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BrewBuilt® IceMaster Max 2 | Glycol Chiller | 2 Built In Temperature Controllers & Pumps | 1700btu | 110V | 4.5 Gal. Tank
GLY357

BrewBuilt® IceMaster Max 2 | Glycol Chiller | 2 Built In Temperature Controllers & Pumps | 1700btu | 110V | 4.5 Gal. Tank

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Description

The ultimate control & precision of your fermentation process. Equipped with two built-in temperature controllers and pumps, this advanced chiller enables you to independently regulate the temperature of two separate fermentation vessels simultaneously, ensuring optimal conditions for different batches or styles of beer, making it a game-changer for homebrewers.

  • 2 built-in submersible pumps with independent digital controllers
  • Control multiple fermentation temperatures independently
  • Fill with 20% glycol solution for optimal chilling performance
  • Cold crash with good insulation
  • Perfect complement to BrewBuilt X-Series Conicals

The IceMaster Max 2 is designed to cool fermentations in small vessels. It features 2 built-in submersible pumps with independent digital temperature controllers and can be used with any vessel that has a glycol jacket or submersed cooling coil/rod. Each controller includes a temperature probe that should be inserted into a thermowell in your vessel or can be taped to the outside of the vessel if you don't have a thermowell. The digital controller then measures the temperature of your tank and turns the submersible pump on or off to cool to your desired set temperature. Up to two tanks can be controlled separately with one IceMaster Max 2.

The Max 2 is the perfect unit for brewers with 1 or 2 fermentation vessels. The IceMaster 100 and IceMaster Max 4 are terrific chillers, but for they have far more cooling capacity than the average homebrewer needs. The Max 2 is the most affordable glycol chiller we offer, and thanks to the built-in submersible pumps and controllers, there's no need to purchase additional pump kits to use with your cooling system(s).

Compatibility
The IceMaster can be used with any fermenter that has a built-in cooling jacket, added CoolStix, or a submersed cooling coil. It works well as the cooling source for the following sytems and fermenters.

  • BrewBuilt Jacketed Uni Conical - we recommend one Insulated Tubing Kit for each tank. These kits feature "dry break" quick disconnects that prevent glycol loss and the insulated tubing will increase chilling efficiency and eliminate line sweating from condensation.
  • CoolStix - CoolStix can be added to a wide range of carboys, fermenters, and tanks and the IceMaster works really well in combination. Each CoolStix is available with or without a pump kit; for use with the IceMaster Max 2 you will only need the CoolStix and some tubing to connect it to the chiller.  
  • Ss Brewtech Fermenters and Brites - Ss BME Chronicals, BME Brites, and Unitanks come with cooling coils and neoprene as standard. The optional chilling FTSs will not be needed for use with the Max 2.
  • Spike Conical with Optional Cooling Coil - the cooling coil for Spike CF series conicals is available for purchase independently from the TC-100 cooling system. For use with the Max 2 you will only need the the coil and some tubing to connect it to the chiller.
  • Speidel Tanks with Optional Cooling Jackets - You will need two lengths of tubing to connect the chiller to each tank.   
  • Grainfather Fermenters - Grainfather fermenters have standard cooling jackets. You will need two lengths of tubing for each fermenter.
  • Blichmann Fermenators with Optional Cooling Coil - You will need two lengths of tubing for each Fermenator.

Capacity
It is always difficult to determine exactly how many tanks can be chilled at one time as it depends on what is happening in each tank, if the tank is insulated, and what the ambient temperature is. Cold crashing always requires the most energy and requires tank insulation. We have experimented with capacities and can provide this general guide based on a 75°F ambient and neoprene insulation. Neoprene provides a modest amount of insulation so you would obtain better results using Armaflex or a higher R rated insulation. 

At 75°F ambient temperature with neoprene insulation, the Max 2 can cold crash one 1 BBL BrewBuilt Jacketed Uni or two Jacketed Unis up to 15 gallons in size at one time to 38°F.

Set Up
In order to hook up the IceMaster to your fermenter or tank's cooling system, you will need 2 lengths of tubing per vessel. All tubing connections should be secured with hose clamps.

