Plate vs CFC, Blichmann vs Shirron

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by mikehartigan, Oct 29, 2013.

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  1. mikehartigan

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

    I'm thinking of upgrading (sidegrading?) my chilling equipment. I'm happy with the performance of my Jamil-ized IC, but I've decided that 50'x1/2" copper is just a bit too unwieldy (a PITA, actually). And, its unique charm notwithstanding, my home-made unit is butt ugly!

    I'm considering either a CFC or a plate chiller (is there another non-IC option?). The Chillzilla and the Therminator are about the same price - $200-ish. I'm fine with that, but is the Therminator really worth twice the price of a Shirron? (I have complete confidence in anything that says 'Blichmann', but twice the price???) Is the convoluted Chillzilla worth $20 more than the non-convoluted CFC that,otherwise, appears to be identical?

    Pros/cons?
    Alternatives?
     
    #1 mikehartigan, Oct 29, 2013
    inchrisin likes this.
  2. PortLargo

    PortLargo Pooh-Bah (1,831) Oct 19, 2012 Florida
    Pooh-Bah

    #2 PortLargo, Oct 29, 2013
  3. telejunkie

    telejunkie Savant (1,107) Sep 14, 2007 Vermont

    to me it's really about size...does it really matter? If size matters, plate, if not, then a cfc is a good choice. Cleaning time is the same so that is a wash.
    Shirron vs. Blichmann, I'd say you're talking about timing differences (# of plates) and efficiency differences (plate area). Blichmann has more plates so it should move the wort faster, not sure about the area of the plates though. I have a duda, the 23A-30 plate model and find it's a great combo of efficiency, speed and price but also have noticed rust problems on the water side. That said I think blichmann is a better grade material, but not positive. One thing i've noticed with blichmann is that his products are usually pricier for a reason...
     
    #3 telejunkie, Oct 30, 2013
  4. Duda_Energy

    Duda_Energy Initiate (0) Jan 10, 2014

    The blichmann is stainless 316, while ours (duda) is stainless 304. 316 is far better when dealing with marine applications (its designed for salt water), which is one of the higher cost factors for their unit, but that shouldn't be why you are getting rust. Is it possible you are getting rust on the copper brazing? You can clean that off with a 10-30% solution of phosphoric or acetic acid (vinegar is ~10% acetic).

    My main concern is whether or not the leaks are right there at the fittings, or on the side. If they are on the fittings, you might have a leak, you may want to add some teflon tape to your connection (or inspect the gasket if its a garden hose fitting)
     
    #4 Duda_Energy, Jan 10, 2014
  5. mikehartigan

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

    I ended up getting a duda, based, in large part, on its popularity among members of my brew club, and the fact that I couldn't find any substantive negative reviews. I haven't used it yet, so I can't comment on it.
     
    #5 mikehartigan, Jan 10, 2014
    Duda_Energy likes this.
  6. GreenKrusty101

    GreenKrusty101 Initiate (0) Dec 4, 2008 Nevada

    The water temp going through either one (CFC or plate) is probably the single greatest factor...I plan on buying another garden hose when my cheapo CFC finally quits in another 10 years (yes, I'm jealous) :slight_smile:
     
    #6 GreenKrusty101, Jan 11, 2014
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