Living in Las Vegas can make chilling a 5gal batch challenging. Water at the tap has been 78F of late. Last Spring, I bought the JaDeD Wasp immersion chiller and used my older 3/8" copper immersion chiller as a pre-chiller in a bucket of ice. I then added a pump to swirl the wort around the Wasp in the pot. Doing all that, last night it took 50 minutes to chill 5 gallons down to pitching temps, and that's been consistent time wise. That is just too long--I'd like to drop that at least in half, if not more.
Equipment wise, I am doing 5 gallon BIAB and I've already got a chugger pump. I've also got two immersion chillers that could be used as pre-chillers for something else. I've considered a few options--they are all below in the table. Tell me which of these you would go for first for the EASIEST and MOST EFFECTIVE wort chiller. I could go expensive if I need to, but like most of you, I'd rather not if I can help it. Thank you for your votes and any comments left on why!
Equipment wise, I am doing 5 gallon BIAB and I've already got a chugger pump. I've also got two immersion chillers that could be used as pre-chillers for something else. I've considered a few options--they are all below in the table. Tell me which of these you would go for first for the EASIEST and MOST EFFECTIVE wort chiller. I could go expensive if I need to, but like most of you, I'd rather not if I can help it. Thank you for your votes and any comments left on why!