New Icemaster Glycol Chiller (Max 4)

[crooow]

It looks like Morebeer has a new Icemaster chiller that has four integrated pumps and controllers. There's a youtube link:



and the link on the site:

https://www.morebeer.com/products/brewbuilt-icemaster-max-4.html

I'm sorely tempted by this because it would mean saving a little money on controllers and pumps. That said, there are enough reported issues with the original Icemaster 100, that I'm a little wary. I'm curious if anyone has bought this thing yet.

 

[CodeSection]

....https://www.morebeer.com/products/brewbuilt-icemaster-max-4.html

I'm sorely tempted by this because it would mean saving a little money on controllers and pumps. That said, there are enough reported issues with the original Icemaster 100, that I'm a little wary. I'm curious if anyone has bought this thing yet.

I guess it depends if you already have any controllers or pumps. The savings may seem attractive but at what cost? You are limited to only four pumps/controllers vs the IceMaster 100. The IceMaster 100 has 10 stainless steel bulkheads so you could add a fifth pump/controller if needed. But I suspect most would not need a fifth pump/controller.

The real "cost" with the Max4 is that it does not have Wifi capability in the controllers. I bought Inkbird Wifi ITC-308 controllers in December and they are fantastic! I use a Tilt and now with the Inkbird Wifi ITC-308, I do not need to plan my work day lunch that will allow me to go home to adjust the temp. For me, I rather pay a little extra so as I have more options and flexibility. Heck, now with the Inkbird Wifi ITC-308, I'm saving time, gas, along with wear and tear on my car since I'm not racing home during lunch. If you factor those savings, it greatly exceeds when compared to the Max4's "initial perceived savings". Your situation may be different than mine.

I own an IceMaster 100. I'm only aware of one issue that it had up until about a year ago. Perhaps you can point out "there are enough reported issues with the original Icemaster 100"? Specifically what "enough issues"? If you truly believe that statement, then simply don't buy it and stop looking at it and look into other manufactures.

 

[crooow]

I guess it depends if you already have any controllers or pumps. The savings may seem attractive but at what cost? You are limited to only four pumps/controllers vs the IceMaster 100. The IceMaster 100 has 10 stainless steel bulkheads so you could add a fifth pump/controller if needed. But I suspect most would not need a fifth pump/controller.

The real "cost" with the Max4 is that it does not have Wifi capability in the controllers. I bought Inkbird Wifi ITC-308 controllers in December and they are fantastic! I use a Tilt and now with the Inkbird Wifi ITC-308, I do not need to plan my work day lunch that will allow me to go home to adjust the temp. For me, I rather pay a little extra so as I have more options and flexibility. Heck, now with the Inkbird Wifi ITC-308, I'm saving time, gas, along with wear and tear on my car since I'm not racing home during lunch. If you factor those savings, it greatly exceeds when compared to the Max4's "initial perceived savings". Your situation may be different than mine.

I own an IceMaster 100. I'm only aware of one issue that it had up until about a year ago. Perhaps you can point out "there are enough reported issues with the original Icemaster 100"? Specifically what "enough issues"? If you truly believe that statement, then simply don't buy it and stop looking at it and look into other manufactures.

You raise a good point about the limit to four pumps/controllers. I don’t plan on using more than 3, but you never know. I’ll also check out that Inkbird ITC-308

As for “enough issues”, I’m just going off of the latest reviews of the Icemaster 100 on the morebeer website. The most recent 3 reviews all report issues with having to fix the drain. I’m glad to hear you haven’t had any problems with it though.

 

[CodeSection]

You raise a good point about the limit to four pumps/controllers. I don’t plan on using more than 3, but you never know. I’ll also check out that Inkbird ITC-308

As for “enough issues”, I’m just going off of the latest reviews of the Icemaster 100 on the morebeer website. The most recent 3 reviews all report issues with having to fix the drain. I’m glad to hear you haven’t had any problems with it though.

Yes, the drain plug leaking is the only real issue that I am aware of. With that said, I believe they have changed the drain plug with a different type of tubing, seal and plug.

Another HBT member bought an IceMaster100 around the same time period when I did. His unit had the old orange drain plug with a small leak. He said it was an easy fix. Mine, on the other hand, had a blue band around the drain plug and has not developed any leak. My belief is that new units being produced do not have any leaking drain issues. Hopefully, old inventory has been depleted.

Below are links I believe you will find useful...

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/forum/...ycol-chiller-with-stainless-bulkheads.667259/

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/forum/...s-penguin-vs-any-others-not-diy.668671/page-2

I bought these when they were 50% 0ff...$25. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PVBG8K1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use these pumps since they are powerful and smaller than MBs. https://spikebrewing.com/collections/conical-accessories/products/cooling-pump-1

I use these since they already have the insulation on them. https://spikebrewing.com/collections/conical-accessories/products/insulated-tubing

 

[crooow]

Yes, the drain plug leaking is the only real issue that I am aware of. With that said, I believe they have changed the drain plug with a different type of tubing, seal and plug.

