Kettle with integrated chiller

[EJay]

I am thinking of replacing my 5G kettle with something a little larger. I currently do usually 2.5g biab indoors in my kitchen.

I am toying with the idea of integrating an immersion chiller into my build. I know a few of you have done it. My plan would be to use probably 25 ft. of 3/8 stainless tube tucked real close to the kettle wall so the center will still work fine for Biab. I think I can squeeze room in there too for an electric element to assist in getting to temperatures.

I see the advantage of being one less piece of equipment to haul to the kitchen and I hate draining my traditional IC. I figure I will attach cam lock fittings and just attach the hoses during the chill.

Is this just a solution looking for a problem?

 

[Bobby_M]

It's a solution causing another problem. It will make cleaning the kettle that much harder.

 

[jimyson]

As Bobby said, cleaning that could will be a major pain in the ass.

 

[aprichman]

I sanitize a piece of 18" heavy duty aluminum foil to cover the kettle while I'm sanitizing with an immersion cooler. This way I'm able to completely cover the kettle while I'm chilling.

 

[PeteNMA]

Why cover the kettle?

 

[EJay]

It's a solution causing another problem. It will make cleaning the kettle that much harder.

Jeez Bobby I was going to buy a bunch of stuff from you for this project

Yes, cleaning might be an issue, but I never have much much trouble cleaning my IC. But if it's hard-mounted I suppose that will be more difficult.

 

[Bobby_M]

Try running the whole boil with the IC in place and then try cleaning the IC and kettle without removing anything.

 

[aprichman]

Why cover the kettle?

I don't like leaving the kettle open when the wort drops below 165F.