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Mash Sample Chiller

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Phlyborn

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Ok, so after forgetting a mash sample for pH testing in the freezer I decided to try something different. With all that goes on during brew day and trying to keep speed in mind I fabricated this little chiller out of a 1gal. paint can from HD and some small spare tubing with a little funnel. With some ice water filling the can my thinking is the wort would chill to measuring temp for the pH sample. I'm going to test it next brew day.
So as it was being built I'm wondering, is this not necessary/overkill or worth the build?
Could this be made a better way maybe?
View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1470077990.062612.jpgView attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1470078003.770614.jpgView attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1470078035.747618.jpg
 
To each their own, but this seems like way overkill to me. You mentioned forgetting your mash sample in the freezer - might I suggest you freeze the empty collection vessel prior to taking the sample? This way you can't forget the sample in the freezer, because it never goes into the freezer.

I use a shot glass. Put it in the freezer when I start heating the strike water, and by the time I'm 20 minutes into the mash and ready to pull the sample it's ice cold. Dip it in the MLT to get a sample, let it sit at room temp for a couple minutes and the temp of the sample is <80°F. Drop the pH probe in the shot glass and take a reading.
 
To each their own, but this seems like way overkill to me. You mentioned forgetting your mash sample in the freezer - might I suggest you freeze the empty collection vessel prior to taking the sample? This way you can't forget the sample in the freezer, because it never goes into the freezer.

I use a shot glass. Put it in the freezer when I start heating the strike water, and by the time I'm 20 minutes into the mash and ready to pull the sample it's ice cold. Dip it in the MLT to get a sample, let it sit at room temp for a couple minutes and the temp of the sample is <80°F. Drop the pH probe in the shot glass and take a reading.

I tried that this weekend using a sampling glass, and it worked pretty well. Next time I'll try it with shot glass.
 
I tried that this weekend using a sampling glass, and it worked pretty well. Next time I'll try it with shot glass.

Try to find a nice solid shot glass. Some definitely have more heft to them (thicker walls, thicker bottom). I find that helps a lot since there's more cold mass.


Ha, yeah I'm thinking it's overkill.

Like I said, to each their own. If it works for your setup, I say use it. If nothing else, it's quite impressive and much more refined of a method.
 
Or, better yet, a freezer mug: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00772PGVC/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Just freeze it a few hours prior and the ice that forms in between the sleeves will chill the same right down with some stirring. Just make sure the mug is plastic as the thermal shock from boiling wort hitting frozen glass may make the glass ones shatter.
 
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