FannyThere is always the need to serve beverages like coffee and cold beer at parties and large functions. Using refrigerators might not be economical as you will require an electrical connection. Nonetheless, refrigerators are not so portable. In such scenarios, a cold plate cooler and coil coolers come in handy.
Both coolers are preferred because of their ease of use, compact design, and top-class thermal conductivity. Together with that, unlike most conventional coolers, these two models do not require electricity to function. Consequently, this attribute makes the coolers extra portable, which explains why they are synonymous with parties. Here is a comparison of the cold plate cooler and coil cooler so you choose what works for you.
How cold plate cooler work
Cold plate coolers are made of an esky or cooler that features a cold plate designed from a double or single stainless steel coil cast in aluminum. Aluminum is the preferred choice in coolers owing to its lightweight and excellent thermal conductivity. The model does not require electricity or any other power source to function. Instead, the esky is submerged in ice to enable cooling of the aluminum plate.
The cooling of the plate results in chilling of the warm beer, which is usually designed to run through the stainless steel coil crafted within the cold plate. Plates on the cooler absorb waste heat from the beverage thanks to an increased surface area. The efficiency of cold plate coolers is anchored on the material of the coil as well as the beverage’s flow rate. For a smooth cooling process, it is crucial to get rid of melted ice water from the surface of the esky. In a like manner, the ice should be pushed down onto the cold plate surface from time to time.
This process must keep the cold plate surface in constant contact with the ice for seamless cooling. Cold plate coolers are ideal when keg or beer temperature is retained below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. In this manner, the beer will be dispensed out of the faucet consistently at about 36-38 degrees Fahrenheit.
How coil coolers work
On the other side, coil coolers require ice and water. Beer is dispensed from the faucet, and it runs through the length of the stainless steel coil immersed in water and ice. Ice-cold water is responsible for the cooling of the stainless steel coil. The coil then ensures that the beer running along its surface is cold. Of course, the length of the coil depends on the model and ranges between 50’ and 120’.
Which cooler is better?
Coil coolers are better at cooling when compared to cold plate coolers. Their design incorporates coils that are relatively longer than cold plate tubing. Longer coils allow the beer to stay in contact with the coil’s surface for longer, hence expediting the cooling process.
Coil coolers are recommended in cases where it is impossible to maintain beverage temperatures below 55 degrees. If the beverage or liquid is warmer, you need more incredible, longer coils for an efficient cooling process.
Even after cooling, a slight pressure of about 30-35 lb is required for the kegs to dispense beverage kept at an internal temperature of 50-55 degrees if the beverage is to be dispensed at room temperatures and beyond demand applied pressure of 35-40lbs.
Conclusion
Both coolers are preferred because of their ease of use, compact design, and top-class thermal conductivity. Together with that, unlike most conventional coolers, these two models do not require electricity to function. Consequently, this attribute makes the coolers extra portable, which explains why they are synonymous with parties. Finally, you know where to invest your money if you are looking for the most efficient alternative between the two.