TheAleMaster
Well-Known Member
Hey folks,
I'm deciding on a plate chiller and have a couple of different options. I wanted to get some opinions on which you feel is the best combination of plates/fittings. I generally brew 5 gallon batches, with an occasional 10 gallon.
The cost of the two are nearly identical. The 40 plate small has slightly more total heat transfer area than the 20 plate medium (5.6 sq ft v. 4.94 sq ft). However, the 40 plate small comes only with 1/2" fittings whereas the 20 plate medium comes with 3/4" fittings. Would the smaller fittings restrict the flow of the cold water enough to negate the additional heat transfer area in the 40 plate? Or will I be fine to cool either 5 or 10 gallons in one pass* with the 40?
*Assume an average cold water temperature of 55 degrees.
Thanks!
I'm deciding on a plate chiller and have a couple of different options. I wanted to get some opinions on which you feel is the best combination of plates/fittings. I generally brew 5 gallon batches, with an occasional 10 gallon.
The cost of the two are nearly identical. The 40 plate small has slightly more total heat transfer area than the 20 plate medium (5.6 sq ft v. 4.94 sq ft). However, the 40 plate small comes only with 1/2" fittings whereas the 20 plate medium comes with 3/4" fittings. Would the smaller fittings restrict the flow of the cold water enough to negate the additional heat transfer area in the 40 plate? Or will I be fine to cool either 5 or 10 gallons in one pass* with the 40?
*Assume an average cold water temperature of 55 degrees.
Thanks!