Temperature control is one of the most important factors in fermentation, directly impacting yeast performance, flavor development, and product stability. To manage temperature effectively, breweries, wineries, and kombucha producers rely on cooling systems integrated into their fermentation tanks. Two of the most common designs are dimple jackets and coil jackets. Each has its own advantages, applications, and cost considerations. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you choose the right option for your production needs.
Understanding the Basics
Both dimple jackets and coil jackets circulate chilled glycol or water around the tank to maintain desired fermentation temperatures. However, the design and heat transfer efficiency differ.
1.What is a Dimple Jacket?
A dimple jacket is a thin layer of metal embossed with small concave “dimples,” welded onto the exterior of a tank. This creates channels for coolant to flow evenly across the surface.
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Excellent heat transfer efficiency due to uniform coolant distribution
Durable and pressure-resistant, suitable for large tanks
Smooth interior tank wall, making cleaning easy
Aesthetic and compact, creating a clean professional look
Ideal for:
Large fermentation tanks, jacketed brite tanks, wine tanks, and high-impact cooling applications.
2.What is a Coil Jacket?
A coil jacket (sometimes called external cooling coils) uses welded stainless steel tubes wrapped or mounted around the tank. Coolant flows through these coils to absorb heat from fermentation.
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More economical—lower cost compared to dimple jackets
Easy to repair or replace, as coils are external
Flexible installation, suitable for smaller tanks or retrofitting
Localized cooling—coils can be positioned based on tank height
Ideal for:
Small fermentation tanks, kombucha tanks, pilot systems, and budget-conscious projects.
3.Key Differences at a Glance
Feature Dimple Jacket Coil Jacket
Cost Higher Lower
Cooling efficiency Excellent, uniform Good, localized
Durability Very high Moderate to high
Space usage Compact Can extend outwards
Cleaning Easy (smooth walls) No impact on interior cleaning
Tank size suitability Medium to large tanks Small to medium tanks
4.Which One Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on budget, tank size, and fermentation style.
Choose a Dimple Jacket if:
You operate medium to large fermentation tanks (1,000–10,000+ L)
You need precise, uniform temperature control
Energy efficiency is a priority
You want a sleek, professional tank design
Your fermentation generates intense heat (beer, wine, kombucha, cider)
Dimple jackets deliver consistency and durability, making them a long-term investment for serious production facilities.
Choose a Coil Jacket if:
You’re working with smaller tanks (100–1,000 L)
You need a cost-effective cooling solution
You have limited glycol capacity
You want easy maintenance and replacement
You’re building a pilot system or starting a small brewery or kombucha operation
Coil jackets are practical, affordable, and flexible for early-stage or small-scale setups.
5.Hybrid Systems: The Best of Both Worlds
Some manufacturers combine lower-level dimple jackets with upper coil zones for improved cost control and heat management. Hybrid designs let you tailor the cooling system to your fermentation profile and budget.
Both dimple and coil jackets offer effective temperature control—but they serve different needs. Dimple jackets excel in performance and durability for commercial-scale operations, while coil jackets provide flexibility and cost savings for smaller systems. By understanding your production goals, tank size, and cooling capacity, you can choose the right jacket type to ensure stable, efficient, and high-quality fermentation.
The right temperature control system isn’t just equipment—it’s key to producing great beer, wine, kombucha, or spirits. Cheers to better fermentation!
Tiantai company can provide you various fermenter range from 50L to 50,000L, if you interest any beer equipment, feel free to contact us for a quote.
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