Immersion chiller - Build or buy?

[Farewell]

I have been pricing the parts for an immersion chiller for a few weeks now. It seems building one doesn't save me that much compared to just buying one. I need some help deciding. Are there any places around Halifax or even online selling immersion chillers? Or anyone who has built one what were your costs? I am pricing it around $50ish for parts. Should I instead go for a different chiller? Thanks for the help.

- Craig

[Keith]

I built a 1/2" 50' coil for in around $90. 3/8 was substantially cheaper.
You could probably build a 25' 3/8" immersion chiller for in around $45.00

[mikeorr]

I've been considering the same thing, and it seemed to me that I could build my own for considerably less than buying one online... Unless you're finding a better price online than I?

[Farewell]

Thanks Keith! I am only doing 6 gallon boils right now, so I assume 25' will be adequate for that. I like the increased surface area of the 1/2" tubing. What kind of hose is best for the build? I was contemplating the 1/2" thick walled silicone tubing from Everwood, but is that overkill? Will simple vinyl siphon tubing do? Thanks again for the help.

- Craig

[Farewell]

Mikeorr I was looking at a few online stores, pricing was about $60. However, when I took it a step further and added it to cart and proceeded with checkout I noticed that both stores didn't ship to Canada, although they said they did. So I am back on the diy train.

[Keith]

25' coil, wrap around a corny keg
2 pieces of high temp silicone.
1 set of hose connectors.
4 hose clamps
1 pipe bender.

20 minutes later you have your chiller.

[Buccaneer]

Normally I'm a DIY kinda guy, so i was going to make my own. However, with the tools I was going to want to have to build it (especially the tube benders), it was going to cost about the same as buying one and take some effort to make. In a fit of laziness, I just went to NG and bought one. I've been thrilled with it.

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[Keith]

I priced it out and it saved me around 30-40 when I added in shipping, and duty. My 1/2 inch setup cost less than the 3/8 inch online.

[AllanMar]

25' coil, wrap around a corny keg
2 pieces of high temp silicone.
1 set of hose connectors.
4 hose clamps
1 pipe bender.

20 minutes later you have your chiller.

Are you running your tap water through silicone? Be very careful not to cause any restriction or it'll burst easy.

[Keith]

25' coil, wrap around a corny keg
2 pieces of high temp silicone.
1 set of hose connectors.
4 hose clamps
1 pipe bender.

20 minutes later you have your chiller.

Are you running your tap water through silicone? Be very careful not to cause any restriction or it'll burst easy.

Yeah I will be. I'm not overly concerned. They are very short lengths. But will definitely make note of it.

[jtmwhyte]

25' coil, wrap around a corny keg
2 pieces of high temp silicone.
1 set of hose connectors.
4 hose clamps
1 pipe bender.

20 minutes later you have your chiller.

Are you running your tap water through silicone? Be very careful not to cause any restriction or it'll burst easy.

I do this with my kitchen tap with no issues


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[Keith]

Example of how large the silicone can expand lol.

[AllanMar]

25' coil, wrap around a corny keg
2 pieces of high temp silicone.
1 set of hose connectors.
4 hose clamps
1 pipe bender.

20 minutes later you have your chiller.

Are you running your tap water through silicone? Be very careful not to cause any restriction or it'll burst easy.

I do this with my kitchen tap with no issues


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Yea, its fine as long as you don't restrict it. Silicone is usually rated ~9-10psi burst. Your tap water can likely get up to 40-50psi.