Glycol Chillers: Why Microbreweries Use Them, How They Work, & How to Maintain Them

Precision is everything in craft brewing—including when it comes to temperature. Whether you're fermenting a new IPA or conditioning a crisp lager, even a small temperature fluctuation can impact the quality, flavor, and consistency of your final product. That’s why one piece of equipment has become absolutely indispensable for microbreweries of all sizes: glycol chillers.

Used to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the brewing process, glycol chillers give brewers the control they need to create high-quality, repeatable results—batch after batch. Let’s explore what glycol chillers are, why they’re so crucial to modern brewing, how they work, and most importantly, how to maintain them for peak performance.

What is a Glycol Chiller?

A glycol chiller is a specialized refrigeration system that uses a mixture of water and glycol—typically propylene glycol or ethylene glycol—as a coolant to regulate temperatures in brewing systems. For most microbreweries, the glycol-to-water ratio is 60/40. While its mechanisms might sound technical, the function of a glycol chiller is pretty straightforward: it keeps your brewing process at the perfect temperature from start to finish.

The chiller circulates the glycol solution through a closed-loop system connected to fermenters, bright tanks, and other brewing vessels. The system is often integrated with these vessels using cooling jackets or coils. Because glycol has a lower freezing point than water (-74.2 °F for pure propylene glycol), the solution can remain liquid at sub-zero temperatures—providing highly efficient and consistent cooling power.

How Glycol Chillers Benefit Microbreweries

Glycol chillers play a behind-the-scenes yet critical role in helping microbreweries craft consistently exceptional beer.

#1. Fermentation Control

Fermentation is the heartbeat of brewing, and yeast is very particular about its environment. Brewery glycol chillers allow you to set and maintain exact fermentation temperatures, which is crucial for promoting healthy yeast activity and producing desired flavor profiles. Whether you're brewing a Belgian tripel at warmer temps or a lager that ferments cold and slow, glycol chillers give you the control you need.

#2. Batch Consistency

Consistency is what turns first-time customers into loyal fans. Brewery glycol chillers help ensure that each batch of beer comes out just as you intended. By eliminating temperature fluctuations, they make it easier to replicate brewing conditions and maintain consistent quality—even when you're scaling up production.

#3. Preservation of Freshness & Flavor

Oxidation, off-flavors, and spoilage can happen when beer is exposed to unstable temperatures. Glycol chillers help prevent these issues by keeping your products at an optimal temperature throughout fermentation, maturation, and even storage. Not only does this extend shelf life, but it also ensures your beer tastes just as great poured from a tap as it did in the tank.

#4. Freezing Prevention

Glycol's antifreeze properties are particularly important in colder environments or when you're storing your beer long-term. As mentioned before, glycol won't freeze in sub-zero conditions. That means your system can keep running reliably in any climate, preventing damage to your tanks and piping.

How Does a Glycol Chiller Work?

Now that you understand why brewery glycol chillers are so beneficial, let’s take a closer look at how they actually work. At the core of a glycol chiller is a refrigeration system that cools the reservoir of the glycol and water mixture. Once cooled, this solution is pumped through insulated tubing that runs to other brewing equipment.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the cooling process:

1. Chiller Compresses Refrigerant: A compressor pressurizes the refrigerant, increasing its temperature.
2. Heat Dissipation: The hot refrigerant moves through a condenser, where heat is expelled and the refrigerant cools into a liquid.
3. Cooling the Glycol: This liquid refrigerant passes through an evaporator, absorbing heat from the glycol/water mixture in the reservoir and chilling it to the desired temperature.
4. Circulation to Tanks: The now-cooled glycol mixture is pumped through the closed-loop piping to your tanks.
5. Heat Transfer at the Vessel: Heat from the fermenting beer is transferred into the glycol mixture through the tank’s cooling jacket, warming the glycol and cooling the beer.
6. Return & Repeat: The warmed glycol returns to the chiller reservoir, where the cycle begins again.

It’s a continuous process that ensures your brew maintains the perfect temperature—whether it's 68°F for ale fermentation or 34°F for cold crashing.

