[fmader]

I just upgraded my equipment to brew 11 gallon batches. 11 gallon batches are much heavier than 5.5 gallon batches. I need a pump. What's the best pump available?

[narvin]

March 815 is well tested and durable.  Can't speak for chugger but they are cheaper.

[Stevie]

Williams just released a new pump that is <$70. They offer a stainless head as well. One drawback is it looks like the head wouldn't be interchangeable with chugger or March pumps.

[coolman26]

I use 2 Little Giant pumps.  I've had them for about 3 years.  Never had an issue, but head is plastic.  I would get something with a stainless head.  Hard to go against March, been around a long time.  I like the one with the larger intake.  Check the flow, makes a good whirlpool.  I would hate to give up a pump once I had one. 

[PORTERHAUS]

Williams just released a new pump that is <$70. They offer a stainless head as well. One drawback is it looks like the head wouldn't be interchangeable with chugger or March pumps.

I seen that as well on the website. It caught my eye right away. The price is right and for me anyway I want one to circulate wort while I use an immersion chiller.

On a side note, regardless of brand pump is the plastic head ok? Of course SS is more durable and easier to clean/sanitize, just wondering if it's a make or break upgrade.

[hopfenundmalz]

My March pump has a brass head, the Chugger has a SS head with higher flow.

I can pump boiling liquid with the March, the Chugger vapor locks. Both of these are with throttled outputs. Pumping boiling wert is how I sanitize the hoses and pump. I think I need to play a little more with orientation and making sure the flow is low so that there is not too much suction on the inlet side.

[fmader]

I just spent some time reading up on the March 815. This seems like the ticket. But spending $250 on more glamorous brew get-up sounds better than spending it on a pump and accessories.

[Philbrew]

I went with the Chugger center inlet pump w/SS head ($145 @ AIH).  Works great, pumps boiling wort OK.  Get this adapter for the pump inlet http://www.dudadiesel.com/choose_item.php?id=fhose075&gclid=CPyUovvb_sgCFdgWgQodnTAApA and this hose barb for the pot/valve end http://www.homebrewing.org/Stainless-Steel-12-MPT-X-58-Hose-Barb-_p_4558.html and use 3/4" ID silicone hose between for minimal inlet restriction to the pump.  SS hose clamp will tighten down 3/4" ID silicone hose onto 5/8" barb just fine but will come off easily for disassembly.

[hopfenundmalz]

I went with the Chugger center inlet pump w/SS head ($145 @ AIH).  Works great, pumps boiling wort OK.  Get this adapter for the pump inlet http://www.dudadiesel.com/choose_item.php?id=fhose075&gclid=CPyUovvb_sgCFdgWgQodnTAApA and this hose barb for the pot/valve end http://www.homebrewing.org/Stainless-Steel-12-MPT-X-58-Hose-Barb-_p_4558.html and use 3/4" ID silicone hose between for minimal inlet restriction to the pump.  SS hose clamp will tighten down 3/4" ID silicone hose onto 5/8" barb just fine but will come off easily for disassembly.

I have the tangential inlet, it was similar to the March I thought. I am running half inch hose to the inlet.

[fmader]

Is it beneficial to have a ball valve on the outlet side to regulate flow?

[BFBC]

Is it beneficial to have a ball valve on the outlet side to regulate flow?

I use two Chuggers with  SS heads in my system.  Very pleased.  I also use ball valves on the inlet side.  Not to regulate flow, but to make sure that there is liquid available at the pump without sending it into the pump... and to help bleed any air pockets in the lines.  I rarely find it necessary regulate flow.  I do this at the tun outlet valve, if indeed necessary.   Always ensure the pump outlet is above the inlet when mounting your pumps.

http://www.morebeer.com/products/chugger-pump-high-temperature-stainless-steel-head.html?site_id=7

I also use these little guys to catch the drips when changing hoses:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B6S6BCG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00

[hopfenundmalz]

Is it beneficial to have a ball valve on the outlet side to regulate flow?

Yes, on that side you can decrease flow with no problem. You can even shut the flow off and not damage the pump.

[mabrungard]

I've run the same plastic head on my March pump for over 14 years. The secret is to mount the pump and the inlet and outlet lines so that you can't break the nipples off the pump head.  This works very well.

[coolman26]

This is how I set up both of my pumps. Stand on their own, or put in 3 tier structure I have. I've never had one not prime. Just open valve to fill the head and off you go. I didn't pay close enough attention to barb ID for flow. Since I brew outside I made the mount with a little tilt and it drains almost dry.


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[fmader]

This might seem like a silly question, but I want to make sure before I buy all the wrong fittings or have to buy more fittings... In order to clean these guys, do you just load the brew kettle up with some oxi-clean solution and just pump it through then rinse it with water the same way?