Where to get cheap copper for Wort chiller

[emza0114]

Hi guys,

I know that this has been discussed else where but the lists either seem to be a bit outdated...
Basically where is the cheapest place to get 3/8 inch copper for a wort chiller?

Bunnings seems to come in the cheapest so far (1/2 inch 20m) at about $120...
But are there any other suggestions?

Also how much would be recommended for roughly 5 gallon batch sizes? 10m?

thanks
Mark

 

[razz]

It will depend on how deep your kettle is Mark, but generally, about 1/2 a 18-20 metre coil will do for a single batch. Perhaps you can go halves with another forum member?

 

[jaypes]

you can buy cheap purpose built ones from here

 

[Drew]

Polyaire quoted me $44 for 15 metres of 3/8"

http://www.polyaire.com.au/residential/pipe-and-fittings/copper/soft-annealed-coil/soft-annealed-copper-coil-0-91mm-wall-thickness/

 

[Sprungmonkey]

+1 for polyair - I have ordered a couple of rolls last week
they are 15m x 1/2 inch for 54.25+GST

i will use one to prechill in an ice bath and one in the kettle

So 120 bucks gets me 2 x 15m 1/2 coils

 

[Drew]

Yep I also went for the 1/2" for ~$60 inc. I like how the guy knew I was brewing up something, though his guess was slightly off - distiller. They must see it all the time.

Besides the obvious advantage of more surface area and volume in the 1/2", I also like how it fits pretty well onto a standard garden hose.

 

[ataraxia]

looking for 15m roll of cheap 1/2 in. copper too. Anyone know anywhere in Melbourne eastern suburbs who sell similar price to Polyair?

cheers.

 

[hughman666]

Reese plumbing cut it to length and the 1/2" i got was nice and easy to roll into shape. Cant remember the exact price but 5 metres was around $20 or so...

 

[emza0114]

thanks guys I'll give polyair a crack...
On another point obvioulsy 1/2" would be better for chilling but would this be too thick to bend without a bending tool?

cheers

 

[billygoat]

thanks guys I'll give polyair a crack...
On another point obvioulsy 1/2" would be better for chilling but would this be too thick to bend without a bending tool?

cheers

No

 

[benno1973]

1/2" is fine to bend. Just sit a keg or gas bottle in the middle and work from the bottom, in lengths, working your way slowly along the coil. Don't try to bend 90 degree angles without a decent bending tool, or alternatively solder copper elbows on with lead free solder.

 

[ataraxia]

tried Reece today. $136 for 18m of 1/2 inch.

The search continues.

 

[Drew]

Ataraxia, is Polyaire no good?

Dandenong and Thomastown according to their website.

 

[Bymyown2hands]

Sprungmonkey, where in Brisbane did you get yours? The Polyaire distributor near me (caboolture) doesn't sell to the public, they only purchase for their own use. I don't really care if I have to go for a bit of a drive.

Cheers

 

[Adr_0]

I just got 2 x 15m rolls of 3/8" 0.91mm copper from Polyaire in Virginia. I believe the spec is called R22. It was $115 or $118, so about $58-59/roll and $4/m.

The 0.81mm stuff is a lot cheaper, basically $45/15m roll and so $3/m. I believe this is the R410 stuff. I only got the R22 spec because the fool behind the counter had an attitude problem with calling me; the other guy was more than happy to get some up from Burleigh overnight. The r22 spec has probably got a better chance of keeping wall thickness with compression fittings; they don't recommend the R410 for compression fittings though.

Although they don't say it, mains pressure should be fine as it's normally in the 400-600kPag range and worst case this stuff should be good for 1400-1500kPag or so.

I am using 3/8" because of its greater water velocity and turbulence, so greater cooling power for the same size, but 1/2" prices shouldn't be far off.

If you're going to go down from Caboolture, I would recommend calling first as they don't always have it in Brisbane.

 

[Bymyown2hands]

Thanks Adr_0. Where in Viginia are they? The website just seems to point to an AC mob in Banyo.

 

[Adr_0]

They are on Northlink Place in Virginia (the end of Northgate Road):

Virginia
81-89 Northlink Place
Virginia, Queensland 4014
Phone: (07) 3866 8700
Fax: (07) 3256 8718

 

[Bymyown2hands]

Thanks mate, really appreciate it.

 

[Moad]

Another option if you are lazy...

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Brand-New-Super-Efficient-50-Copper-Immersion-Wort-Chiller-3-8-/130738109528?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e70993c58&_uhb=1