Draken said:I put together a wort chiller at lowes for less than 50 bucks, including copper bending tools. I would say if you are worried about your budget and a little DIY capable then just make one.
If you're doing a full boil for a 5 gallon or 10 gallon batch then it's very much worth it. I don't have the best fitting kettle lid so no brew to me isn't a viable option and I don't have a sink big enough or enough freezer space to fit enough ice. That and my 5 gallon sparge pot won't even fit into the sink without wedging into the side.
The quicker cooling will give a better cold break and will speed up the brew day a bit. Now for all you people cooling with ground water in the 40s, I hate you all.
I know a lot of people push the DIY route, but I bought mine here http://www.nybrewsupply.com/ . Great prices. With any size boil the quicker you can chill the better.
I know a lot of people push the DIY route, but I bought mine here http://www.nybrewsupply.com/ . Great prices. With any size boil the quicker you can chill the better.
IanPC said:I've been debating to upgrade a bit and get a wort chiller. Are they worth it, or are they just a fancy add on that isn't really needed. Secondly, are there any recommendations for places that have good deals on them.
Grumpybumpy said:Also, I see no need for an auto siphon. It's pretty easy to rack without one
SwampassJ said:Now for all you people cooling with ground water in the 40s, I hate you all.
Grumpybumpy said:This. And you don't really need any tools. I wrapped the coil around a small pot then bent the rest by hand. It's not too hard to avoid a kink.
Also, I see no need for an auto siphon. It's pretty easy to rack without one
I know a lot of people push the DIY route, but I bought mine here http://www.nybrewsupply.com/ . Great prices. With any size boil the quicker you can chill the better.
Could be that ground water is cold enough in Illinois right now, but I chill my 3g boils in <10 minutes by putting the pot in the sink, and filling it by running the cold water directly on the outside of the pot while whirlpooling the hot wort. 3 fill cycles brings me down low enough that 60 degree top off water brings my bulk temp to 65 or so.
Now...this may change in the summer, but for now I'm saving the money.
Um... I WAS considering getting a wort chiller, but based on the reports in this thread and others, Im chilling my partial boil (2.75gals) under 80* in approx 15mins in an ice bath in my sink (the trick is adding SALT!!!) and topping off another 2 gals of 58* water brings me to about 68* so unless a wort chiller is gonna get me there in like 5 mins, its seriously not worth the $50 I could use for other supplies, just my opinion
I just bought one and used it for the first time this weekend. I looked into making and buying one. I ended up buying one because the materials were just as pricey and then the headache of the labor. It was a lifesaver, timesaver, and I cannot imagine brewing without one ever again.
I have a gift card to northern brewer. I got the 69.99 one and it works fine. I read a lot of wort chillers leak and squirt water everywhere. I just tightened the connectors before I used it.
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