Beer Forum

Looking for a counter flow chiller. Anyone used the Therminator? How about Chillzilla? Is the Therminator as quick as they say? Who prefers what?

Thanks

I've had a Therminator for just under a year. It gets your wort down to tap temp. as fast as you can flow it threw. I currently use it on a gravity fed system and it works great. If you were to use a pump it would work even better. A friend I brew with uses the chillzilla and likes it alot. I think either way you go you'll be happy with the results. One big thing you have to worry about is sanitation and cleaning, if you get a CFC make sure you clean it well after each use and sanitize before each use. CFC's make a great hidding spot for nasties.

Mashman

I too, have used the Therminator for about a year. I love it and wouldn't want to brew without it. It literally will chill boiling wort to pitching temp just as fast as you can empty your kettle. For me this means 5 gallons in just under 5 minutes without a pump. Sanitation is a concern and you have to be just a little bit anal about it, but I haven't had any problems with mine. I highly recommend it.

Cool thanks! Do you guys use tap water or run your water through an immersion chiller in ice water. Just curious and new to the whole counter flow thing.

Thanks again for the input.

Hey, one other thing, any tips on sanitation with that thing? What works for you guys?

Thanks

Moondoggie wrote:Cool thanks! Do you guys use tap water or run your water through an immersion chiller in ice water. Just curious and new to the whole counter flow thing.

Are you kidding? Most of the time I have to restrict the flow of cooling water thru the thing to keep it from chilling the wort to below pitching temps. Seriously.

Moondoggie wrote:Hey, one other thing, any tips on sanitation with that thing? What works for you guys?

Here's what I do; immediately after use I flush it with full-blast hose water in both directions, in and out. I do this while I'm getting my carboy situated in my fermentation chamber. Then I'll take the Therminator into the house and do the same thing again with hot tap water in the sink. I'll let it sit under the tap while I finish my cleanup outside. Then I'll heat up some PBW to 180 degrees in a kettle on my cooker and soak the Therminator until the water cools down. Flush it, drain it and then it goes on my drying rack to wait for the next use.

Some people will use a steam cleaner to push steam thru it. I haven't gone that far yet and I've had zero problems with it.

fstbttms wrote:Are you kidding? Most of the time I have to restrict the flow of cooling water thru the thing to keep it from chilling the wort to below pitching temps. Seriously.

Crap! Im in! Ive been screwing around with an immersion for way too long. Birthday around the corner so I told my wife all I need is a chiller. Looks like I will beg for the Therminator.

By the way, I see from your location that you are in Concord, CA. Are you near B3? Just curious because I use one of thier 1550 brew sculptures. Got it around February and love it. I think Id be really broke if I lived in the same town as them. Thanks again.