Ohits that is sound advice so how big is youre bucket, how much water do you use?
The submersible pump is quite small. I just put it in a standard supermarket bucket which is maybe 8 litres? I top it up as necessary until I'm recirculating. I've never measured how much water I use, but I'm concerned about it like everyone else. Come brew day admittedly, I'm most concerned about the beer I'm making!
Sorry for the questions ohits but you sound like you have it sussed.
So Im thinking tap water into the immersion chiller hot water into the washing machine.
Pump from bunnings bucket or buckets of chilled water to bring down to 18 c
The magical question how long does it take you to get there say now in march?
Cheers
I don't take proper notice but I would say it takes me 45mins to get to 18deg this time of year. And Ive certainly chilled down to 14deg accidentally. I do the same size batches as you, 25L. I would like it to take less time but at least I can chill to a low enough temperature easily. The first time I used the immersion chiller it took 40mins to get to 24deg on a 40deg plus day in December. But I had the pump connected from the beginning til end, which I don't think is as effective. I have a chiller like the one at the top
here. I wouldn't mind more coils than that, alas. And they tend to be in the middle and towards the bottom, not at the top, which would be better.
Obviously it depends on a few things. When pumping the chilling water (with my pump and equipment), the flowrate is significantly less than when connected to the tap with the mains pressure. Thats why I'd suggest connecting to the tap to begin with to knock off the first few degrees with water that isnt chilled but has a high flowrate. As you get closer to your pitching temp you'll definitely want the ice. I buy a couple of bag of ice on the day and often have some left over. But then again I could use more and chill faster I believe. Also if you have a big laundry sink you can fill that with water and ice and sit your pot in that at the same time as running the immersion chiller. I often do that too. Id like to be able to chill as fast as possible. I havent done a lager yet but Im hopeful if I continue the same method and chill for longer I'll get it down to 8 or 10 deg.
If you want to chill fast, I would consider: getting a chiller with more coils (length) and more at the top. Using a lot of ice. Selecting an appropiate pump (a bit hard when you don't know the system curve through your chiller and tubing). Immersing the brew pot as well, unless you have a spigot on it (potential worry for infection). Connecting the chiller straight to the tap to begin with when temperatures are very hot. And saving all the water! Washing machine, cleaning brew equipment, flushing toilets, watering garden. By the way this is all with the lid on and aluminium foil sealing all the gaps the chiller over the top creates.
Apologies for the length. Was going to cut it down to a couple of sentences but remembered I had all these questions a year ago and wanted the detail.