  • Length 1: Barb of 1st bulkhead (IN) to cooling system outlet
  • Length 2: Barb of 2nd bulkhead (OUT) to cooling system inlet

Specifications:

  • 2 built-in submersible pumps with independent digital controllers
  • Pump controller reads in °F / °C
  • Temperature controller reads in °C
  • Labeled IN and OUT stainless bulkheads with 3/8" OD barbs
  • Tank Capacity: 17 L / 4.5 Gal. Water Capacity
  • Compressor: 3/8 HP
  • Cooling Capacity: 500 Watt/1700btu/0.14 tons
  • Refrigerant: R600a
  • Voltage: 110V
  • Dimensions: 19" x 12" x 17.5"
  • Wheels not included
  • CE Certified

 

Note: The new model includes a sightglass that is connected via two plastic Duotight tees.  The tees can be attached onto the push tubes on the front of the unit. The sight glass can be fitted between the two tees and plugs need to be inserted on the outward facing openings. 

Warning: Do not set the reservoir temperature controller lower than 28°F (-2ºC). Running the unit below this temperature may negatively affect the unit's efficiency and has the potential to freeze beer which may impact the finished beer's flavor.

Community Q&A

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Browse 31 questions Browse 31 questions and 84 answers
Why did you choose this?
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I wanted to cool beer
Steven S on Feb 21, 2023
It appears to be the best option to balance price with my needs and functionality.
Jay S on Jan 18, 2023
I wanted to cool beer
Steven S on Feb 21, 2023
Size, price, convenience
James W on Jan 25, 2023
It appears to be the best option to balance price with my needs and functionality.
Jay S on Jan 18, 2023
It appears to be the best option to balance price with my needs and functionality.
Jay S on Jan 18, 2023
good cooling for 2 batches of home brew
John P on Jan 7, 2023
size
Matthew G on Dec 21, 2022
I wanted a brewtools system
James F on Dec 15, 2022
Based on the price and reviews.
Randall W on Dec 1, 2022
Perfect size for my system
Randy W on Nov 29, 2022
Ideal mix of cost and performance to cool two 14 gallon jacketed conicals.
Lance S on Nov 11, 2022
Temp control is key
Travis B on Oct 26, 2022
Fermentations control, smaller size
James B on Oct 11, 2022
Seemed like best option for chilling one 10 gal fermenter
Matt M on Oct 3, 2022
Cheapest by far
Quinlan G on Sep 20, 2022
Its a Glycol Chiller!!
William J on Sep 14, 2022
Living in Nevada the ambient temp never really gets below 70 degrees and Im tired of the jerry rig solutions. Time to invest
Hunter H on Sep 9, 2022
Price and the right size.
James R on Sep 7, 2022
Need to cool beer
John C on Sep 7, 2022
Live in Florida
Tanner W on Jul 29, 2022
Just seems like the right choice for my homebrewing needs. Good reviews, value and available information present this as a responsible purchase.
John T on Jul 29, 2022
great reviews & great value
Lucas H on Jul 29, 2022
Value...Built-in pumps/controllers
Marc H on Jul 13, 2022
Best value for glycol chiller
John C A on Jul 1, 2022
Great price for product I need
Tony S on Jun 14, 2022
Price and recommendation
Paul H on Jun 9, 2022
A gift for my brewing nephew in this hot climate.
Uncle Hank on May 19, 2022
To ferment in the garage
Kevin C on Apr 27, 2022
Because it wasn't too expensive, and I can cold crash. I have a spike unitank
Kevin S on Apr 6, 2022
To improve the quality of my home brew
Nolan S on Apr 1, 2022
Great value, good reviews, right size
Rob L on Mar 26, 2022
BEST PRICE
Salvador R on Mar 23, 2022
I like to party
Valued C on Mar 12, 2022
Size and price
Mike T on Feb 11, 2022
Ready to use at a lower cost point than competitors, good reviews
Patrick C on Feb 3, 2022
It's an all in one product not needing pumps or controllers. My ony complaint woud be to have a hot side of fth controllers
Gregory B on Jan 31, 2022
Best price
Timothy j W on Jan 4, 2022
Most cost effective glycol chiller
Brendan R on Dec 4, 2021
Good reviews
Jerry K on Nov 27, 2021
Starting some small brews.
Michael G on Nov 19, 2021
To grew Lagers
Allen W on Oct 14, 2021
Good reviews and perfect size and price
Daniel J on Oct 8, 2021
Good match for my SS Brewtech Chronical BME Half Barrel
RYAN on Oct 8, 2021
Ferm control for two styles of beer.
Val G on Sep 30, 2021
bought a conical
Alex A on Aug 28, 2021
