I'm getting back into brewing after a 5 year break, but on a smaller scale, (2 -2.5 gallon batches). Most of the equipment for home brewing seems to be aimed at 5 gallon (and above). I had an idea for a wort chiller/fermentation system. I was hoping to get some feedback before I spend the money.
I'm thinking of using a 3.5 gallon Brewtech mini bucket with a chiller coil in it, hooked to an ice chest with another chiller coil hooked to the return, (so I'm not pumping hot water back into the ice water), a 12v submersible fountain pump in the ice chest, hooked to an Inkbird temp controller. My theory is that I can pour the wort into the brewbucket and chill it down to pitching temp, and then just set the temp for primary fermentation. Then all I have to do is check to make sure there's always ice in the ice chest.
I'm thinking of using a 3.5 gallon Brewtech mini bucket with a chiller coil in it, hooked to an ice chest with another chiller coil hooked to the return, (so I'm not pumping hot water back into the ice water), a 12v submersible fountain pump in the ice chest, hooked to an Inkbird temp controller. My theory is that I can pour the wort into the brewbucket and chill it down to pitching temp, and then just set the temp for primary fermentation. Then all I have to do is check to make sure there's always ice in the ice chest.