Counterflow wort chiller

[divernaz]

I've been trying to research this and have a pretty good idea of everything except the hose. Can I just use a regular garden hose even though it says not intended for heat? Since I'm running cooler water through the hose anyways is it really going to be subjected to enough heat that it could ruin the hose? There is heat rated hose for plumbing but at twice the cost. Thanks for all your help.

Ken

 

[Diver165]

That's all I have on mine. I picked up 2 cheap 25ft hoses from Home Depot and run my chiller. I have about 5 bucks in each. After a years worth of use I can't see any wear or effects from the heat. The water is only really hot for the first few min then it drops quickly.

 

[Rondacker]

Garden hose for the cooling water. Silicone on the wort side. Save the waste water for cleaning.

 

[AAIndigo]

Here's a link
http://www.suebob.com/index.php?opt...ler-build&catid=37:hardwareprojects&Itemid=64

Putting a thermometer at the end was brilliant, ensures proper temp.

I was going to make this but I used a plate chiller last week and decided that was the way I would go.

 

[Stevo2569]

That's all I have on mine. I picked up 2 cheap 25ft hoses from Home Depot and run my chiller. I have about 5 bucks in each. After a years worth of use I can't see any wear or effects from the heat. The water is only really hot for the first few min then it drops quickly.

I had my cheap hose burst during use and spray the brewroom and me down quite well. Had to improvise into a bucket with some towels covering it while I mopped the floor. I no longer have that design of chiller, but if I made another I would spend some more on the Good Year type hose that would not just burst out of nowhere.

 

[Homercidal]

I've used my CFC, built with an old garden hose, for years with no ill effect. Turn the water on for a minute or two before you start sending the hot wort and use some good clamps.

Be aware that there are several style of garden hose. What you have laying around might not be very good for a CFC.

 

[Diver165]

AH CRAP, yes Rondacker is right I totally misread that to say immersion chiller. In which 2 regular garden hoses are are totally fine.

BUT for a Counter Flow, you'll want just want Rondacker said, garden hose is fine for the water side and a silicone hose for the wort side. I dunno if one of those drinking water safe garden hoses will be OK or not. I wouldn't think it would hurt. But it's just not a good idea to use a regular garden hose on anything you intend to drink from. Silicone hoses aren't expensive. You could probably find some at Lowes or HD.

Note to self...stop answering questions when sleep deprived!!!