For making lager beers cold crashing
Anita S on Jul 2, 2021
Cold crashing in my warm garage.
Rafael P on Jun 29, 2021
Best combination of features and price
Stanley Hirshman on Jun 25, 2021
Right size and good reviews
David H on Jun 23, 2021
Need a chiller for my two Spike CF10 conicals.
Adam G on May 11, 2021
Price and size
Kenneth W on May 6, 2021
Size, price, convenience
James W on Jan 25, 2023
It appears to be the best option to balance price with my needs and functionality.
Jay S on Jan 18, 2023
What is the decibel rating for this unit under load? Is is louder than a typical mini-fridge?
Jason A on May 3, 2020
BEST ANSWER: The compressor is not very loud but the fan is quite loud and the sound is at a higher pitch. I would not recommend placing this in a living room or office. Putting it in a garage or basement should be fine.
Are there going to be wheels available for this?
brian r on Apr 16, 2020
BEST ANSWER: At this time we do not have plans to add caster options for this unit. I will pass your question along to our development team so they can get started on it. Cheers!
What kind if warranty is offered, especially for the built-in temperature controllers?
Anthony on Sep 1, 2020
BEST ANSWER: All of our products come with our standard 1 year wear-and-tear / factory defect warranty. We guarantee all parts of all of our products for 1 year of regular use. If you have an issue past then we are always here to help. Cheers!
Can this be used with immersion chiller to cool wort after boil?
Mark I on Mar 20, 2020
BEST ANSWER: We do not recommend using this to chill hot wort. The liquid coming out of your heat exchanger will be too hot for the compressor to handle and will burn out the machine quickly. We can recommend using the glycol to cool down a tank or bucket full of water that you can recirculate through your wort chiller. This will stop the chiller from being overwhelmed and will still save you water along the way.
Can this unit present Fahrenheit values?
Jason A on May 3, 2020
BEST ANSWER: It only does Celsius, but I just found a nice Celsius to Fahrenheit beer chart, went on amazon and had a refrigerator magnet made of it. Now I have a handy chart that is right there on the unit.....
Will this chiller allow me to Lager a brew in my SS Brewtech conical with FTS lid?
Thomas Sills on Jul 1, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Hi Tom - the cooling capacity is greatly dependent on the ambient temperature, volume of the fermentation, and whether the fermenter is insulated with neoprene or other material. With that in mind, at 75°F ambient temperature with neoprene insulation, the Max 2 can cold crash one 1 BBL tank, so it should be fine maintaining lagering temperatures for your conical, assuming it's below 1 BBL in size.
What is the optimal temperature to set the main controller to when using glycol solution (not straight water)? I'll be using this with a pair of Spike CF10 conicals (getting all the hardware needed at purchase of those).
Adam G on Apr 27, 2021
BEST ANSWER: You want to set the controller about 20° below whatever setpoint, or lowest set point, you will be using for the beer. But, you don’t want to go much below that, otherwise you start getting some significant temperature swings in the beer itself.
I need to replace one of the pumps. What's the easiest way to get access to them?
Shawn G on Feb 13, 2021
BEST ANSWER: If MoreBeer can't help you out with this, you can order a pump directly from KegLand. The IceMaster Max 2 is a rebranded KegLand Icemaster G20.
Will this work with the SS Brewtech Brew Buckets?
Anthony on Apr 2, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Yes. This glycol chiller will work with any fermenter that has an internal chilling coil or a jacket.
what is the operating PSI of the pump? I am looking to use this with a glycol jacket that is rated for 8 PSI max, will this work with that?
Herbert Gorfinkle on May 24, 2022
BEST ANSWER: No problem with that rating. The pumps are small. I doubt it would get even half that pressure.
Does this unit come with the temp probe? If so how long is it?
kris on Jan 30, 2023
BEST ANSWER: Yes, mine came with a temp probe. I think it’s about 4’ long. The probe acts like a switch. If the probe is not inserted the pump will not run.