Understanding the Role of Propylene Glycol

When it comes to choosing the right glycol for your brewery’s chiller, propylene glycol is the gold standard. At Keller-Heartt, we supply premium propylene glycol products that meet the highest standards microbreweries require. Here’s why our experts recommend it:

• Non-toxic & Food Grade: Propylene glycol is considered safe for use in food and beverage applications. Unlike ethylene glycol, which has toxic properties, propylene glycol is approved by the FDA for indirect food contact and poses far fewer health risks if leaks or spills happen.
• Corrosion Protection: High-quality propylene glycol products, such as those from TRUEGARD, contain corrosion inhibitors that protect your equipment from rust and wear, extending the life of your glycol chiller and related components.
• Efficient Heat Transfer: Propylene glycol has excellent thermal conductivity and antifreeze properties, which means it performs efficiently across a wide temperature range.
• Environmentally Safer: Should a leak happen, propylene glycol is far less harmful to the environment than ethylene glycol.

How to Maintain Brewery Glycol Chillers

Like any piece of brewing equipment, your glycol chiller requires regular maintenance to ensure it keeps running smoothly—and keeps your beer at its best.

Use the Right Glycol Mixture

Using too little glycol can reduce freezing protection, while using too much can reduce heat transfer efficiency. While the ideal glycol-to-water ratio is typically about 40% glycol, this can vary depending on your system specs and local climate. Make sure to double-check your proper ratio. Regardless, always use high-quality propylene glycol—and never just top off your system with plain water.

Monitor Fluid Levels & Condition

Regularly check your glycol reservoir to ensure it's filled to the proper level and that the fluid is clean. Over time, glycol can degrade, and the corrosion inhibitors can wear out. If the fluid looks cloudy or rusty—or hasn’t been changed in a while—it’s likely time to flush and refill.

Inspect for Leaks

Since propylene glycol is odorless, leaks may not be immediately noticeable. Look for puddles, damp insulation, or wet spots around the chiller and tank connections. A slow leak can lead to serious problems over time. Depending on the severity of your leak, you may need to shut off the system, tighten fittings, replace faulty components, or consult a professional technician.

Clean Coils & Filters

Dust and debris can collect on your glycol chiller’s condenser coils and air filters, reducing efficiency. Clean these components regularly—especially during your busy brewing seasons.

Schedule Preventative Maintenance

Plan for a full system inspection at least once a year. This includes checking pump operation, pressure settings, flow rates, and the integrity of hoses and connections. Don’t wait until something breaks—keep your glycol chiller running strong year-round.

How to Choose a Fluids Provider for Glycol Chillers

​Selecting the right fluids provider for your brewery glycol chiller has a big impact on the efficiency, safety, and longevity of your operations. The ideal supplier should offer high-quality, food-grade propylene glycol, possess industry expertise, and provide reliable customer support.​

At Keller-Heartt, we understand what microbreweries need—not just because we’ve worked with breweries nationwide, but because we specialize in high-performance propylene glycol products built for the unique demands of craft brewing.

We’re more than just a fluids supplier—we’re a partner you can count on. Whether you're building out your brewery, scaling up production, or simply maintaining your existing glycol chiller system, our team is here to help you find the right fluid solutions to keep your system running at peak efficiency.

Why choose Keller-Heartt?

• Premium-Grade Propylene Glycol: Keller-Heartt offers food-safe, USP-grade propylene glycol, ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety for use in brewing applications. ​
• Corrosion-Inhibited Formulations: Our glycol products are formulated with corrosion inhibitors, enhancing equipment longevity and reducing maintenance needs.​
• Flexible Purchasing Options: Whether you require bulk quantities or smaller volumes, we have options to match your production scale.​ Plus, we offer competitive discounts for bulk purchases.
• Reliable Customer Support: Known for fast, free shipping and responsive service, Keller-Heartt ensures that your brewery's needs are met promptly and efficiently.​

Keep the Right Temperature on Tap with Glycol Chiller Fluids

We’re here to help you brew with confidence—one perfectly chilled batch at a time. Place your order for Keller-Heartt propylene glycol products today or reach out to our team with any questions. Let’s raise a glass to temperature control, consistency, and great beer. Cheers from all of us at Keller-Heartt!