Best Chillers: (Review And Buying Guide)

As many people are aware, the beer business is enormous. In fact, approximately $111.1 billion in beer is sold yearly in the United States alone. This number could lead one to conclude that the demand for ready-made beer is at an all-time high. Nonetheless, home brewing has grown in popularity over the years, with millions of individuals now producing their own beer.

Yet, for those who are just starting out, having the necessary expertise and brewing equipment on hand, from fermenters to brew kettles, will be crucial. A wort chiller is another piece of equipment you may need to swiftly cool your wort once it has boiled.

Perks of Wort Chillers:

• Gets your wort down to pitching temperature quickly, saving a lot of time in the process
• Allows you to prevent a cold break (Chilling wort too slowly, the proteins in your wort may refold or renature.)
• Helps produce clearer beer
• Reduces potential contamination
• In some people’s opinions, gives beer a better flavor

That being said, here are ten of the best beer chillers on the market right now that will have your wort cooling in no time:

1. NY Brew Supply W3850-CV Super Efficient ⅜ x 50′ Copper Wort Chiller

The NY Brew Supply W3850-CV is suited for 5 to 15 gallon batches and comes at a reasonable price. Furthermore, several Amazon reviewers remarked that this 50-foot wort chiller is more reasonable than some of the 25-foot ones from other companies. Even better, it isn’t much more expensive than creating a beer cooler from scratch. Yet, one gets a lot of bang for their money.

But here’s the deal: if you’re looking for a bargain, this is the place to go. The NY Brew Supply W3850-CV now has an average rating of 4.9- out of 5-stars acquired from over 90 reviewers on Amazon, owing not only to its low price but also to its exceptional function. Several consumers report that the NY Brew Supply W3850-CV cools rapidly and effectively, just as the manufacturer states.

Unfortunately, a common criticism from customers is that there is no packing if you acquire this product online. Thankfully, many people report that it arrives in fine shape; but, if delivery drivers in your region are notoriously harsh with deliveries, you may wish to buy this model in store if at all feasible. Several people also complain that the exit and inlet are too close together. But, in general, the advantages exceed the disadvantages. This huge wort chiller does the job well, is stylish, and is reasonably priced. It also comes with a garden hose adaptor and stainless-steel clamps. Many people like the fact that this cooler is created in the United States.

Features:

• Copper construction
• 24-inch by 9-inch coil
• 50 foot-long ⅜ inch-thick tubing
• Brass hose adapter
• Stainless-steel clamps
• Made in the USA

2. Blichmann Therminator Stainless Steel Wort Chiller

Blichmann’s stainless steel plate wort chiller swiftly chills your brew. The Therminatori is a very tiny gadget, making it excellent for individuals who live in small spaces and like to save room in their house. Plate chillers do not have a coil body, therefore there is no need to be concerned about a big metal framework. Therminator’s stainless steel brazed with pure copper guarantees heat is effectively dispersed at a high pace without the risk of leaking.

Yet, one significant disadvantage of the Blichmann Therminator is its high price. Most people would probably agree. Amazon has it for slightly under $200. A wort cooler of any sort can usually be found for at least half, if not a fourth, of the price of the Therminator. Yet, if you are willing to pay this amount, the Therminator might be an excellent alternative due to its superb engineering, tight seal, and stylish build.

Moreover, because of its small size, the Therminator is not only convenient to store, but it also fits into most pots, allowing you to disinfect it after each use. Moreover, the half-inch male fittings on this product are compatible with almost all standard hose connections. Not to add that male NPT fittings are simpler to sterilize than female NPT fittings. Overall, the Blichmann Therminator is costly, but it has a strong gauge mounting bracket, is simple to sterilize and clean, and does not need to be gasketed. To top it all off, this chiller can chill a 10 gallon batch of wort to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in five minutes when utilizing 58 degree water.

Features:

• 316 stainless-steel body brazed with copper
• ½ inch male NPT fittings
• ¾ inch-thick male garden hose threads
• Includes black flush hose assembly and heavy gauge stainless mounting bracket

3. Jockeybox.com WC-50SS38 50 Foot Stainless Steel Immersion Wort Chiller

If you’re searching for a high-quality, 50-foot stainless steel beer chiller, the JockeyboxWC50SS38 has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon. Since it is made of stainless steel, it will be more stable, simpler to clean, and will not corrode like a copper chiller. This substance will not contaminate your wort either, providing you with a clean, fresh brew. Several users of brewing coolers agree that stainless steel is a preferable choice since it lasts longer and holds up better over time.

The WC-50SS38, according to Jockeybox, is simpler to operate than a counterflow wort chiller and offers excellent heat transmission. These assertions, according to reviewers, are accurate. This gadget is really simple to use, much easier than an ice bath, and it cools water quickly. The user of this product may simply alter the coil spacing to speed up the cooling process even more.