Today I spoke with a friend who had received his Icemaster Max 2 last week. He assured me that the unit can also heat up. I can hardly believe it, but if so: Why is that not specified anywhere? I only know that you have the possibility to connect a heating device which is then also controlled by the internal controller (version 2.1). Does my buddy now have a kind of version 2.2?
Stefan M on Dec 6, 2021
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your inquiry and we apologize for the confusion. This unit does not come with any heating device nor a controller specifically designated for heating. It is possible to use the controllers with a heating device but you will then not have that controller available for a cooling application. There is no version 2.2 in the works at this time.
When filling conical jacket(s) or coils the tank level is going to drop. Should this be topped up to cover the coils? I didn't see anything in the manual about it and I'm not finding much online about it either.
Mark M on Dec 18, 2023
BEST ANSWER: Yes, the unit will be more efficient if the coolant covers the coils. The pump inlet is at the bottom and the unit will function if not full of coolant, but it is best practice to have the coolant cover the coils at all times.
My Temperature controller reads in °F, description says it will read in °C, is there a way to change this?
Bill H on Dec 12, 2022
BEST ANSWER: Unfortunately, I don’t believe there is a way to change it. I use a metric conversion app on my phone to figure out what it is in Fahrenheit. It’s one way that helps you learn Celsius, I guess.
How long can you leave a glycol water mixture in the tank?
A drain valve would be nice also
jeffrey m on Oct 23, 2023
BEST ANSWER: I've had my glycol solution for 1.5 years and it's still going strong. I googled the question and it seems that it's 4 years. Regarding the drain plug, remove the bottom tee of the sight glass to drain the solution. Use a small flat top screwdriver to move the inside plastic ring outwards from the tee. This unlocks it and it should slide right off.
I’m using S&S brew tech one BBL bright tanks for flavored seltzer’s and the chiller will not get below 4°C I’ve set at -2 Celsius and it’s still hangs around 4° please advise thank you?
Chris W on Jun 28, 2022
BEST ANSWER: The factory default temperature differential is 2 degrees.
The differential can be adjusted in the Parameters menu. There is an ICEMASTER MAX 2 pdf which I downloaded a few years ago which describes the way to change that. Put a thermometer in the main glycol tack and check the temperature. I have kept my glycol temp much lower than my target fermentation/laagering temp as is seems more efficient in maintaining temp. I have found that the IceMaster's glycol tank to more than adequately insulated to easily maintain a tank temp much less than you are using. Fool around with that number -- I set mine at -10 to -15 -- and see if you can keep the bright tank in an acceptable range.
How much electricity does this draw? Considering on maintaining ale temps in a garage during the summer.
Kevin C on Apr 8, 2022
BEST ANSWER: Not an exact answer, but there is data on the unit for amperage draw. When I initially received mine, I was impressed on how little the unit's compressor ran in my warm (hot) garage during the summer. It is well insulated. I use a Spike conical fermenter with the neoprene insulating cover, and additionally will cover it up with a blanket or tarp. How long the pumps run will depend on the insulation of the fermenter. I also run the glycol lines inside the foam tubes you can get at HD or Lowes that are used on hot water pipes. You will be happy with this chiller.
Where can I download an operation manual?
Kevin S on May 4, 2022
BEST ANSWER: At Kegland Australia website
Where can I set this up? Do i need to hook up some kind of exhaust? I plan to use it in a shed room that gets very warm in summer. I just dont want to burn the unit out and assume it needs some kind of ventilation
Matt M on May 16, 2023
BEST ANSWER: No exhaust needed. It works like an air conditioner, but the heat transfer is into the glycol liquid instead of air. It’ll be fine in your shed.
duo tight connects for input/output on ice master and eva barrier tubing?

