Counterflow Wort Chiller Build (and use)

[Trippel-A]

It's something I want to learn, actually. I just don't know when I'll find the time.

 

[wbarber69]

Like I said, if I had the choice of building a cfc or paying for a plate chiller, id make a cfc. but the plate chiller was basically free. I've just learned not to buy pellet hops, ever.

 

[bokk]

Awesome!

 

[Tiber_Brew]

Like I said, if I had the choice of building a cfc or paying for a plate chiller, id make a cfc. but the plate chiller was basically free. I've just learned not to buy pellet hops, ever.

I don't think anyone here would blame you, or anyone, for buying a plate chiller. The only claim I take issue with is comparing them as the same, and with the same capabilities. They are in fact different, with different pros and cons, and neither is objectively better than the other. Determining which design is right for you will depend on what your needs are.

 

[stever1000]

I started making one today without reviewing the order of the steps... I have the copper tube inside the hose and rolled it into shape, zip tied it nice and neat and realized...

Should I have soldered all the pieces onto the copper tube first? I imagine the torch will melt the black hose as I solder the copper?

 

[JLeuck64]

Yes you should solder up as much of it as possible before installing those end pieces. What I did was solder up both end pieces separately then install them and solder the ends, where the 3/8" copper tubing pushes through the end caps.
HTH

 

[Tiber_Brew]

Yes you should solder up as much of it as possible before installing those end pieces. What I did was solder up both end pieces separately then install them and solder the ends, where the 3/8" copper tubing pushes through the end caps.
HTH

This is what I did, too.

 

[Calypso]

I'm working on this build and ran into a snag. I went to check the fit of the Ts on the copper pipe / hose, and the reducer is too big? I bought the 1/2 to 3/8" reducer that you listed. And I swear that I bought 3/8" copper coil. Where did I go wrong, and how can I fix it? Thanks!

 

[topher1086]

Yea... The 3/8 coil needs a 1/4 fitting to fit right. I just got done building this last week. I couldn't find any 1/2 to 1/4 couplers in store. I ordered these on Amazon Couple 1/2x1/4" Copper https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RKDMY4/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[Calypso]

Yea... The 3/8 coil needs a 1/4 fitting to fit right. I just got done building this last week. I couldn't find any 1/2 to 1/4 couplers in store. I ordered these on Amazon Couple 1/2x1/4" Copper https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RKDMY4/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Okay, thanks!

 

[Calypso]

Also, I realized today that the hose I bought is rated for up to 160F. Is that going to be okay, or is it going to melt when the hot water comes out the far end?

 

[RedlegEd]

Also, I realized today that the hose I bought is rated for up to 160F. Is that going to be okay, or is it going to melt when the hot water comes out the far end?

Hi. I don't think it will melt. I believe the rating is for pressure at that temperature. The only time you'll have a really hot (i.e. 212°F) liquid going through the inner piping is when you sanitize 10 minutes before flame out by recirculating boiling wort through the core. Otherwise, once it's in use, you have cold water buffering the outer hose against the inner core. Ed

 

[stever1000]

I installed a temp gauge on the wort outlet, I recirculate into the kettle until the temperature reaches 68F on the gauge then I transfer to fermenting bucket

If the water is cold enough, I can chill directly into the fermenter