Pros & Cons on stainless steel vs copper? Cleaning. Durability. Effectiveness. Bargain. Thanks for any insight.
I went stainless with NY Brew Supply. Did the research here on the forum and other places and decided that I preferred SS. I like the look of the stainless better.
I also just bought a 50 foot SS chiller from NY brew supply. Great price; great chiller.
Copper is slightly better with heat transfer, but I believe it's a matter of 2 minutes over a 5 gallon batch (I'll see if I can find the video). Also "trace amounts of copper can be beneficial to yeast & the fermentation process."
Stainless steel is easier to clean, cheaper (at NYBS it's about a $5 difference from copper to SS), looks nicer, and a bit more durable. I timed the 50 foot SS chiller when I chilled my last partial boil (2.5 gallons), and it brought it from 195 degrees to 65 degrees in about 6-7 minutes (I forgot to start the timer, so I was off by a bit...)
If you go to my YouTube channel (link in sig), I made a video of the SS 50 footer from NY brew supply.
EDIT: And here's the head to head video I was talking about (This is not my video):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz4CoITHX3M
At 94% efficiency, if it takes 20 minutes to cool to pitching temps with copper, it would take 21.2 minutes (1minute 12 seconds longer) with stainless.
Pez.
Noticed they did not stir the water. I stir mine, move the IC up and down, and find it cools super fast.
I don't think it makes any difference so would shop on price. I keep reading this stuff about SS being easier to clean but don't see how it could be any easier than my cleaning regimen. I spray it off with a hose, blow the water out, and put in back in the closet.
I haven't owned a copper one, so I can't say for sure, but I think it refers to the tarnish and green that can build up on the copper. Just a guess though.
In the long run I'm sure it's a lot like saying the copper ones chill quicker when it's really a matter of 1-2 minutes difference. Honestly, you really can't go wrong with either one. They'll both do the job and last a long, long time.
Wow; so many respondents so quickly. Love this forum. Going SS. Appreciate everyone taking their time to help. I'll be sure to take advantage of your generosity again. Cheers.
I also just bought a 50 foot SS chiller from NY brew supply. Great price; great chiller.
Copper is slightly better with heat transfer, but I believe it's a matter of 2 minutes over a 5 gallon batch (I'll see if I can find the video). Also "trace amounts of copper can be beneficial to yeast & the fermentation process."
Stainless steel is easier to clean, cheaper (at NYBS it's about a $5 difference from copper to SS), looks nicer, and a bit more durable. I timed the 50 foot SS chiller when I chilled my last partial boil (2.5 gallons), and it brought it from 195 degrees to 65 degrees in about 6-7 minutes (I forgot to start the timer, so I was off by a bit...)
If you go to my YouTube channel (link in sig), I made a video of the SS 50 footer from NY brew supply.
EDIT: And here's the head to head video I was talking about (This is not my video):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz4CoITHX3M
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