Although this is an excellent chiller, some customers say you should tighten the hose clamps before you start chilling wort to prevent leaks. Heat will cause the hose to expand if it is not tightened. Water might readily enter your wort via the additional area between the device and the hose. Several people also complain that the hose that comes with this device is excessively thin. If you feel the same way, just use high temperature silicone tubing that is more suited to your demands. Other from that, many people believe this to be a dependable product that does exactly what Jockeybox claims.

Features:

• 304 stainless-steel construction
• 50 foot-long, ⅜ inch-thick tubing
• Premium no-leak fittings guard
• Includes vinyl and garden hose attachment

4. Northern Brewer Copperhead® Immersion Wort Chiller

The NorthernBrewer Copperhead immersion wort chiller is perhaps the finest on this list. On Amazon, it presently has a rating of 4.9- out of 5-stars from 20+ reviewers. While there are alternative 25 foot wort chillers and even 50 footcoolers in its price bracket, the Copperhead still demonstrates that it has the value and quality that fits its present price point.

This Northern Brewer gadget comes completely built with clamps, tubing, and barbed fittings when purchased. Drop-angle connectors ensure that your wort does not get contaminated as it cools. With this gadget, you also won’t have to worry about your unit leaking. Homebrewing has never been simpler or more exact!

Customers have complained that it is difficult to chill wort to 80 degrees Fahrenheit with this immersion beer cooler. Also, several users report that this chiller takes longer to cool wort than other versions they’ve tested. Nonetheless, there are several advantages. For once, even when full of water, the Northern BrewerCopperhead is quite light. As a result, it is simple to carry and store. This equipment is likewise simple to operate, stainless, and provides a good brew.

Features:

• 16-inch by 9-inch coil
• ⅜ inch-thick tubing
• Standard garden hose connection
• Drop-angle connections

5. Northern Brewer Silver Serpent 50 Foot Stainless Steel Wort Chiller

The Northern Brewer Silver Serpent is unquestionably the finest wort chiller for 10 gallon batches on our list. The Silver Serpent, being one of the finest wort chillers, may be more expensive than other comparable 50 foot stainless steel alternatives on the market, but with an average 4.9- out of 5-star rating on Amazon, it’s difficult to dismiss this item.

Northern Brewer claims that this stainless steel beer cooler does not need sanitizing. Just set this cooler in a kettle for a few minutes at the end of the boil before and after each use. You may also be certain that this device will not leak while in operation. Moreover, the drop angle connections prevent wort contamination, resulting in a safer, tastier brew for you.

Apart from the increased price tag, this machine has a few additional drawbacks that customers have noticed. Several people complain that, although it chills wort faster than an ice bath, it isn’t the fastest beer chiller on the market. Additionally, several people had trouble getting their wort below 80 degrees Fahrenheit with this model, like they experienced with Northern BrewersCopperhead. Nonetheless, the relatively small size, simplicity of cleaning, and high-quality connections between the hoses and the device assist to offset the increased price.

Features:

• Stainless-steel body
• 24-inch by 9-inch coil
• 50 foot-long, ⅜ inch-thick tubing
• Standard garden hose connection
• Drop angle connections

6. NY Brew Supply 25′ Counterflow Wort Chiller

If you need a chiller for 5 gallons, this NY Brew Supply 25 unit would be a good choice. You may be certain that it will not grow brittle as it ages since it has a tough outer coil that can withstand high heat. The hose on this Brew Supply variant, according to NY Brew Supply, is possibly more durable than ordinary garden hose designs.

The NY Brew Supply 25 has received a lot of positive feedback from reviewers. Several people believe that this model is reasonably priced for its quality, has little to no leaks, and chills wort quickly and effortlessly. Overall, because of its outstanding design and general quality, this gadget is perhaps the greatest counterflow wort chiller NY Brew Supplies has to offer today.

Although this is certainly a terrific deal for many people, it is nevertheless important to consider the unit’s drawbacks before purchasing. Users’ only real complaints are that some of the fittings need to be adjusted for best efficiency, it sometimes becomes blocked, and it takes a bit longer to set up than other comparable models. But, the fact that it is simple to operate and clean, has a quick cooling duration, and has brass fittings that let you to alter the angles and placements of the insert and outlet make this an excellent investment.

Features:

• Copper body
• ⅜ inch-thick tubing

7. Home Brew Stuff WC-25 HomeBrewStuff Super Efficient ⅜ x 25′ Copper Wort Chiller

The Home Brew Stuff WC-25 x 25 is another amazing piece of brewing equipment. If you’re on a limited budget, this is a wonderful option; it’s presently advertised on Amazon for little under $50. According to the manufacturer, copper tubing is ideal for chillers. Copper has a heat conductivity that is roughly 28 times greater, according to them. They also highlight how copper may help the yeast by introducing nutrients into the wort.

