Building a Jockey Box - Tips & Advice?

[Ciderman]

Doing a bit of camping these days and I'd like to build a jockey box.

I've got a 68L esky which id like to fit with two taps. What is the better option to cool the beer?

- SS coil
- Aluminium chill plate
- Copper Coil

The beer will arrive cold and i can insulate it somewhat, but it will eventually reach room temperature.

I've seen other DYI builds that holds a 19L keg but I'd really like to be able to have two beers available.

With the price of SS coil i wonder if it's just better to buy 9L kegs.

Any help appreciated.

 

[DU99]

copper would be better

 

[Mardoo]

Unless you want to use salt.

 

[Beersuit]

It will cost a lot more but I would definitely recommend going with a plate chiller over messing around with coils. I have tried both and you just can't beat the way the chiller plate works.

 

[5150]

I have one of the aluminium chill plates which I used the first time on NYE. I was happy how it went. We ran close to 80L through it and the beer was nice and cold, but the kegs were still fairly cool. I haven't used anything else so nothing to compare it with.

 

[fdsaasdf]

For $149 the aluminium chill plate from Keg King is hard to beat. Perfectly chilled beers even from ~25 degree kegs in my experience. Not sure I'd be keen on running beer through copper lines over an extended period (not a metallurgist but have heard of complaints of metallic-tasting beer when served through old copper pipes).

 

[malt junkie]

One of the guys rigged up this, but doubled up the chilling by passing each line through 2 circuits. It is US$ so not cheap and shipping is exy but will last a life time. Note they have others.

 

[EvilTwin]

I'm very happy with my Jockeybox (plate chiller style), still has (some) Ice in it 3 days later and after kicking 3-4 kegs. It's just on the large size.

My DYI post is here for reference - http://aussiehomebrewer.com/topic/91480-cold-plate-jockey-box/#entry1385640

I've since added more john guest fittings for easier cleaning and assembly.

 

[fattox]

It will cost a lot more but I would definitely recommend going with a plate chiller over messing around with coils. I have tried both and you just can't beat the way the chiller plate works.

Can confirm - I've used Anthony's jockey box a number of times and it works an absolute treat