Comparing Glycol Chillers for Home Brewing: Which One Should I Buy?

Comparing Glycol Chillers for Home Brewing: Which One Should I Buy?
I'm looking to purchase a Glycol Chiller for the fermentation of my many homebrew creations. Plus, I will need a system that can do lagers at various temperatures.
Equipment compared:
Komos Kegerators as a fermenter
KegLand RAPT Fermentation Chamber
BrewBuilt IceMaster Max 2 - up to 2 fermenters supported
BrewBuilt IceMaster Max 4 - up to 4 fermenters supported
BrewBuilt IceMaster 100 - up to 4 fermenters supported
Grainfather Glycol Chiller - up to 4 fermenters supported
Blichmann Glycol Chiller - up to 6 fermenters supported
SS BrewTech Glycol Chiller - up to 3 fermenters supported
MoreBeer - Glycol equipment
www.morebeer.com/index?a_aid=b...
Amazon Links to Glycol Chillers
BrewBuilt IceMaster Max 2
amzn.to/3Hi5Qsa
BrewBuilt IceMaster Max 4
amzn.to/3mZ4Lyx
BrewBuilt IceMaster 100
amzn.to/424n6ZX
Grainfather glycol chiller
amzn.to/3AsK29g

[@TheBrewWizard]

I have the Blichmann one and have it hooked up to a 7 gallon and a 14 gallon G4. I haven't had any issues with it. I still keep a fermentation chamber around (for now) for other fermenters without cooling coils but have been getting away from using those because I am loving the ease of the G4s.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

Thank you for the feedback! I have the cooling system for the Crucible and one of the Fermzilla All Rounders. I will need to buy another set for my other Fermzilla, and I'm considering buying a setup for the two Fermonsters I have. As for the Fermonsters, I'm thinking of simply wrapping them in towels for insulation or maybe cheap blankets. Also, thinking with Inkbird controllers I could easily add heat to the Fermonsters and the Fermzillas. I was wondering how well the small cooling stick does in the Crucible as it seems very small for such a big system in comparison to the coils from Kegland for their Fermzillas.

[@TheBrewWizard]

@@BitterRealityBrewing I have the fermonsters as well. That is what I started with and love them. When I use those I use a fermentation chamber though. I have an anvil conical too but I haven't used a cooling kit with it because I didn't have a glycol chiller at the time. I can probably use a cooling kit on one of my next brews though or just do some testing with water.

[@michaelanielski8608]

I picked up the Icemaster 100 last summer. I like it since I had the pumps and temp controllers already.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

You are the perfect customer in my opinion for the IceMaster 100, as you already had temp controllers and pumps. How do you like the system?

[@michaelanielski8608]

@Bitter Reality Brewing I do,

[@jtc95]

Love the bug zapper, actually had to set mine up in my garage too. Damn gnats 😂

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

🤣Finally, someone noticed!🤣 I forgot to move it, but I had put it there mainly for a small handful of mosquitoes that had gotten into my garage and kept biting me. Living in Florida, we do get gnats, fruit flies, and other bugs which is why I HAVE to leave the stupid black rubber caps over all my taps. On the good side, I'm a master at catching gnats and fruit flies with little vinegar traps using inverted water bottles. (And a splash of bleach in the drains.)

[@SankaraHomeBrewing]

Thanks for sharing. I'll eventually buy one in the future. But for now I don't need one. Sjporr youtuber just bought one He got the BrewBuilt Ice Maker 2. He is suppose to do a review when he starts to use it. He did an unboxing of it in yesterdays video. The only complaint he had was there was no bottom on the box. Basically it was the nylon straps holding the unit in the box. Other then that he was pretty happy with the unit. Just some info. Cheers!

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

I've never heard of Sjporr, but very happy you mentioned him. I went and watched the video and he is both entertaining and relatable. I'll be watching more as I'm dying to eventually brew my own Spruce beer like he was drinking in the video.

[@januszkszczotek8587]

I have the Grainfather Glycol Chiller and can recommend it for smaller setups. At the moment I use it with one GF30 Conical Fermenter, but soon I will replace the GF30 with a unitank. From my experience, the GF Chiller is OK to use and it is customizable - Grainfather even has Howto's and accessory DIY kits for use with other fermenters.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

I started with a Grainfather brewing system (when I moved up to 5-gallon electric). My biggest concern with the GrainFather is the low tank capacity for doing more than one chiller at a time.