With this machine, your wort will cool so fast that it may even reach a temperature lower than you had hoped for. Having said that, there is no time wasted with this gadget. Several reviews also like how robust the body is, how little to no leaking there is, how readily adjusting the coil is, and how easy it is to clean and disinfect after usage.

Although some reviewers complain that the connection between the water hose and the copper tubing is poorly designed and that the included clamps do not provide the tightest seal, others believe that you get precisely what you paid for with the WC-25. The majority of users feel that this device has a straightforward construction, is easy to use, and that getting wort below 80 degrees Fahrenheit using the WC-25 is fast and uncomplicated.

Features:

• Copper construction
• 25 foot-long, ⅜ inch-thick tubing
• 6-inch inlet and outlet hoses
• Made in the USA

8. Learn to Brew LLC Copper Coil Immersion Chiller 50 Feet Long

The Learn to Brew LLC Copper Coil Immersion Chiller is another 50-foot beer chiller that is reasonably priced around $100. Learn to Brew LLC says that the soldered fittings on this device will never leak or rupture suddenly. They further say that other immersion models with compression fittings expand and contract as temperature changes, causing leaks and thereby contaminating your wort, which soldered connectors will not do.

This immersion cooler in particular is built for durability and convenience. It has readily adjustable loops, smooth and tight hose connections, and a price point that is almost similar to the cost of manufacturing a copper cooler from scratch. Several people praise this copper device for its capacity to quickly chill down your hot coffee.

When it comes to cons, there are sure to be a few since no product on the market is flawless. Several reviewers reported that they needed to resolder the connections to guarantee there was no leaking. Several users were also dissatisfied with the lack of a rubber hose gasket on the entrance. Yet, more than half of reviewers are really pleased with this chiller and its capacity to work swiftly with smaller volumes of wort.

Features:

• Copper construction
• Soldered fittings
• 50 foot-long, ⅜ inch-thick tubing

9. Coldbreak 12.5′ Wort Chiller, ⅜” USA Copper

Based on this list, the Coldbreak 12.5 is one of the best wort chillers for the money, especially given that it is presently priced little under $40 on Amazon. The pricing for a copper chiller is fantastic, but there is one drawback: this tiny equipment may be too little for your brewing requirements. But, if you intend on chilling smaller gallon quantities, this compact 12.5 foot chiller is a perfect choice. It’s also a good choice if you’re on a tight budget and want a product that’s simple to store when not in use.

Still, brewing using this device is significantly superior than cooling your wort in an ice bath. In fact, in less than 10 minutes, our Coldbreak gadget can cool one to three gallons of boiling wort. Moreover, since this product’s inch OD copper tubing and lead-free female garden hose fitting are created in the United States, you may be certain in its quality.

But, keep in mind that not all beer chillers are created equal, especially the more expensive ones. Others recommend that you test this chiller before using it to verify that it does not leak; your unit may need tightening. But, regardless of how cheap or costly the wort chiller is, this should be done. Lucky for us, the positives outweigh the drawbacks. Apart from the low price, this machine is stylish, simple to operate, and portable, making it an excellent choice for someone new to home brewing.

Features:

• Copper construction
• Stainless-steel hose clamps
• 12.5 foot-long, ⅜ inch-thick tubing
• 6.75-inch by 3-inch coil
• 13.5-inch inlet and outlet height
• Lead-free female hose fitting
• Made in the USA

10. HFS(R) Homebrew Beer Wort Chiller (7.5″ 2.9″/30 plate, ¾” x ½” NPT)

The HFS(R) Homebrew has a well-deserved average 4.4-star rating on Amazon as one of the best wort coolers. Although immersion wort chillers are often desired by home brewers, the small size of a plate chiller simply cannot be topped. But, unless you want to avoid the bulkiness of immersion or counterflow wort chillers, don’t go with a plate chiller if you’re not willing to put up with the lengthier, more time-consuming cleaning procedure.

In general, a plate chiller like this provides excellent heat exchange in a coil-free, straightforward form. Since plate chillers increase surface area, your wort will be cooled faster than any other method known to man, even faster than an immersion chiller. Some reviews even go so far as to state that this model is superior to other plate chillers in a comparable price range.

To be honest, there aren’t many drawbacks that consumers report after using this product. That being said, the most frequent benefits people claim are: it works quickly, there is no need to recirculate your wort, it does not leak, and it works as well with cold water or warm ground water. To top it all off, with the purchase of this product, you will also obtain a one-year guarantee, which is highly valued by customers on a large scale.

