Best submersible pump for wort chilling?

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by yesmar, Sep 8, 2012.

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  1. yesmar

    yesmar Initiate (0) Apr 3, 2009 Pennsylvania

    I’m planning to change my wort chilling apparatus by attaching my immersion chiller to a submersible pump in a bucket of ice water (closed-loop, recirculated). I’m thinking that a ½ horsepower pump would be sufficient.
    However, I firmly believe in “go big or stay home”. Should I step up to ¾ HP or 1 HP instead?
    I appreciate your thoughts.
     
    #1 yesmar, Sep 8, 2012
  2. mikehartigan

    mikehartigan Maven (1,421) Apr 9, 2007 Illinois

    In your "go big" philosophy, where would you draw the line? 1/2 hp is already overkill for this application, IMO. Pumping clean water a short distance is pretty light duty, so it's safe to let price be your guide on this. Provided, of course, you don't skimp too much on quality (a crappy pump is a crappy pump no matter how light the task). A light duty submersible utility pump from your local Home Depot clone should be fairly inexpensive.
     
    #2 mikehartigan, Sep 8, 2012
  3. spartan1979

    spartan1979 Pundit (970) Dec 29, 2005 Missouri

    I use a 1/6 hp pump through 50' of 1/2 copper and 15' of garden hose. It works just fine.
     
    #3 spartan1979, Sep 8, 2012
  4. yesmar

    yesmar Initiate (0) Apr 3, 2009 Pennsylvania

    Good to know. no sense wasting money on a giant pump.
    Thanks.
     
    #4 yesmar, Sep 8, 2012
  5. JebediahScooter

    JebediahScooter Initiate (0) Sep 5, 2010 Vermont

    A $20 harbor freight rig does the job just fine for me, recirculating ice water through a 25' CFC.
     
    #5 JebediahScooter, Sep 8, 2012
  6. NiceFly

    NiceFly Initiate (0) Dec 22, 2011 Tajikistan

    Here is a recent thread I found useful.
     
    #6 NiceFly, Sep 9, 2012
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