Three features set the Chillzilla apart from conventional counterflow chiller designs — the first is an all-metal construction. The excellent conductive properties of non-rusting copper tubing give the Chillzilla outstanding heat-transfer capacity.

The second is an inside tube (which carries wort from the kettle, through the chiller, into the fermenter) that is convoluted into an elongated spiral. This shape enhances the chiller's efficiency by creating turbulence in the cold water flowing through the outer tube and increasing the surface area of the wort that's exposed to cold water.

The third is the large (1/2-inch diameter) copper tubing used for the inside tube, which increases the flow rate and decreases the chilling time.

The bottom line: the Chillzilla cools wort very fast with a smaller amount of water; five gallons of wort can be cooled in under ten minutes (or less if you're brewing in a Minnesota winter).

The Chillzilla is very easy to sanitize using boiling water or Star San (or a combination). Another bonus is its compact size — unlike the bulky counterflow chillers of yesteryear, the Chillzilla measures just 10 inches from top coil to bottom coil, and 6 inches in diameter. It even comes with a bracket for optional permanent mounting.

Needed but not included are 2 to 3 feet of 1/2-inch ID thermoplastic tubing (#7128), 2 to 3 feet of 1/2-inch ID vinyl tubing (#7106), and a 1/2-inch FPT to 1/2" barbed fitting (#P010). You will also need to supply two lengths of washing machine hose (available at any hardware store) for chilling and waste water.