Features:

• 304 stainless-steel body brazed with 99.9-percent copper
• 2.9-inch by 7.5-inch by 3.5-inch plates
• ½-inch NPT wort fitting
• ¾-inch NPT water fitting
• -321 degrees Fahrenheit to 392 degrees Fahrenheit temperature range
• Includes 1 year warranty

Best Wort Chiller FAQ

If you haven’t figured it out yet, here’s a hint: if you’re a beer drinker, you should read this. It is vital to understand the purpose of these specialized gadgets, how they operate, and how to maintain them so that they last for many years.

What is a wort chiller used for?

These items are used in the home brewing procedure. They make it possible for homebrewers to fast chill boiling wort. Why do I need a chiller when I can cool my wort with an ice bath? With a chiller, you can do the same task in a fraction of the time. As a result, many claim to create their greatest wort using this piece of equipment and have no regrets about getting one.

Do I need a wort chiller?

Although they are not essential for home brewing, they may be quite useful. For many people, the benefits of utilizing a beer chiller, such as improved beer clarity and increased taste, outweigh the price of having one. Cooling wort without chillers, on the other hand, may be a more time-consuming and labor-intensive procedure.

How do wort chillers work?

Using a chiller is simple. But, depending on whether you are a skimmer or a chiller, the method will be different. Each chiller, regardless of form, uses an ice water supply that passes through the chiller’s steel or copper body. The water flow absorbs heat from the wort, allowing it to cool swiftly.

It is critical to follow the directions that came with your chiller. If you’re experiencing problems with your particular model, there are lots of tutorials and wonderful YouTube videos you can turn to.

What is a counterflow wort chiller?

Counterflow chillers are constructed using a tube within a tube design. The inner tube is filled with hot wort from the boil kettle, while the outer tube is filled with cold water running in the reverse way.

What is immersion wort chiller?

Immersion chillers are precisely what their name implies. These chillers are buried partly in the wort. The user would then connect the chiller to their kitchen faucet or yard hose before putting cold water through the chiller.

What is a cold plate wort chiller?

A cold plate chiller may be your best choice if you need a little product. Cold water and hot wort flow in opposing directions, similar to counterflow chillers. Its cold plate cousins, on the other hand, have a rectangular body rather than a tubular coil body.

What size wort chiller do I need?

In this case, size is everything. Certain chillers are only capable of handling specific batch sizes. It is generally stated on the box of beer chillers, or in the quoted specifications if you are ordering online, how many gallons of wort it is ideal for.

Nevertheless, 25 x is often used for five gallons, whereas 50 x is best for ten gallons.

How to clean wort chiller?

Wort chillers are simple to maintain. The crucial thing is that you fully clean and sanitize your chiller to avoid a contaminated batch of beer. There are numerous methods to clean the three kinds of chillers, just as there are different ways to operate them.

Nonetheless, all chillers must be cleaned after each usage, no exceptions.

When cleaning your chiller, follow these basic procedures (while also considering the directions in your product’s instruction booklet):

How to Clean a Counterflow Chiller:

1. Right after use, before the chiller has had time to dry, flush your device with a cleaning solution. To properly dislodge buildup and debris, run the solution in the opposite direction of the tubing.
2. Flush out the chiller with clean water.
3. Rinse the chiller with a sterilizing solution.

How to Clean an Immersion Chiller:

1. Submerge your immersion chiller in a cleaning solution.
2. Rinse your chiller with clean water.
3. Soak your chiller in a sterilizing solution for a few minutes.
4. Optional: If your immersion chiller is stainless-steel or copper, you can bake it in the oven to kill bacteria.

How to Clean a Plate Chiller:

1. Back-flush your plate chiller with a cleaning solution.
2. Then back-flush your chiller with a cleaning solution in the opposite direction.
3. Flush the chiller with water in both directions.
4. Flush the chiller with a sterilizing solution in both directions.
5. Optional: Biol your plate chiller in water or cleaning solution to rid of excess debris.
6. Optional: Bake your chiller in the oven to kill bacteria that may still be present.

What is the best wort chiller on the market?

Before you even contemplate purchasing a wort cooler, you need know which of the three kinds of chillers is ideal for you. For example, if you like simple maintenance, an immersion chiller may be the best choice, while plate chillers should be avoided since they are more difficult to clean than other beer coolers.

Apart from maintenance, the material, size, and pricing of your future chiller are all important factors to consider when you choose the best model for your requirements.

But when it comes down to the most popular wort chillers, here are our top three based on this top ten list:

1. Northern Brewer Copperhead® Immersion Wort Chiller (4.9 out of 5-star review; 20+ reviewers)
2. Northern Brewer Silver Serpent 50 Foot Stainless Steel Wort Chiller (4.9 out of 5-star review; 20+ reviewers)
3. NY Brew Supply W3850-CV Super Efficient ⅜ x 50′ Copper Wort Chiller (average 4.8 out of 5-star review; 90+ reviewers)

While looking at different wort chillers on the market, regardless of how reputable the brand or how pricey the product, always check at verified reviews of the exact model to see whether it is the perfect product for you.