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Glycol Chiller FAQ
Why should I upgrade to a glycol chiller?
A glycol chiller is the ultimate tool for temperature control. Unlike a standard fridge, it allows you to maintain precise fermentation temperatures for multiple vessels simultaneously, even in the middle of a New Zealand summer. It also enables cold crashing (dropping your beer to near 0°C) to achieve professional-level clarity and crispness.
How many fermenters can one glycol chiller handle?
This depends on the model. Units like the Grainfather GC4 or the Icemaster G20/G40 are designed to handle between 2 and 4 fermenters at once. Each fermenter can be set to a different temperature, allowing you to ferment an Ale, a Lager, and cold-crash a third batch all from the same unit.
What ratio of glycol to water should I use?
For most homebrewing setups in NZ, we recommend a mixture of 33% Propylene Glycol and 67% distilled water. This prevents the mixture from freezing inside the chiller's heat exchanger while ensuring efficient cooling. Note: Always use food-grade Propylene Glycol, not automotive antifreeze.
Is my fermenter compatible with a glycol chiller?
To use a glycol chiller, your fermenter must have a cooling coil or a cooling jacket. Most premium stainless fermenters (like Ss Brewtech or Grainfather) come with these or have them available as add-ons. You can also use glycol with a FermZilla if you install the Glycol Cooling Kit.
Can you ship glycol chillers NZ-wide?
Yes! While glycol chillers are heavy and high-value items, we ship them NZ-wide. We take extra care with the packaging and use reliable couriers to ensure your unit arrives safely at your doorstep, whether you are in Auckland, Christchurch, or a rural RD address.
How often do I need to change the glycol mixture?
Under normal conditions, you should replace your glycol/water mixture every 6 to 12 months. Over time, the mixture can become diluted or contaminated, which reduces its cooling efficiency. Regularly checking the level and clarity of the mixture in the reservoir is a good habit for any brewer.