kcbeersnob
Well-Known Member
I have been using a plate chiller for a few years in conjunction with a March pump. I love how ridiculously fast it chills, but I have yet to find a kettle filter that does not also clog frequently and/or reduce hop utilization.
Here is what I've tried:
The stainless braid has actually been the best option, however I've found that it only really works well with whole hops. It clogs too easily with pellets, which restricts flow and causes the pump to cavitate. On the bright side, the wort is always crystal clear in the carboy after cold break settles out.
I don't like whirlpool as an option, because I like being able to recirculate boiling wort to sanitize the pump, lines and chiller before knock out. I prefer mechanical filtration.
Am I missing a viable filtration solution, or do I need to throw in the towl and go back to using an immersion chiller?
Here is what I've tried:
- Hop Spider
- Hop basket (I've tried various mesh densities)
- Hop Stopper
- Stainless Braid
The stainless braid has actually been the best option, however I've found that it only really works well with whole hops. It clogs too easily with pellets, which restricts flow and causes the pump to cavitate. On the bright side, the wort is always crystal clear in the carboy after cold break settles out.
I don't like whirlpool as an option, because I like being able to recirculate boiling wort to sanitize the pump, lines and chiller before knock out. I prefer mechanical filtration.
Am I missing a viable filtration solution, or do I need to throw in the towl and go back to using an immersion chiller?