I would like to use duo tight fittings on the input/output on the barbs. What parts would be needed for these connections?
Herbert Gorfinkle on Mar 20, 2022
BEST ANSWER: Tubing, clamps reducer barbs.
The manual says you can run this chiller on plain water. It suggests using tap water if you’re going to use it this way. It says using distilled/RO will damage the heat exchanger. Is this correct? I assumed it would be the other way around seeing as how tap water will have a lot of minerals and impurities to perhaps corrode the exchanger. Any help/advice is appreciated.
Samuel O on Mar 7, 2024
BEST ANSWER: I’m using distilled water and glycol as I would in my Honda cooling system. It has better heat transfer and inhibits corrosion. Like a cooling system there are dissimilar metals and electrical current much as in electro plating.
Can this be rigged up to use with fermzilla conical fermenters ?
jeffrey m on Oct 1, 2023
BEST ANSWER: In theory yes, but it will take some modifications. You will have to find a way to get a coil into the fermenter and seal off the vessel.
I purchased the Icemaster Max 2 in July and I am using it with a SSBrewtech 14gallon unitank with the supplied neoprene cover and cooling coil. This is my first brew with the chiller and I am brewing 10 gallons. To insulate the tubing, I am using the styrofoam tubes you buy at Home Depot for water pipes. I'm using a 20% glycol solution in the chiller as recommended. The problem is that I can't get the reservoir to chill down to below 9 degrees C. It's set at 5 degrees C but the best it will do is 9. I'm beginning the process of cold crashing today but obviously I won't be able to chill down to the required temps if I can't get the reservoir below 9C. Any suggestions what might be wrong?
Barry M on Sep 21, 2023
BEST ANSWER: That's strange, what happens if you set the controller for the reservoir lower? Try -2C and see how cold it gets.
Is there anyway to use a relay or switch to give a signal to turn on a heater. Perhaps using an ink bird to trigger a realy for the pump. Does anyone know what the pump switch voltage is?
Adam S on Aug 24, 2023
BEST ANSWER: The pump controllers on the front of the unit are two stage meaning they do have two separate relays. One is for cooling and switches the pumps. The other is for heating and is not connected at the factory. It is very straightforward to wire this up to control an external heating device. I tapped into 120VAC inside the case so no need for an additional extension cord. Flush mount socket on the side of the unit to plug in the heating pad. Kegland makes this chiller and has better documentation on their website.
How many amps does this unit draw?
Jeremy H on Apr 21, 2023
BEST ANSWER: According to the specufications it draws 500 watts is a little over 4 amps
Can the glycol hose barbs be replaced with quick connects?
Jeffrey Morrison on Dec 16, 2021
BEST ANSWER: You could complicate matters, but just put a short hose on the barbs and install a quick disconnect to that short hose. That allows you to easily revert to just using a hose if you later decide to or if you pass along the chiller to another if your brewing practices change.
Has anyone found an extension for the temperature probe? I only need about 3' more. Thanks!
Jay N on Jan 24, 2021
BEST ANSWER: You should be able to use standard RTD or Thermocouple wire to extend the temperature probes. RTD wire has 3 wires, Thermocouple wire has 2. It is fairly simple to see how many wires are coming off of your controller for the temp probe, order that type of wire, then splice it in between the end of the current wires and the temp controller itself.
So, we have a sight glass which is great, but I looked through all the documentation and I do see any reference to what the proper, minimum, or maximum level of the glycol mixture should be wiuthin the sight glass. My unit cools just fine, but I want to make sure I don't have it underfiulled. What is the proper level within the sight glass?
Herbert P on Feb 6, 2024
I want to buy equipment to cool and freeze my Naja Tower, but I need to know if it reaches and works at a temperature between -4 and -6 degrees Celsius? which is the recommended temperature to keep the Naja Tower frozen. Thank you.
Tiago L on Nov 20, 2023
Can the temperature sensors be submerged in water?
Adam S on Mar 22, 2023
Reviews

