Decisions on Glyco Chiller

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I'm looking at the same two units myself. It'll be going in my basement, so I don't have to worry about the same temperature issues as you, but I'm having a hard time making a decision. I'll be chilling two CF10 conicals and after buying one of the pumps from Spike, I'll be buying some submersible aquarium pumps with a little more power behind them.

I have been looking at the Penguin Glycol Chillers and had a few questions regarding the 1/3 HP vs the 1/2 HP. So, this morning I called them and spoke with Eric. He was great in answering all of my questions which convinced me that when I order a unit, it will be the 1/2 HP model....it is only $120 more in cost.

One of the questions I asked was about the glycol pump that they sell vs other pumps I could buy elsewhere. Eric assured me their glycol pump (https://www.penguinchillers.com/product/glycol-pump/) is more than adequate for most situations. He emphasized the real issue for pumps is their size so that they fit in the reservoir. I asked him about the pump I bought from Spike Brewing and he said it is the exact glycol pump they sell.

 

[Blazinlow86]

While thats a good option for some that would cost me a fortune in fridges and electric not to mention I dont have the space for 4 upright full sized fridges in my brewing room.. surprisingly the single chiller I do have does not really effect my electric bill or run all that often when controlling all four fermenters. I also dont see from that photo how to heat the fermenter... Its a necessity for me to be able to perform dialectal rests and complete slow or stuck fermentation.

I was fortunate to get this one from a member of my brew club for 50- 70$. For heating I just reused the 100watt bulb in a paint can I used when I had carboys and a chest freezer. Size wise for me because i have the cf15 and its a tight fit i actually save on floor space as the freezer itself is the same if not smaller footprint than a chiller and of course you dont need additional space for the conical this way. If you know your gonna get 4 smaller conicals or a single 1+ bbl glycol is a good option. Additionally if it works better for your specific process/situation for any reason then it's also the better choice. I just like to point out that it's possibly the most expensive/complicated way to cool 2-4 cases of beer and wont make a better end product. Not hating at all. Just reminding people that you don't need glycol to cool a conical. Cheers

 

[WBCo]

One of the questions I asked was about the glycol pump that they sell vs other pumps I could buy elsewhere. Eric assured me their glycol pump (https://www.penguinchillers.com/product/glycol-pump/) is more than adequate for most situations. He emphasized the real issue for pumps is their size so that they fit in the reservoir. I asked him about the pump I bought from Spike Brewing and he said it is the exact glycol pump they sell.

I assumed they were the same, by looking at pictures, which is why I went with the Spike pump. It's $9 cheaper and I already had free shipping from Spike because of the other equipment I purchased. I already have it so I'm gonna give it a shot, but the size of it definitely gives me pause, especially for the price.

 

[augiedoggy]

I assumed they were the same, by looking at pictures, which is why I went with the Spike pump. It's $9 cheaper and I already had free shipping from Spike because of the other equipment I purchased. I already have it so I'm gonna give it a shot, but the size of it definitely gives me pause, especially for the price.

These pumps can also be bought on amazon and ebay for about $20 shipped...

heres the same pump with threaded ports for $12 shipped...
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=dc+pump+12v&_sop=12

this pump is also a great choice..
https://www.ebay.com/itm/12VOLT-DC-...179695?hash=item2c8766266f:gnwAAOxyTjNSplWb

Brau supply used to sell these ones as wort pumps for $50 too