DIY Steel immersion chiller advice

Aaron Higgins · Aug 19, 2019

I've built a few copper immersion chillers in the past and I'm thinking of having a go at a stainless steel one. There doesn't seem to be a lot of information out there. Can anyone point me to a tutorial or offer their own advice?
I need to know what grade of steel is suitable for bending. Where to source and how to bend it. I presume I'll need to fill the tube with sand or water to prevent kinks if i don't have a proper bender.

Gerryjo · Aug 19, 2019

Aaron Higgins said:
I've built a few copper immersion chillers in the past and I'm thinking of having a go at a stainless steel one. There doesn't seem to be a lot of information out there. Can anyone point me to a tutorial or offer their own advice?
I need to know what grade of steel is suitable for bending. Where to source and how to bend it. I presume I'll need to fill the tube with sand or water to prevent kinks if i don't have a proper bender.

SS and copper are totally different as copper is soft metal and easily manipulated whereas SS has Chromium and nickel added in 304 and you will certainly need a bender to work with it.
You will be better buying one as it will certainly be less of a headache plus needing welding or tap and die for threading components.

Chippy_Tea · Aug 19, 2019

Could I ask why you are moving to SS as copper and its alloys exhibit impressive antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties.

Aaron Higgins · Aug 19, 2019

Chippy_Tea said:
Could I ask why you are moving to SS as copper and its alloys exhibit impressive antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties.

My copper chiller is leaking where it's soldered into a manifold so it needs fixed or replaced anyway. I just don't like how copper gets dull over time. I'm sure it's nothing, i just don't like the look of it. If steel is an option then I don't mind giving it a go

Gerryjo · Aug 19, 2019

Aaron Higgins said:
My copper chiller is leaking where it's soldered into a manifold so it needs fixed or replaced anyway. I just don't like how copper gets dull over time. I'm sure it's nothing, i just don't like the look of it. If steel is an option then I don't mind giving it a go

Seal it up and soak in some vinegar and salt solution to see how clean it gets.

Aaron Higgins · Aug 19, 2019

15194572_10210303044349119_3361948080768971183_o (1)

Aaron Higgins
Aug 19, 2019

Here's my current chiller. I think it was as much an art project as brewing equipment

Gerryjo · Aug 19, 2019

Aaron Higgins said:
15194572_10210303044349119_3361948080768971183_o (1)

Aaron Higgins

Aug 19, 2019

Here's my current chiller. I think it was as much an art project as brewing equipment

Nice looking bit of kit but again I would just reflow the joints and seal and would certainly save yourself a few quid into the bargain.

Ghillie · Aug 19, 2019

Will be very difficult to bend SS, even more difficult to make it look good!

Ghillie · Aug 19, 2019

Aaron Higgins said:
15194572_10210303044349119_3361948080768971183_o (1)

Aaron Higgins

Aug 19, 2019

Here's my current chiller. I think it was as much an art project as brewing equipment

That looks brilliant!

BeerCat · Aug 19, 2019

How many foot is that? I have thought about a SS one too in case i ever try LODO but not seen any more than 25'.

Aaron Higgins · Aug 19, 2019

Can't remember how long it is. It actually gets in the way of hop bags so I was going to get a simple, single coil.

Ghillie · Aug 19, 2019

@Aaron Higgins - How much did the build cost?

BeerCat · Aug 19, 2019

What bags do you use? I use the nylon ones with string so they sit between the kettle wall and chiller.

Aaron Higgins · Aug 19, 2019

@Ghillie can't remember, made it a few years ago. Certainly less than half the cost of buying a similar one.

Nobody's tried making a stainless chiller then? Copper could be a better choice but I might still try it

Ghillie · Aug 19, 2019

Aaron Higgins said:
@Ghillie can't remember, made it a few years ago. Certainly less than half the cost of buying a similar one.

Nobody's tried making a stainless chiller then? Copper could be a better choice but I might still try it

Fancy making me one? :laugh8:

Rodcx500z · Aug 19, 2019

Hi Aaron, ss doesn't conduct heat away a good as copper it just looks fancier, so would be a backward step

Aaron Higgins · Aug 19, 2019

@Ghillie I need to clear out equipment. If I replace this one I might sell it. It'll cool 25l in about 5 mins but it's just an awkward shape and a little heavy

F00b4r · Aug 19, 2019

Rodcx500z said:
Hi Aaron, ss doesn't conduct heat away a good as copper it just looks fancier, so would be a backward step

In theory yes but in practice I have found little difference in cooling power. SS cleans a hell of a lot easier though and no worry about verdigris build up, I was surprised at the difference when I switched over. I wouldn't try making one though as you can pick them up premade from lots of places for probably cheaper than you can make one and as people have pointed out it would probably be a PITA to even try making one yourself.

DavidDetroit · Aug 19, 2019

Aaron Higgins said:
current chiller

That's a great one. Mine is the size of the most inner coil. And you have four inlets???
You could sell those and rightfully charge a decent amount.

Ghillie · Aug 20, 2019

Aaron Higgins said:
@Ghillie I need to clear out equipment. If I replace this one I might sell it. It'll cool 25l in about 5 mins but it's just an awkward shape and a little heavy

I may well take you up on that! My SS chiller takes about 20 minutes to cool 23L of wort even with 5-9C tap water...

DIY Steel immersion chiller advice

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