First brew with the electric steup

[Gonefishing]

First, it works. It looks weird, but it did work.
I brewed a pale ale today, but not without a few issues. Mostly minor, as I'd expect with a new system, the only majoe issue didn't have anything to do with the brewery...I discovered my counterflow chiller leaks and is junk.
The other problem that had nothing to do with the brewery was all me...I forgot to start a timer when the boil started. I ended up boiling for too long and have less than 4 gallons left. I also forgot to put the boil hops in until I started the timer, so their boil times are correct. I think I'll take the gravity after it's cool and top off if need be. Do you guys and gals think that's the best plan?
Nest time I'll use a checklist.
The great news is that the brewery worked great.

 

[joeybeer]

Hell, even plugging it in and firing it up is brave - I'm sure you'll get used to the new process !

 

[Gonefishing]

Based on the gravity reading I got, I'm not going to top is off. I'll pay more attention next time.

It was a bit scary to flip the switch on it. LOL

 

[morbster]

I remember flipping on my power switch for the first time. I was gloved up and used a pair of pliers because I was scared of electrical shock. That “clunk” of the contactor is such a satisfying sound...

 

[Gonefishing]

That sound was kind of sweet to hear.
I hope to brew two more batches this weekend. They will be Smashes, both using Vienna. I have a co-worker who just closed his small brewery and who told me he'd sell me the malt I need.

 

[Soulshine2]

got a picture of your rig?
I remember the first time I turned the knobs on mine . Still a little workhorse.

 

[Gonefishing]

I'm going to clean up behind it so I can snap some pictures without a lot of clutter in the shot

 

[philm63]

I'd be interested to hear any issues you may have had dialing it in, and what you did to fix/change it. I'm assembling a 3-vessel HERMS now and should be firing it up in a matter of weeks - never brewed electric before and would appreciate the insight.