[@MaltePhilippA]

Hey Janusz, regarding "Grainfather even has Howto's and accessory DIY kits for use with other fermenters." -> would you happen to have a few links on this? I'm currently looking to switch my GF30 for a BT F80 unitank so apparently going through exactly the same evolution you've already completed. :D Would highly appreciate if you could share your findings/insights. Thx!

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

@@MaltePhilippA If you get a chance watch this video from Brian at Short Circuited Brewers - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmKoe6yPo52XrNE They also have things like this now (you can probably find it cheaper on another site with free shipping - amzn.to/3AM1BBi

[@BlichmannEngineering]

Well you know we are partial, but with efficiency and versatility ours really is a great option! :)

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

You know I am too. The big issue is that a Glycol chiller is a big ticket item for most home brewers, and weighing every possible feature is a must (plus, some of us are a bit more OCD compared to others). The Max 4 offers a lot for the price with what comes built-in, but when you deep dive into the Blichmann Gycol Chiller, you start to see the efficiencies (appeared to be ahead of the entire pack - Low Wattage and High BTU) plus the versatility of using other temperature controllers, pumps, and possibly more than 6 is very appealing.

[@jimwojcik7645]

Mike needs a free one to review.😊

[@danbrown586]

I just bought the Icemaster Max 4--the Max 2 probably would have been plenty for me, but like you, I was seduced by "lots more capacity for just a little more money." Happy with it so far, though all I've done with it is cold crash a batch that was already fermenting. One frustration--both with it and with the Max 2--is that the controllers have a heating output, but there's nothing wired to it. It doesn't seem too difficult to wire it up, at least if you're comfortable with electrical wiring (which I am)--but why doesn't Brewbuilt/Kegland do that themselves? It'd be about $5 of additional wire/receptacles, and it'd be much easier and neater for them to put the holes in the sheet metal for the receptacles while manufacturing the thing than for us to do it after the fact. I guess they figure there isn't much need for that, and they're probably right, though the popularity of kveik yeast may prove them wrong yet.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

Sorry for the delay, I read your comment but forgot to reply. I fully agree with the heat part on the Max4 as I had read about that. Even on the Blichmann, I've come to prefer the Inkbird WiFi as it has cold and heat, plus I can check it with my phone. So, far I've only had 4 batches going at once and it did amazing. Only issue I've had so far, is with everything coming out of the back, you really need to label everything. I accidentally mixed up the wrong pump with the wrong temp controller, never good as I had to warm the wort back up and repitch to be safe, but the beer still finished as expected. I started labeling the tubes and the temp controllers, so I don't mix the pumps up. Plus, I didn't think I'd need quick disconnects, I was very wrong and bought 4 sets right away. Also if you have disconnects, be careful when you clean your coils if you leave them connected. My coil go so hot, so quickly one of the disconnects fired off from the pressure like a small rocket. (It only went 3 feet but got my attention, quick.)

[@Justin.J.Daniels]

I have an Icemaster 2 and 4. Bought the 2 first. Love it. Did the hack for adding the heating control. Now my brewery has grown and I wanted more options. Bought the 4. As I have atleast 4-5 beers fermenting/cold crashing/lagering. You just can’t beat the value of the icemaster. It comes with everything minus the hose to connect to your fermenter. Can’t find a unit that comes with the pumps and controllers that is the same price.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

I agree as that really impressed me. I considered the IceMaster 2 first but started thinking about how I can get on a crazy brew weekend and would eventually need more than 2 fermenters going at a time. I do think the IceMaster Max 2 is prefect for most home brewers that don't brew as much as people like you and me.

[@RockOn79]

I just picked up an icemaster 2 last week. If you don't mind me asking, what are you using for fermenters? Which would you recommend based on your journey? I have a 14gal BrewBuilt x1pro, I was using BrewBuilts coolstix product and was only able to cool down to 50 degrees using a 22% glycol mixture, so this setup won't allow me to cold crash in the summer in TX at least. I want to add a fermentor at some point and was thinking of getting a new jacketed fermentor (either BrewBuilts x2 or a Brewtools F80) as it should be capable of doing everything I need for fermentation. Appreciate your feedback!

