CFCs – All-copper v. Hose outer tubing?

[jwbeard]

After perusing the boards, I must admit I'm still a bit unclear as to the pros/cons of an all-copper counter flow chiller v. a CFC with outer tubing made of hose might be. So far the only clear differences seem to be that hose-based CFCs are cheaper, and all-copper CFCs can be thrown in an oven to sterilize.

Since both need to be flushed with water pretty completely after a brew, the sterilization benefit seems a bit minor. Am I missing something? Why are all-copper CFCs worth an extra 50-80 bucks?

 

[duboman]

All copper CFC's are more expensive because they are all copper and because there is no immersion involved there is really no benefit to both the inside and outside being all copper although some will argue that the outside copper will dissipate heat more readily than a rubber hose.

I made my own CFC with the copper inside and hose outside and the whole thing cost me about $30.00 and took about 2 hours to make from start to finish. I already owned the hose so it was really the copper coil and fittings that cost me. If you need to buy a good quality rubber hose I would imagine total cost to be about $50.00

 

[roadymi]

I built a CFC for my son using 3/8 inner copper and a quality rubber 5/8 outer. 50' long. Works great. We always flush immediately after use, than run sanitizer thru it and cap the ends. We then run sanitizer thru again prior to next use. We are lucky to have approximately 55 degree ground water year around. We use a Marsh pump and at 50% flow, 200+ degree wort comes out 64-68.

 

[P-J]

All copper CFCs are really nice to use but can be really tricky to build properly.

You start by pulling one copper tube through the larger copper tube and then start your coiling:

Once the coil is complete you then have the project of fitting it up for use:

It can be a fairly difficult project for someone on the first go.
As you can tell, I've built a few.

Good luck and I wish you great success if you choose to build one.

P-J

 

[jwbeard]

Given my lack of familiarity with metal working, I'd probably be buying rather than making my CFC... You note they're nice(r?) to work with, which is the focus of my concern- are there aspects of the all-copper that make them worth the extra cost? I can find a hose-based CFC online new for 80 or cheaper used, but all-copper CFCs are a pretty penny more... Would rather save that cash for a pump if it's effectively the same!

 

[P-J]

Given my lack of familiarity with metal working, I'd probably be buying rather than making my CFC... You note they're nice(r?) to work with, which is the focus of my concern- are there aspects of the all-copper that make them worth the extra cost? I can find a hose-based CFC online new for 80 or cheaper used, but all-copper CFCs are a pretty penny more... Would rather save that cash for a pump if it's effectively the same!

My advice? Save your money. The copper in hose CFC works every bit as well as the all copper unit. BTW: the only maintainence that you need to perform on it is to flush the inside of the copper line immediately after use, drain it very well (this is critical if you store it outside in the winter) and cap the lines so that critters cannot get into it.

You will be making a good choice without problems. IMHO.

P-J