Shirron vs. Therminator

[ChefyTim]

OK, so I'm tired of the immersion chiller and the time it takes to chill my brews. While I am only doing 5 gallon batches I still would like to reduce the cool time and will likely be doing 10 gallon batches in the future.

So, I am wondering if it is really worth $100 more for the Terminator over the Shirron. I know the Therminator will chill the wort faster but I'm wondering just how much faster and if its really worth it.

Saving 5-10 minutes for a $100 extra bucks doesn't really seem worth it to me. However, I'm wondering if the reduced time is really the only benefit.

What are your thoughts?

Cheers,
Tim

 

[bull8042]

Honestly, and I know that this doesn't really address your question, but have you looked at an all-copper CFC like the Chillus Convolutus from B3? The reason I ask is that mine is very efficient but no where as prone to blockage and cleaning issues like a plate-type chiller.
I haven't used a Shirron or Therminator, so I am unable to give you a valid comparison. But from what I have read, the Shirron is definitely adequate.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

The Shirron is more than sufficient. I used one for about a year. Then I upgraded to a chill wizard station with a therminator. I'll never look back. It spoils me.

A blocked plate chiller isn't the end of the world. A 2 hour bake at 400 will turn most anything in there to dust. A practice one should perform annually regardless unless you are using some serious cleaning chemicals.