[@Justin.J.Daniels]

@@RockOn79 I have Fermzillas 7 and 14 gallon.

[@Justin.J.Daniels]

I am able to cold crash my 14g and 7g down to 2c no problem. In the Fermzilla. I do have the insulation around it.

[@RockOn79]

Good to know, my fermentor is insulated well, I think the issue is that BrewBuilts coolsticks aren't designed to drive temps down to 2C, it's more of a temp regulation at ferment temps kind of product. The surface area of cooling with the sticks is pretty low so it's not as efficient as it could be if it were a larger coil or jacket. I'll look into the fermzillas, seems like a great way to scale a homebrewery without the immense cost of a stainless unitank.

[@celebrationscuba]

Just a thought, and I have no idea if this would work, but brainstorming here...... I watched a video on the Max 4 and saw the "water/glycol tank". Why could you not leave the cooling feature turned off, place an aquarium heater in that tank (since it is open at the top it should just slip in with no drilling or mounting required) once the 8 gallons are heated to the correct temp your yeast requires, then add yeast to your fermenter and turn the pump on. Now you would be heating while fermenting to keep the yeast active and working within the temp range required by that individual yeast. Once fermentation is complete, turn off the heater activate the cooling feature and now you have a chiller. I should have started this by saying that I primarily ferment sugar wash ( requires a constiant temp of 75-85 degrees) to use in a still for Alcohol Fuel, but the principle is very close in that yeast requires a certain temperature range. Please let me know if I am crazy here.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

You should be able to do that without too much effort. I know the Blichmann Glycol system could easily do that.

[@FermentationAdventures]

You've missed the chillers from Penguin which partners with Spike. I have the 1/3HP from Penguin, and it's worked great. It is a "Made in the USA" product, which is made from foreign components I'm sure. I ultimately went with them because I'm sure that they can will service/repair it if needed, and I can bring my own temp controller as you mentioned. Using the Wifi Inkbird controller has worked flawlessly with the chiller... just controlled a larger ferment and gradual cold crash while on vacation. It does have a very small reservoir, but any issues I've had with cold crashing is more related to the cooling coils in the fermenter. The biggest pet peeves with the 1/3HP is the reservoir lid is not that good and pops out of place easily... also, it's not on casters or with any adjustable feet, so you need another dolly/stand to get make it mobile.

[@FermentationAdventures]

Oh, and great overview and thoughts on the market place. I should have led with that.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

Thank you.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

I actually looked at the Penguin systems but didn't know they were partners with Spike. Other than simply trying to limit the line up, I had some concerns with the small reservoir and the low BTU, but really liked their BTU requirement chart on this page - www.penguinchillers.com/product/1-3-hp-glycol-chiller/ Honestly anything I buy will have to have wheels, have wheels added, or be put on wheels, especially as I have no clue where I am putting this stuff at the moment but still debating.

[@FermentationAdventures]

@@BitterRealityBrewing Delta Brewing systems has a relationship with them too and sells a table that you can add casters one that is a perfect fit for the 1/3 penguin on the bottom shelf. I have everything on wheels, but that is one thing that I seem to never move. The fermenters wheel around as needed. Anyhow, food for thought!

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

@@FermentationAdventures Although I've seen a few of your videos, I never realized you had shorts...d@mn you are good at doing shorts. Something I keep thinking about doing but really don't find the time for.

[@dawnandtracy]

I had an original Grainfather Chiller and the Compressor snuffed and Grainfather didn’t want to know about it cause it was out of warranty.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

Sorry for the slow respond. Never good. I wonder if in maybe a Reddit forum if anyone else has had to find a replacement out of warranty.

[@4rdzlla]

Any idea which chiller will actually cold crash 2 7g ssbrewtech jacketed u unitank 2.0s? I was thinking icemaster 2. But in my garage is summer heat. Will it actually cold crash 2 unitanks to 35*. I want the ability too.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

Sadly that would be a question for Blichmann as I don't have that equipment to do a test for you. I currently have 5 fermenters well under 25 gallons fermenting without issues with 4 being lagers in the low 50's.

[@felipegarza2312]

I have a stasis but I upgraded to a 1/5 Ss glycol chiller just cause I have 3 fermenters

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

I had forgotten about Stasis. I saw them a few years back if my memory serves me right. They right me of a gaming rig as they look really sleek.

