I am contemplating purchasing a SS Unitank (either the 14 gallon or half bbl). My brewing system is limited most by the fermentation vessels I use right now, as I still use carboys (uggh). Does anyone have experience with the smaller SS unitanks? I am particularly interested in hearing about integrating a chilling system and what people have done in this regard. While I would love to purchase a glycol chiller, this is definitely a while off. Has anyone used a temperature controller with a more rudimentary chilling system?
>My brewing system is limited most by the fermentation vessels I use right now, as I still use carboys (uggh). Does anyone have experience with the smaller SS unitanks?
In my opinion, the major nicety about a unitank over a conical is that you can carb/serve out of it in addition to fermenting. However, if you're using it for carbing and serving, you aren't using it to ferment your next beer until you're done. When considering unitank vs. conical, I personally decided I'd rather have a couple conicals vs. a couple unitanks, then take the money saved and buy extra kegs/co2 tank/regulator. I already had a big beer fridge so holding more kegs wasn't an issue.
Just my 2 cents regarding unitank vs. conical.
To your question:
>interested in hearing about integrating a chilling system and what people have done in this regard
You need to consider how precise you want your temp control and the environment you'll be fermenting in. If you have a hot summer (which I presume, based on your question/concern), and you have your fermenting tank in your garage, it will literally be baking on the hottest days and you need serious chilling power. Glycol is your friend.
If you have a house with a basement, you can probably get away with a good cooler filled with ice water that you check semi-daily.
If you typically used your basement, and are considering getting a unitank that will hold 10+ gallons, you have to realize the weight when filled with beer will probably be >100 lbs and whatever handles were put on that unitank were likely intended for moving the tank while empty instead of full. So if you were planning to ferment in a basement and also planning 10+ gallons into the unitank and you brew outside then you'll have a challenge getting the beer from kettle to tank.
Anyway, glycol. As
@czmkid stated, glycol.