Using ice to cool wort?

[brewt00l]

In lieu of fully frozen top off, I would reserve about 2.5 gallons for top off that I would keep in the freezer and get right up to the point of freezing so that it could be poured right into the fermenter and then the wort mixed in.

 

[worxman02]

I just fill up the sink with lots of ice, water and salt. Yes salt. It lowers the freezing temp of the water so it will get colder than just a plain ice and water bath. This cools the pot of wort down pretty fast. Basically get enough ice to fill up your sink.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I used two bags of ice on my hefe. Store bought. I had no infection problems whatsoever. I am curious if the rapid drop in temperature inhibits bacteria from taking hold?

 

[ArroganceFan]

So, I did a test run today on some ziplocks and all I am going to say is that every single one that I tried leaked. Back to the drawing board.

 

[brewt00l]

So, I did a test run today on some ziplocks and all I am going to say is that every single one that I tried leaked. Back to the drawing board.

try placing your top off water in the freezer enough time before use that it goes right up to the point of starting to freeze but not solid enough that you can not pour it right out of the container. That way you have the benefit of storage while cooling in a sanitized enviro and convenience of use since it can be poured into your fermenter.

 

[ArroganceFan]

I used two bags of ice on my hefe. Store bought. I had no infection problems whatsoever. I am curious if the rapid drop in temperature inhibits bacteria from taking hold?

Do the bags say how many gallons they hold? Just curious how you judge how much you are putting in?

 

[arturo7]

Do the bags say how many gallons they hold? Just curious how you judge how much you are putting in?

I have found that two 8lb bags are enough to cool the wort to 70-ish. I start with a 3 gallon boil and need to top off to reach 5 gallons after cooling.

 

[Driftless Brewer]

Is there any ill effects from having the cold break happen in the primary as opposed to the brew pot where you can pour the wort off the sediment?

In other words, could the cold break material go back into solution during fermentation?

 

[ArroganceFan]

I just bought a Rubbermaid Durable 1.1 gal. container that is freezer safe. I plan on boiling the water first, cooling it to room temp., then in the fridge, and finally put it in the deep freezer.

Picked some up at target this morning for todays brew, thanks for the info!

 

[arturo7]

Is there any ill effects from having the cold break happen in the primary as opposed to the brew pot where you can pour the wort off the sediment?

In other words, could the cold break material go back into solution during fermentation?

I don't know the direct answer to your question but, just add the ice into your brew pot. Try to avoid splashing. Slowly dumping the cooled wort into your primary provides aeration, and not the hot kind!

 

[Philip1993]

In other words, could the cold break material go back into solution during fermentation?

This was my thought, and the previously quoted text seems to support that. As I read it; for optimum clarity you need to super-cool, filter while cold, raise back to pitching temp, then pitch.

 

[billpa]

Just curious...you guys are talking about adding ice to the brew pot after boil or the fermenter?

 

[HeavierFrag]

I have an advantage in that I brew with a friend all the time so our system works with four hands. I'm not sure it would be efficient for solo brewers.

We are doing full boils and cool by placing the boil pot in my sink. 2 bags of ice are poured around the outside of the pot. We add lots of ice cream salt and then fill the sink with water to just below overflow. We add two gallon sized ziploc bags that have pre boiled frozen water inside. You have to pay close attention to the bags because many have pin hole leaks.

One gently stirs the ice bags in a circle avoiding aeration. The other guy spins the pot (which becomes slightly bouyant) and stirs the ice bath. When the temp of the wort is under 90F, we lift the wort and drain the sink halfway. Add one more bags of ice and refill the water. We stir the wort more vigorously and you can watch the break form immediately as the temp drops to 68F within 1 minute. Total time averages 9 minutes from boiling wort to 68F.

Afterwards, we remove the ice bags and clean the outside in sanitizer and back in the freezer. We usually get three or four rounds before the bags get beat up or popped open.

Down side risk is if the ziploc opens .... Otherwise, it seems to work great. How fast does an IC or CFC cool?

 

[arturo7]

Just curious...you guys are talking about adding ice to the brew pot after boil or the fermenter?

Brew pot for me, to avoid hot aeration when pouring into fermenter.

 

[ArroganceFan]

I just bought a Rubbermaid Durable 1.1 gal. container that is freezer safe. I plan on boiling the water first, cooling it to room temp., then in the fridge, and finally put it in the deep freezer.

Just so everyone knows, these rubbermaid containers are PERFECT! They hold 1.1 gal each and are freezer safe, and can be found readily at Target. Once the water is frozen, give the sides a slight pull and the ice will slide right out. The only complaint I have about them is that I did not get enough of them. They are perfect for putting ice into a hot brew kettle. I am going tomorrow to pick more up.

Thanks Antoniost!!

 

[antoniost]

Just so everyone knows, these rubbermaid containers are PERFECT!

Glad to hear they are working out for you! :rockin: