New Wort Chiller - Should I Be Worried?

[jim12180]

So I just used my brand new copper wort chiller today for the first time. In my haste, I neglected to research proper cleaning techniques for first time use. I gave the whole thing a good rub down with a some damp paper towels to clean it up, and then proceeded to use it in my Hefeweizen.

It worked great and brought me from 212 degrees Fahrenheit down to 75 degrees in record time. But after reading some stuff about vinegar solution and boiling before first time use on some other threads, should I be worried that something off-tasting and/or toxic is now inhabiting my fermenter?

 

[Tiber_Brew]

First, I presume this is an immersion chiller?

Any pics?

I gave the whole thing a good rub down with a some damp paper towels to clean it up, and then proceeded to use it in my Hefeweizen.

...boiling before first time use... should I be worried that something off-tasting and/or toxic is now inhabiting my fermenter?

Did you submerge the chiller in the boiling wort 15 minutes prior to killing the heat? If so (and if you wiped it down well beforehand), I would think you'd be fine. If anything, I'd be worried about getting any flux off of the copper if you soldered any fittings that might come in contact with your wort. Otherwise, I'd say you're in the clear.

TiberhopeyourbeerturnsoutfantasticBrew

 

[jim12180]

Yes, it is an immersion chiller (sorry, should have noted that) going into an aluminum brewpot.

I put it in the wort with about 8-10 minutes left in the boil. Cutting it too close?

Hmm...I'm usually a little more methodical about these things. Maybe I was just so excited to use the new piece of equipment...

 

[Tiber_Brew]

Yes, it is an immersion chiller (sorry, should have noted that) going into an aluminum brewpot.

I put it in the wort with about 8-10 minutes left in the boil. Cutting it too close?

Hmm...I'm usually a little more methodical about these things. Maybe I was just so excited to use the new piece of equipment...

I hear ya on the excitement factor.

I think you should be fine, but in the future, just for good measure, I would put the chiller in the boil for 15 minutes.

TiberjusttobesafeBrew

 

[devilishprune]

So I just used my brand new copper wort chiller today for the first time. In my haste, I neglected to research proper cleaning techniques for first time use. I gave the whole thing a good rub down with a some damp paper towels to clean it up, and then proceeded to use it in my Hefeweizen.

It worked great and brought me from 212 degrees Fahrenheit down to 75 degrees in record time. But after reading some stuff about vinegar solution and boiling before first time use on some other threads, should I be worried that something off-tasting and/or toxic is now inhabiting my fermenter?

You're probably thinking about pickling brass to remove the surface lead that may be present, not copper.