Really close to pulling the trigger on this one.

[chaoxad]

I've read over all the forums and I would like to address some specific concerns of mine before pulling the trigger on this one.

1. I only do 5 gallon batches now but in the future I would like to build a Keggle. Should I future proof and go with the 50 footer for when I do the larger batches?

2. Besides a DIY, does anyone know of a site that has a better price shipped than the below chiller? I have looked around quite a bit and this seems like my best solution.

3. Can anyone speak on the quality of the NY Brew Supply Chillers quality from personal experience.

4. Any other better recommendations within the $80 range?

http://www.amazon.com/Efficient-Chiller-NY-Brew-Supply/dp/B004D4NM9K/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1309558786&sr=8-5


Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions!

 

[37OliveStBrews]

Honestly,
If space permits and your feeling adventurous build your own counter flow chiller with a smaller run of flexible copper. You can pick up a hose, copper, and fittings for close to the price of what you are looking at from NY Brew Supply, but you will get a much more efficient chiller. Or pick up a plate chiller. I went the DIY CFC route because I don't have a pump and was afraid of clogging up the plate chiller not to mention sanitizing/cleaning. CFC is easy to clean and sanitize.

 

[chaoxad]

I was really trying to avoid the DIY route with this one.

The price of copper is so high in TN, it's not even worth it for me to make one. I can get the same thing, shipped for less than the cost to build one.

I have looked up and down and studied the pros and cons between CFC and immersion chillers, plate chillers. I really can't find a more suitable solution for me than a simple immersion chiller.
I'm just torn between the 25 and 50 ft model and the vendor.

------------------------------------------------------------

I like the idea of a CFC, but I also hear that they can get stopped up with hops... Not really interested in the beer moving around either or the process to clean it out.
I'm not completely opposed to the idea, but I would like some other specific products through vendors within my budget... Around $80.

Not really feeling the DIY on this one...

 

[37OliveStBrews]

I understand copper is expensive, but if you take the IC and convert it the. You are only adding the additional cost of hose and a few fittings. Totally worth it. The IC I had was a 25' and with ice water recirculating through it took 20-25 mins to chill a 5 gallon batch to pitching temps. The CFC takes as long as it takes to empty the brew pot.

 

[chaoxad]

Well, this was my second thought/option...

Obviously you prob think it's a better one?

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/wiki/index.php/How_to_make_a_Counter_Flow_Chiller

 

[37OliveStBrews]

Yes that is what I did. Loved it. Had never soldered until I did this build.

 

[chaoxad]

I have soldered quite a bit, but never sweat copper pipe before.

I will need to buy the blow torch and all the parts.
Should still prob be under $80 i'm guessing.

Did you go with the solid rubber hose or did you just use a cheap-o garden hose.

Also, can I circulate really icy cold water through this or soak the chiller in a pool of ice water?
I don't have a pump, so i'm wondering how I will recirculate cold water or if one pass should be enough?
Maybe buy a cheap pump? Suggestions?

 

[37OliveStBrews]

Sorry I meant sweating copper not soldering, shows you how much I know. I bought a quality Goodyear rubber hose at Home Depot for 30 bucks. I use a 1/2 hp sump pump in a rubbermaid tote filled with ice water that recirculates ice water through the chiller. The hose plus copper parts plus propane torch should come in under 50.

 

[emjay]

Sorry I meant sweating copper not soldering, shows you how much I know. I bought a quality Goodyear rubber hose at Home Depot for 30 bucks. I use a 1/2 hp sump pump in a rubbermaid tote filled with ice water that recirculates ice water through the chiller. The hose plus copper parts plus propane torch should come in under 50.

Sweating copper IS soldering, so no worries

 

[chaoxad]

Sweating copper IS soldering, so no worries

OK, good...

I'm just use to using soldering irons.

I guess the idea behind it is the same? Heat the pipe up and apply lead-free solder until it fills in the joints. Right?

 

[37OliveStBrews]

OK, good...

I'm just use to using soldering irons.

I guess the idea behind it is the same? Heat the pipe up and apply lead-free solder until it fills in the joints. Right?

Yes but be sure to apply flux to both pieces. Heat and then allow solder to suck in. If you end up with a leak that you find on a test run remember that you have to let all parts dry before re sweating otherwise water won't allow a seal.

 

[chaoxad]

Yes but be sure to apply flux to both pieces. Heat and then allow solder to suck in. If you end up with a leak that you find on a test run remember that you have to let all parts dry before re sweating otherwise water won't allow a seal.

Aww Flux!

I will be sure to apply that to both sides.

Thanks for all the great advice, I believe I will pull the trigger on the parts for this build tomorrow.

 

[37OliveStBrews]

Keep us posted on your build and how everything goes. Best of luck.

 

[chaoxad]

Keep us posted on your build and how everything goes. Best of luck.

Will do, thanks!

:fro:

 

[yessri]

Before fluxing the pieces, the contact area needs to be rendered shiny (and dry as noted before) for a solid joint. Emery paper is good, any fine grit sandpaper will work. Have a good time with it!

 

[chrisdb]

fine steel wool works well to clean coppper ends...and I like to give the joint a wipe with a dry cotton rag after the solder flows into it- just to make it look pretty.
don't forget to wear work gloves

 

[tesilential]

I just went for an IC. 3/8" copper is $3.50 a foot here.

 

[betarhoalphadelta]

When you start getting up to 10 gallon batches, even an immersion chiller isn't very quick. I used to use a 25' immersion chiller + plus a prechiller, and chilling was not the quickest thing in the world.

I'd recommend a DIY CFC...

 

[chaoxad]

Well I finished everything up this morning.
Little extra uncovered copper on the ends and the welds aren't the prettiest, but I'm pleased by how it turned out.

From copper end-to-end it's about a 26'.

I had a few leaks last night when I tested so I decided to pick back up this morning after some rest.
I was also more confident in my abilities after taking a break... Always a good choice.
Finished off the soldering, tested for leaks (hence the garden sprayer) and it works great!

Thanks to everyone for your help!!
A special thanks to Bobby M for putting this fantastic tutorial together!

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/wiki/index.php/How_to_make_a_Counter_Flow_Chiller

 

[37OliveStBrews]

Looks awesome. Very clean well done. Your going to love it!

 

[chaoxad]

Looks awesome. Very clean well done. Your going to love it!

Thanks again man!

The price of copper actually surprised me when I got into the store. It wasn't as bad as I had expected.
When I called the store earlier to check prices with an associate, I was told that the copper would run me $120.

I'm glad I decided to go check for myself.

A roll of 3/8 50' at Lowes ran me $56. Found the "Good Year" rubber hose at Home Depot for $30 and all the other copper and ties ran me about $10. Not to mention I had one of those 10% off coupons that they send you when you change your address.

Best part now is that I have 25 feet of Copper left to build an immersion chiller, pre-chiller or another Counter-flow chiller if anyone is interested.