120v Brau Supply vs High Gravity

[BroomVikin]

I'm beginning to think that I'd like to head down the eBIAB road. I only do 5g batches but I do brew the occasional high gravity beer. The thought of 120v really appeals to me because of the flexibility and portability of it. Here's the question, what are some thoughts regarding the Brau Supply system vs. the High Gravity system? The Brau Supply uses 2x1500w elements while the High Gravity uses a 2250w Blichmann Boilcoil so that's one obvious difference. Besides that they seem very similar. What are the other differences (positives/ negatives) that I might be missing? Thanks for the input.

 

[augiedoggy]

I'm beginning to think that I'd like to head down the eBIAB road. I only do 5g batches but I do brew the occasional high gravity beer. The thought of 120v really appeals to me because of the flexibility and portability of it. Here's the question, what are some thoughts regarding the Brau Supply system vs. the High Gravity system? The Brau Supply uses 2x1500w elements while the High Gravity uses a 2250w Blichmann Boilcoil so that's one obvious difference. Besides that they seem very similar. What are the other differences (positives/ negatives) that I might be missing? Thanks for the input.

Do a search... Theres at least one other recent thread where someone asked the exact same thing and advantages and disadvantages are explained...

 

[BroomVikin]

I found a discussion on how overpriced and poorly constructed the HG system is. Didn't really find a comparison thread. I suppose I'll wait on some more feedback.

 

[Lazer Wolf Brewing]

I'm beginning to think that I'd like to head down the eBIAB road. I only do 5g batches but I do brew the occasional high gravity beer. The thought of 120v really appeals to me because of the flexibility and portability of it. Here's the question, what are some thoughts regarding the Brau Supply system vs. the High Gravity system? The Brau Supply uses 2x1500w elements while the High Gravity uses a 2250w Blichmann Boilcoil so that's one obvious difference. Besides that they seem very similar. What are the other differences (positives/ negatives) that I might be missing? Thanks for the input.

I was looking at both those systems but in the end I went with the Grainfather, despite the awful name. There is a huge thread titled "Grainfather!!" that convinced me.

One thing that turned me off to the dual element was that I was going to have to find two separate gfci outlets on two separate circuits, so portability wasn't really that great. For some this isn't a problem though. Grainfather may take a little extra time and effort to get to a boil, but I can plug it in almost anywhere (one outlet), and for me the trade off is worth it.

All this being said, I haven't used either system that you mentioned. Just my 2 cents.

 

[tmendick]

Wouldn't you need a 20 amp outlet (which would reduce portability as well) for a single though? I thought that 15 amp was only good up to 1600 watts which is why brewboss and brausupply do a dual heater

 

[BroomVikin]

I'm lucky enough to have 20A outlets in my kitchen. My understanding is that the 120V Brau Supply system is now available with 20A controller capable of powering a 2000W element. If I'm reading the description correctly it also comes with a second element that can be plugged in on a separate circuit to speed up the boil process. The controller can be used for a single element that is sufficient to reach and maintain mash temperatures or maintain a boil. Once the mash is done I'd use the second element at full power to reach a boil and then simply power it off and continue the boil with the element connected to the controller. Since the boilcoil element with the HG 120v system is only 2250w it seems like it would take much longer to reach a boil. Since they're roughly the same price I was wondering what I was missing.

 

[TexasWine]

My 2 cents... (and as a disclaimer, I bought the Brau Supply 2x1500 watt system)

Portability was important to me. Finding two 15 amp circuits is never a problem. I simply use those portable gfci things that make any outlet gfci. The high gravity system requires a 20 amp circuit, which isn't always available.

The Brau Supply is a better value if the criteria is to get a eBIAB system with recirculation. The big difference I see is the pump, and I'm more than happy with the 24v option provided by Brau Supply. $665 vs $869 for the high gravity and $899 for Grainfather.

2x1500 watt is faster than 1x2250 watt or 1x1600 watt.

Brau Supply quality of material of the controller case is better than high gravity. Nice metal enclosure for Brau Supply vs plastic for high gravity.

Since I figured out I was crushing too fine for recirculation, I've been extremely happy with my purchase. And if I had to do my evaluation all over again, I'd still make the same choice and buy the Brau Supply.

 

[TexasWine]

Since they're roughly the same price I was wondering what I was missing.

The cheaper high gravity system does not have a pump and cannot recirculate.