4.3 / 5.0
51 Reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Star
30
10
6
5
0
Rated 2 out of 5
Won't go below 40°????
I've done about 10-15 batches with this chiller. Does fine at ale & lager temps but it has trouble cold crashing. I've set the reservoir temp to 0° & -2°c? I can't get it below 40°f when cold crashing. Using it with the X3 jacketed conical. Pretty disappointing. I'm already looking at getting something else.
June 11, 2024
Rated 5 out of 5
Very Nice
Only been running it for two days but very happy with it so far. My last set up was DIY, with a 1/2HP converted window AC unit to a aquarium chiller with a loop into a cooler, and three Inkbird controllers. After that AC unit died after about 9 years, got this IceMaster 2. Cooling speed and run times are similar. The biggest upgrade is the noise level, this is way quieter than my old window AC unit. My set up is in my basement workshop which is next to my bar and movie room. This system is also much more compact and clean. Controllers are easy to use and everything is in a small footprint.
April 6, 2024
Rated 2 out of 5
Get what you pay for
Was dependable for approximately 5 months. Did what advertised however one pump shortly went out.
Company was great in replacing pump/unit under warranty.

6 months later, same pump went out. Now no longer under warranty so ordered another pump for approx 47.00 and replaced. Rather labor intensive but if you are a home brewer - you can figure it out (there are no instructions or videos on this)

Now another 6 months have passed and another pump has failed.

Going to go with a different unit at this point.
October 25, 2023
Rated 5 out of 5
Wonderful addition to my setup, makes it possible to brew in the peak of the summer with no issues.
October 23, 2023
Purchased
over 2 years ago
Rated 2 out of 5
worst chiller ever
first it came with a leak, after repair can chill down to -2 but cant handle a 15 gallon cold crash and a 5 gallon fermentation
August 29, 2023
Rated 5 out of 5
Sized well for home brewers
The unit is as advertised. Based on initial testing with glycol, I expect this unit is able to control two, 5-gallon batches to the mid-to-low 50's F.

I did not attempt to cold crash, but suspect the practical limit will be around 38-40 F. This suspicision is based on the recommended 28 F lowest setpoint, recovery time of this unit, and the thin neoprene insulation on my fermentors.

Tom Hennesy's suggestion (below in this review list)
for casters is solid. I'm glad I had those ready to put on when the unit arrived.

Some what I believe are common sense suggestions for the Assembly and Testing Instructions.

- After shipping, the unit should be allowed to sit undisturbed for 24 hours for the coolant to settle.

- Verify the unit is reasonably level before adding liquid.

-Step 2 of the instructions deal with attaching the sight glass to the unit using the supplied duotight fittings. It should contain a reminder to remove the blue horseshoe-shaped retaining clips before this step. If you forget, it will leak. Even though I have used them before, I forgot, and it leaked.

- I used the distilled water from a grocery to mix with the glycol. After filling with what I thought was 4.5 gallons, it was overflowing. These jugs may contain more than 1 gallon. More careful measurement isn't necessary but maybe a good idea.
August 27, 2023
Rated 5 out of 5
A few tips
I have used it once and it worked fine. It drew 10 kWh over the entire period of a 5 gallon batch of lager. I have it connected to a chilling coil inside my Catalyst fermenter in my basement.
The Catalyst is insulated by its own neoprene cover (which is very thin) and a towel. During the cold crash I wrapped a second towel around it, another towel over the top, and bubble wrap on the conical section and Mason jar.
I originally had the temperature sensor in a thermowell in the stopper, but it kept popping out. When fermenting at 54F, a sensor place against the outside wall under the insulation gave the same reading, so I switched to that. However, during the cold crash the one on the outside never read below 40F, and a thermometer inserted into the beer just before bottling read 35F, so I am going to install a thermowell in the cover.
Another tip: before trying to pour water and/or glycol into the reservoir, get yourself a funnel. I spilled a lot of water into the unit. Then I got a 5" diameter/14.5" long funnel at Ace and cut off part of the spout, and it was perfect.
July 25, 2023
Rated 5 out of 5
This is awesome!
I regularly ferment 2 batches, this keeps very stable temperatures. Even if I have 2 different temp settings.
May 9, 2023
Rated 5 out of 5
Love the unit. Works as described. Temperature sensors are accurate when compared to other probes.
April 22, 2023
Purchased
over 3 years ago
Rated 4 out of 5
Great for the price
This works great and the price is really good. I only wish that it would have a plug for heating. This can be achieved but you need to do some 'electrical work'
April 9, 2023
Purchased
over 2 years ago