Another HBT member bought an IceMaster100 around the same time period when I did. His unit had the old orange drain plug with a small leak. He said it was an easy fix. Mine, on the other hand, had a blue band around the drain plug and has not developed any leak. My belief is that new units being produced do not have any leaking drain issues. Hopefully, old inventory has been depleted.

Below are links I believe you will find useful...

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/forum/...ycol-chiller-with-stainless-bulkheads.667259/

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/forum/...s-penguin-vs-any-others-not-diy.668671/page-2

I bought these when they were 50% 0ff...$25. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PVBG8K1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use these pumps since they are powerful and smaller than MBs. https://spikebrewing.com/collections/conical-accessories/products/cooling-pump-1

I use these since they already have the insulation on them. https://spikebrewing.com/collections/conical-accessories/products/insulated-tubing

Thanks for these links. I've got some reading to do!

 

[augiedoggy]

keep in mind that you can make this using the very same $3 temp controllers they use with the same $18 pumps...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/C12V-Therm...hash=item28682d5e4e:m:mMKA1c7eiZf3hTJg1A9WwWw

personally I went a different rout and did what all the breweries do.. I made a cpvc manifold and just used a beverage line chiller with built in pump along with some cheap $3 solenoid valves to turn on flow to whatever conicals need it at the time.
lots of ways to approach this. I use brucontrol software to control temps on all my conicals as well as my chiller itself.. it even gives my graphs to show how often the chilling need to kick on. this also can all be accessed remotely if wanted.

 

[NewJersey]

keep in mind that you can make this using the very same $3 temp controllers they use with the same $18 pumps...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/C12V-Therm...hash=item28682d5e4e:m:mMKA1c7eiZf3hTJg1A9WwWw

personally I went a different rout and did what all the breweries do.. I made a cpvc manifold and just used a beverage line chiller with built in pump along with some cheap $3 solenoid valves to turn on flow to whatever conicals need it at the time.
lots of ways to approach this. I use brucontrol software to control temps on all my conicals as well as my chiller itself.. it even gives my graphs to show how often the chilling need to kick on. this also can all be accessed remotely if wanted.

Your ultra diy/professional brewery scale approach often makes your advice not so valuable even tho it's obvious you are very knowledgeable.
I'm just waiting for someone to mention the same "$18 pumps" and for you to take it even further saying something along the lines of, "well you can build those pumps for $11 with components from Ali Express"

 

[verboten]

I bought my ice master a little over a month ago. no issues with mine.

I turned the controller all the way down and control it with a wifi inkbird and will end up building a manifold with only a single pump in the chiller.

 

[augiedoggy]

Your ultra diy/professional brewery scale approach often makes your advice not so valuable even tho it's obvious you are very knowledgeable.
I'm just waiting for someone to mention the same "$18 pumps" and for you to take it even further saying something along the lines of, "well you can build those pumps for $11 with components from Ali Express"

Just pointing out for the folks who can make use of the information... No need to get worked up over it. My comment wasnt directed at any one person but rather useful information for those who actually like to know what there buying. For some people looking at their options, knowing the cost and quality and what goes into what they may be considering purchasing is useful info. At the very least people who already own them now know they can buy matching replacement parts or add controls for more conicals for very little $$ on ebay.
Same goes with my mentioning the different approach I took at controlling my temps. for some people who might be reading this thread, they might be totally unaware of the other options out there and Im not the only one to chime in sharing other options. We are all DIY here on some level or we wouldnt be here. We would be at the store buying beer.

 

[postalbunny]

keep in mind that you can make this using the very same $3 temp controllers they use with the same $18 pumps...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/C12V-Therm...hash=item28682d5e4e:m:mMKA1c7eiZf3hTJg1A9WwWw

personally I went a different rout and did what all the breweries do.. I made a cpvc manifold and just used a beverage line chiller with built in pump along with some cheap $3 solenoid valves to turn on flow to whatever conicals need it at the time.
lots of ways to approach this. I use brucontrol software to control temps on all my conicals as well as my chiller itself.. it even gives my graphs to show how often the chilling need to kick on. this also can all be accessed remotely if wanted.

question on your solenoid... can you link them? I already built a manifold with a bypass and on/off 1/2' outputs for using a window hvac as a chiller during knock out. I'd did so with the intention that if I ever decide to glycol chill my fermenters i'd just T-off the in and out of the manifold with a solenoid. Seemed like an easier way to go than getting pumps for each chiller, then needing a bigger chugger style pump to make it through the plate chiller for knockout. I just bought one pump that had enough GPH to handle the knock out, and subsequent fermenters.

I'm having trouble locating reliable cheap solenoids that i'd trust. Currently thinking of using a 1/4 or 1/2 solenoid at 120V so i could just plug it into an inkbird308 that I already have. I'm finding a lot of options around $20-50 mark but that seems crazy expensive for what I need.