So I have read through almost every post in this thread and still have questions. I just got a new plate chiller and think I need a pump to push wort through and to push pbw through after chilling... Is there a consensus on what he best and CHEAPEST option is? I know it sounds like chiggers are the way to go, but sounds like I can get the little tan pump to suffice. Is that the best option or I'd there something else out there I should be considering? If he tan 12 or 24 volt, I don't really do electricity so explaining like I'm 5 is much appreciated. Lastly I brew with a bayou brew kettle with a screen attached to the female not ball valve at the bottom, what is the best way to get everything connected into my plate chiller?
Thanks for all the help guys
Best and Cheapest? These are not paralleling options. I dont think you can get best and cheapest. A sliding scale but I truly believe the little tan pump from Amazon or Ebay is worth the money.
I wanted a Chugger but found the tan pump on Amazon and I have a few DC adapters around so $26 and some electrical tape and I had a pump.
Brew Day: 3/7/2015
Lots of new equipment for a delirium tremens clone; tan pump, counter flow chiller, camlocks, silicone tubing, brew stand, and hop spider. Lots to break in and learn how each affects the brew process.
I didnt use it to move strike water or wort to the boil kettle. I typically heat my strike water in my MLT. I typically empty MLT into buckets, sparge and fill boil kettle.
I did use it to initially pump boiling wort from BK to CFC back to BK as the wort was still a tad bit too hot. It worked great. Then into the fermentation buckets. No problems. Later I ran cleaner through silicone tubing, pump, valves, etc and it worked great.
Im excited to see how it works next time as I work into the routine with my new equipment. The DT clone nailed temps, pre-boil volume, OG, and came up .04 shy of finishing on FG.Might have been a bit underpitched even with a 2 smack pack starter or I typically ferment a 10 gallon batch in 3 five gallon buckets for headspace. We might have exceeded our anticipated post-boil volume as it is a bit inaccurate to measure and we had been drinking 5-6 hours. Also, I was gathering yeast when they filled the buckets. It tastes amazing g and will get bottled this weekend.
I loved the camlocks and will order more soon. So easy and no leaks. The ½ silicone tubing easily screwed onto the camlock B.