Brewbuilt Coolstix? Anyone used this?

[HopsAreGood]

Has anyone used this before and if so how do you like it? (The link is for a Speidel fermenter but they can be used with most common fermenters)

https://www.morebeer.com/products/brewbuilt-coolstix-30l-speidel-fermenter-pump-kit.html

I ferment in a chest freezer that also doubles as my serving vessel, so I have to alternate what I’m using it for...unless using kveik or another yeast that doesn’t need temp control. This seems like a good way to dial in ferm temps without the use of the chest freezer. I searched around but found very few reviews.

Thanks

 

[Jtvann]

I've never used it, so take this with a grain of salt.

I think it would be comparable to a brewjacket type cooling unit. There is very little surface contact. When active fermentation is going, movement and recirculation of the beer, it would probably work just fine. When active fermentation slows, effectiveness drops drastically. Cold crashing may be difficult. If possible at all, it would take a very long time.

Its arguable if you even need precise control outside of active fermentation though. For that reason, I'd give the product a shot. I think it would be a good option for a glass carboy where very few options will fit in the narrow neck.

 

[HopsAreGood]

I've never used it, so take this with a grain of salt.

I think it would be comparable to a brewjacket type cooling unit. There is very little surface contact. When active fermentation is going, movement and recirculation of the beer, it would probably work just fine. When active fermentation slows, effectiveness drops drastically. Cold crashing may be difficult. If possible at all, it would take a very long time.

Its arguable if you even need precise control outside of active fermentation though. For that reason, I'd give the product a shot. I think it would be a good option for a glass carboy where very few options will fit in the narrow neck.

Thanks...one of the few reviews that I could find says pretty much the same thing, that it does a very good job keeping temps where you want them during active fermentation but cold crashing is nearly impossible.

I typically only do a soft crash to around 58-60 to drop some yeast before transferring to a keg, where it then properly crashes. So that’s not really a huge issue for me personally.

 

[Jtvann]

Thanks...one of the few reviews that I could find says pretty much the same thing, that it does a very good job keeping temps where you want them during active fermentation but cold crashing is nearly impossible.

I typically only do a soft crash to around 58-60 to drop some yeast before transferring to a keg, where it then properly crashes. So that’s not really a huge issue for me personally.

Yeah I used to use a brewjacket and overall liked it. It wasnt great at the very start of fermentation, right at yeast pitch. I'd see some over and under shooting. As soon as things got busy, it worked great. Then as things slowed, it started dropping off again. I think the danger zone of tight temp control is usually passed by that point.

If you try it, let me know. I've got an old glass carboy I'm considering making wine for my wife with. I could integrate it into my glycol chiller.

 

[yowzers]

I don't use the coolstix thing, but I do use this one: https://ballandkeg.com/temperature-control-loop.php
It's the same concept, but the Ball and Keg unit may have more surface area since it is a true loop of tubing. If I insulate my Fermonster with an old blanket, I can easily do lagers in mid-summer. I've been able to cold crash to mid-40's with the Ball and Keg unit, but no lower. It is not at all like the Brewjacket as I use ice water in a cheap cooler. I usually cool my wort to less than 100 F and then move it to the fermenter. The cooling coil can get it down to sub-70 F in a couple hours. It works very well if you don't mind swapping ice jugs out once or twice per day. Hope this helps.

 

[HopsAreGood]

I don't use the coolstix thing, but I do use this one: https://ballandkeg.com/temperature-control-loop.php
It's the same concept, but the Ball and Keg unit may have more surface area since it is a true loop of tubing. If I insulate my Fermonster with an old blanket, I can easily do lagers in mid-summer. I've been able to cold crash to mid-40's with the Ball and Keg unit, but no lower. It is not at all like the Brewjacket as I use ice water in a cheap cooler. I usually cool my wort to less than 100 F and then move it to the fermenter. The cooling coil can get it down to sub-70 F in a couple hours. It works very well if you don't mind swapping ice jugs out once or twice per day. Hope this helps.

I did a little more research and went ahead and bought this. I think the extra surface area definitely helps. I also ordered another inkbird, and I got a small submersible pump that meets the requirements listed on the ball and keg site. (100 gph and compatible with 1/4” tubing)

Paid $102 including shipping for the three separate items whereas the complete kits on morebeer go for $129-$159.

I’ll come back with a picture of it all set up once I have everything and put it to use.

@yowzers

Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[yowzers]

I did a little more research and went ahead and bought this. I think the extra surface area definitely helps. I also ordered another inkbird, and I got a small submersible pump that meets the requirements listed on the ball and keg site. (100 gph and compatible with 1/4” tubing)

Paid $102 including shipping for the three separate items whereas the complete kits on morebeer go for $129-$159.

I’ll come back with a picture of it all set up once I have everything and put it to use.

@yowzers

Thanks for the suggestion!

I think you'll like the Ball and Keg set-up. I set my Inkbird to control to +/- 1 F and it starts and stops the pump to hold right on that temp. I use one of those cheap Styrofoam coolers and punched a couple holes in it for the hoses and pump plug. For ales I only have to swap two ice jugs once per day. For lagers in the summer, I tend to do it twice per day.

 

[HopsAreGood]

I think you'll like the Ball and Keg set-up. I set my Inkbird to control to +/- 1 F and it starts and stops the pump to hold right on that temp. I use one of those cheap Styrofoam coolers and punched a couple holes in it for the hoses and pump plug. For ales I only have to swap two ice jugs once per day. For lagers in the summer, I tend to do it twice per day.

About how much water do you keep in the cooler?

 

[yowzers]

About how much water do you keep in the cooler?

Only enough to submerge the pump by a few inches. More water does not really help IMO.