of the wort, as it is not just one single cylinder of coiled tubing, but two sort of interlaced coils.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/diy-interwoven-rib-cage-immersion-chiller-106415/

JasonInBTR · Dec 29, 2010

It is 3/8 OD which makes it about 5/16 ID. The ribcage design is interesting but looks like a PITA to bend. I just kept it simple and bent mine around a 5 gal bucket. Didn't get fancy with braze on or compression fittings.....just clamped some 3/8 ID hi-temp vinyl tubing to the in/out and attached garden hose fittings.

Let us know what you end up with. Happy brewing!

Jason

jasper9 · Dec 29, 2010

i went with 3/8 but might regret it. HD or Lowes doesn't carry anything that lets you easily solder on fittings for a garden hose connection, you have to use the vinyl tubing.

sudsmcgee · Dec 29, 2010

3/8 is perfect and you won't regret it. I built a 40 footer out of 3/8 from home depot and it chills 5 gallons to pitching temp in 15 minutes.

I believe 3/8 already flows more water than the copper can carry away heat. In other words, 1/2 won't work better but may use more water.

wort chiller- 3/8 OD or 1/2 OD?

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wort chiller- 3/8 OD or 1/2 OD?

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