[salmon1a]

Hi everyone

I'm looking to replace my ancient (20+ year old) homemade 25' copper counterflow wort chiller - I use it as a gravity feed chiller and would prefer to not use a pump.  It's served me well - I sanitize after and before every use but am concerned it has reached the end of it's life (developed a metallic smell).

Any feedback regarding immersion vs counterflow designs and plate vs tube chillers as well as copper vs stainless steel would be appreciated.  I generally brew 12-14 gallon batches in a three tiered system.  Thanks!

[Stevie]

If you are looking to avoid a pump, immersion is king IMO. Copper or stainless work fine.

[denny]

I recently started using a Hydra chiller from JaDeD.  With my 56F water, it took 5.5  gal. from boiling to 58F in 8 minutes.  It's pretty much as fast as a plate or counter flow with a fraction of the hassles.

[Stevie]

I recently started using a Hydra chiller from JaDeD.  With my 56F water, it took 5.5  gal. from boiling to 58F in 8 minutes.  It's pretty much as fast as a plate or counter flow with a fraction of the hassles.

I have heard nothing but good stuff about these. I might need to get one when I run out of other stuff to buy.

[Rhoobarb]

I recently started using the JaDeD Hydra as well and really love it.

http://brulosophy.com/2014/09/23/the-hydra-immersion-chiller-by-jaded-brewing-a-review/

[salmon1a]

Thanks for the feedback.  Regarding the immersion style chillers - at what point do you add the chiller and how do you handle the whirlpool step?  I generally whirlpool a few minutes and then allow hops/trub to settle in the middle of the kettle before draining off through my chiller. 

[Stevie]

I remove the chiller before whirlpool.

[Brutal Eric]

Jaded Hydra!!!

[salmon1a]

Ordered the Hydra - thanks for all your help!

[Indy574]

HAIL HYDRA!  Couldn't resist the reference. I'm planning on ordering one very soon.

[ynotbrusum]

For five gallon batches - the Hydra.  For 10ers, I often go with the Jamil recirc then finish with a counter flow with an ice bath pre-chiller for the well water.  Needless to say I get to lager temps pretty darn quick.  Just depends on the outside temp and how much work I want to do in the clean up... Time saved chilling usually is eaten up by the extra cleaning time.

[homoeccentricus]

Recently moved from copper to stainless steel. Guess why (not sure yet whether it helps b/c I have a new Braumeister and I f*ed up my first two batches).

[EnkAMania]

I recently started using a Hydra chiller from JaDeD.  With my 56F water, it took 5.5  gal. from boiling to 58F in 8 minutes.  It's pretty much as fast as a plate or counter flow with a fraction of the hassles.

I know in the past reading your comments, that you try to avoid HSA.  They recommend that you move the chiller around the kettle.  Did you stir or did you not stir?

[Visor]

I recently started using a Hydra chiller from JaDeD.  With my 56F water, it took 5.5  gal. from boiling to 58F in 8 minutes.  It's pretty much as fast as a plate or counter flow with a fraction of the hassles.

I have heard nothing but good stuff about these. I might need to get one when I run out of other stuff to buy.

   Is that even possible, running out of important stuff to buy, that is?

[BrewBama]

I recently got a hydra as well. I like immersion chillers because all I have to do it dunk them in my cleanup bucket a few times and hand it on the railing to drip dry


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