Immersion Chiller

[sbsmann]

Finally picked up a little 50' immersion chiller to help me avoid the annoying ice bath procedure I've done too many times. I couldn't find anything in the forums but was curious if I need to do anything with a brand new chiller before putting into use? I realize it usually goes in the pot 15 minutes before end of boil to sanitize it, but curious if anything should be done beforehand (especially with it being new). And after a boil, I assume the best cleaning technique is to soak for 5-10 minutes in in PBW or Oxyclean? As usual, thanks for any advice.

 

[ChelisHubby]

You might want to hook it up and make sure it doesn't leak!

 

[LarMoeCur]

For sure test it for leaks! I'd still give a cleaning/soak with PBW or dish soap or oxyclean just to be safe. You just never know what was used in the manufacturing process. Its better to be sure its clean than see an oil slick floating on your finished wort.

 

[mulletmaster]

Clean to remove any mfg oils or residues as stated and leak check. Before firing up full blast on your maiden brew make sure you have a screw driver handy to re-tighten the hose clamps. My tubing got quite soft and leaked ,fortunately outside the kettle, and needed a half turn to stop leaking.

 

[sbsmann]

Good tip...thanks. I soaked/cleaned it and tested it successfully over the weekend. I like the idea of having a screwdriver handy on brew day. In fact I'll just have my entire toolbag close by for any/all potential emergencies

 

[mongoose33]

As noted, clean to remove manufacturing oils and check for leaks.

As for cleaning after each use....I never do. I spray it off in the sink. I'm not worried about sanitation as I put it in the kettle 15 minutes before knockout.

 

[dansensel]

Good tip...thanks. I soaked/cleaned it and tested it successfully over the weekend. I like the idea of having a screwdriver handy on brew day. In fact I'll just have my entire toolbag close by for any/all potential emergencies

If you can find a socket to fit the hose clamp screw it will work much better than a screw driver. Just my experience. I have slipped with a screw driver and cut the hose. DOH!!!

 

[WBB]

I would also keep some extra clamps on hand. I had mine disconnect at the incoming side of the hose barb. The plastic tube slipped right off the barb...water everywhere. And of course it happened when I turned my back and went inside for five minutes.

 

[brewbama]

I would also keep some extra clamps on hand. I had mine disconnect at the incoming side of the hose barb. The plastic tube slipped right off the barb...water everywhere. And of course it happened when I turned my back and went inside for five minutes.

I’ve had that happen as well. Luckily I was brewing outside that day. I quickly got a new Jaded Hydra with garden hose threads. No more disconnects.

 

[mullet6577]

If you can find a socket to fit the hose clamp screw it will work much better than a screw driver. Just my experience. I have slipped with a screw driver and cut the hose. DOH!!!

I've done the same but took a chunk out of my palm instead of cutting the hose. Nut driver of the correct size comes in very handy now

 

[Murphys_Law]

I’ve had that happen as well. Luckily I was brewing outside that day. I quickly got a new Jaded Hydra with garden hose threads. No more disconnects.

Ditto and I also quickly added quick disconnects to it because I’m too lazy mess with all the “screwing around”! [emoji1]

I run off the hose bib (fill about two buckets of hot water for cleaning) and them move to a pump submerged in an ice bath so that I can 1) save on water and 2) use the ice to get to a lower temp. QD made it easier to move things around.

 

[bendog15]

I love my jaded chiller. I use garden hose quick disconnects on it so easy to attach hoses to both ends. After my brew day, I soak it in my brew kettle with oxyclean. Hose it off and it sits outside until next brew day. Just a quick rinse off before I throw it in the kettle during last 15 minutes. Nothing can survive that boil.