Jockey box deal? Steal?

[Howhownow]

Found this deal for a jockey box online.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Draft-Box-Coil-Cooler-Jockey-Box-Homebrewing/32221828366.html

I know some folks on here have bough from this site before, maybe not this specific seller. The seller does looks to have good general feedback, but the item doesn't have any.
I can return it, but I'd have to cover shipping, so that's kind of a non-starter.

I am so incredibly skeptical of this... but the cheapskate in me is also having strong feelings. Even if the cooler gets tossed (which may happen either way), it's still a great deal.
I worry about the type of stainless in the coils...

 

[brew_ny]

what are the taps? SS ?

I looked but I could not find out

thanks

S_M

 

[Howhownow]

Gonna go out on a limb and say likely not. I've got an extra standard faucet or two laying around, and frankly, for this price, I could pick up a couple of Perlicks and it would still be a deal.

I emailed the seller asking about the steel for the coils, and what connections there were for beer in. Asked as much as anything to check if there was a person on the other end with any interest in actually answering a question.
If they come back with a satisfactory response, I'll likely pull the trigger.

 

[DrunkleJon]

Looks like the taps are just chromed ones. If you do end up ordering one let us know. I have been thinking about getting a jockey box for this summer and this isnt a bad deal if it is nice.

 

[rekoob]

I haven't really looked into these but seems like you could make one for less than that. I really don't know, like I said, I haven't looked into it.

Out of curiosity has anyone tried using a plate chiller for this process? maybe drop it into a bucket or cooler of ice water and use a small pond pump or something to just recirculate the surrounding ice water through the plate chiller during a pour?

Just a thought. If it would work you would at least have a dual purpose plate chiller.

 

[govner1]

Found this deal for a jockey box online.



http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Draft-Box-Coil-Cooler-Jockey-Box-Homebrewing/32221828366.html



I know some folks on here have bough from this site before, maybe not this specific seller. The seller does looks to have good general feedback, but the item doesn't have any.

I can return it, but I'd have to cover shipping, so that's kind of a non-starter.



I am so incredibly skeptical of this... but the cheapskate in me is also having strong feelings. Even if the cooler gets tossed (which may happen either way), it's still a great deal.

I worry about the type of stainless in the coils...

I recently purchased a very similar item on eBay. Only about $50 more.
The overall quality was pretty good. Especially the two 50' SS coils. My only real criticism is w/ the poor quality of the clamps connecting the tubing to the coils, shanks, etc. I found four leaks on the first use. I'm replacing all the connections w/ more robust clamps to solve the problem.
Also, the taps are self closing, rear seal, & don't always close completely. I'll replace these w/ two extra Ventmatics I have on hand.

 

[kikbuty]

Ok, I'm still a newbie having only made 3 batches of mead but I see one 'minor' issue with this item.

It ships from mainland China. Is there going to be added import fees? Is the posted price including them?

Amazon might have a better deal. OR any other local home brew shop. Or other stateside online shop.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Howhownow]

Got a response to my inquiry last night:

Hi ,
Thanks for your email.
1.The coils made from stainless steel 304 .
2.I will show you some photoes tomorrow.

best regards,
Cindy


Seems about as legit as you could hope for from a site/product like this.

Also, it looks like the shipping went up- I swear it was under $100 the first time I looked. I have ordered quite a few items from china, and I have never had an issue with extra cost for shipping/duties. The only problem I have run into is when you get something that needs to be returned (a very real possibility with the quality of items coming from that part of the world). It's a risk you take, and why you do your homework.

In the mean time, I got antsy rolling the idea around in my head and went a different way. Bought a nice 2 pass cold plate and fittings on NB, planning to run beer through both passes and use it as a single box. May add another tap later.
AND I won this on ebay last night for everything to live in:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/371321553302