[@prodanman]

How do you like the Stasis??

[@felipegarza2312]

@@prodanman well it work but I brew in my garage and I’m form Texas the ambient temperature in my garage it’s on the 100 so I couldn’t cold crash . Now I bought a SS brewtech 1/5 go and I have the same issue

[@user-rx1sy8xb4t]

I have the Blichmann and it has leaked since I first got it. Will never buy another. Offered a 10% discount since it was out of warranty. I've never understood offering a discount to replace something that sucks. I'll take it apart and find the shotty work.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

I'm sorry you had all those problems. If it leaked in the beginning, did you reach out to them at that time? The tub seems pretty nice, although there are grommets that I could see possibly wearing out over time or possibly one of yours wasn't sealed properly.

[@user-rx1sy8xb4t]

I found problems in two areas. Insulation wasn't complete on the return pipe causing condensation that I thought was caused by being in a non-A/C garage workshop. The second problem is that the overflow is too close to the height of the reservoir fill line. It leaches over the return pipe down the side and corrodes mounts, bottoms, and insulation. I do not know if it is bad QC or design, or a combination. Fixing now and will start up to see if this helps. Replacing with another brand sooner than later.@@BitterRealityBrewing

[@Systematicsphere]

If it leaked from the outset and you obvs ignored it that’s your problem.

[@beerandbbqhobbyist6464]

Did you ever figure it out?

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

Sorry for the late reply. Almost all of the systems I spoke about are great systems, but I went with the Blichmann for 2 major reasons. Crazy energy efficient and extremely flexible as I could easily ferment up 10 or 12 fermenters at once without much effort, which really wouldn't be as easily on most and impossible on a few. I've already had the Blichmann up to 5 fermentations at a time, twice.

[@JohnnyReverse]

I have a 100, I don't regret it.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

From everything I've heard, they are well built systems. In this video, I only included the systems that I had seen had extremely positive reviews or had personally heard good things about. Not a bad system in this review, it is just a matter of how they fit into your brewing. I ended up going Blichmann for 3 reasons: One, Everything I've ever purchased from them has been of high quality, so I felt comfortable in buying their products. Two, obviously they have been good to me. Three, I liked the ability to exceed 4 fermentations and technically exceed 6 if I go a little crazy and brew a lot more than usual. Spike Brewing is also releasing a very nice system as Glycol systems, seem to be growing in popularity among home brewers.

[@wd6358]

15 taps!? Damn!

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

I love variety/choice! People used to wonder why I had so many different home brew beers and commercial beers in my beer fridge, and my answer was always the same. I never know what I want when I get home from work, until I open the beer fridge. Plus who doesn't like choices!?!? We are also looking to entertain with guests and locals in the near future and I want to have something for everyone.

[@wd6358]

@Bitter Reality Brewing Variety is the spice of life! Time to get a liquor license and open the Bitter Reality Pub in the back yard 😆

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

@@wd6358 Just got a new smoker, so I am ready. 🙂

[@peterjohann8781]

Im sorry, but Grainfather is just the best of all. It comes with everything for 700 USD for two fermenters. This video is a lot of stupid talk but nothing valuable

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

I'm sorry you feel that way but not everything works for everyone. I do have a question in regard to 2 Grainfather fermenters for $700. Where are you finding that as each fermenter 7 gal fermenter appears to be about $700+/- everywhere, not including the glycol system of course. I just feel there are more flexible systems that allow you to connect to any type of system without much work. Spike Brewing also has a really nice system coming out that is very comparable to the Blichman system and the BrewBuilt IceMaster series.

[@CrazyAboutVinylRecords]

@@BitterRealityBrewing The problem with Spike Brewing, nearly across the board on their home brewing products, is availability. I wanted to upgrade my Flex Fermeter to Flex + and I had wait four months for the pressure lid to become available. And the supply side issues isn't just with their fermenters. They used kickstarter for their glycol chiller and they sold out months ago. Who knows when...or even if...they will be available on the website again. Their business model stinks and it irritates the living crap out of me. The quality is great but so are a lot of other products from the competition. I have been interested in other Spike Brewing products but jeez, I'm 63 and could die of old age by the time I can actually buy them. So I ended up buying from their competitors.