Ok, I've only brewed two batches thus far, but I'm done with trying to cool 4 gallons of hot wort in an ice bath. It's nearly 10 miles to the closest store that sells big bags of ice and they aren't cheap. Not to mention the long time needed to cool to pitching temps.
Since I like making things I was poking around for prices on the materials to make my own immersion chiller. They are pretty simple devices so I knew it wouldn't be a whole lot of trouble. But I was actually kind of shocked once I started pricing the copper tube. Around here about the best I can do on 50' of 1/2" is anywhere from $100-$125.
Just for simple comparison sake, you can pick up a 50' chiller from midwest for $115 + about $12 shipping and it already has fittings.
Am I missing something here? Is there a super secret discount copper place online where you can get tubing for like half off? I'm sure I could still save a couple bucks making my own, but after you figure in fittings and the time involved I'm not sure I need to save 5 dollars that badly.
Since I like making things I was poking around for prices on the materials to make my own immersion chiller. They are pretty simple devices so I knew it wouldn't be a whole lot of trouble. But I was actually kind of shocked once I started pricing the copper tube. Around here about the best I can do on 50' of 1/2" is anywhere from $100-$125.
Just for simple comparison sake, you can pick up a 50' chiller from midwest for $115 + about $12 shipping and it already has fittings.
Am I missing something here? Is there a super secret discount copper place online where you can get tubing for like half off? I'm sure I could still save a couple bucks making my own, but after you figure in fittings and the time involved I'm not sure I need to save 5 dollars that badly.