5 Gallon Stir Plate

[Yavid]

I don't want to draw attention away from the shady/incompetent business practices of the guy developing these large stir plates but I do have a question:

Has anyone done a split batch to compare a stir plate ferment VS regular ferment? I did a quick skim of this thread and I didn't see any feedback from a direct comparison. Does anyone other than the guy building these have results to share? I don't plan to buy one, just want to know if a stir plate for high gravity beers or meads is even worth using.

 

[sudbuster]

I don't want to draw attention away from the shady/incompetent business practices of the guy developing these large stir plates but I do have a question:

Has anyone done a split batch to compare a stir plate ferment VS regular ferment? I did a quick skim of this thread and I didn't see any feedback from a direct comparison. Does anyone other than the guy building these have results to share? I don't plan to buy one, just want to know if a stir plate for high gravity beers or meads is even worth using.

A few years ago I had similar questions so I built a big stir plate to try to get answers. The plate cost about $40 to make but I still use it for normal stirs. To answer your first question: yes.
To answer your second question: no.

 

[Yavid]

Thanks for the reply. Just to make sure I understand you correctly: in your experience the stir plate doesn't help when fermenting high gravity beers or meads. Can you elaborate? What did you brew? Was it a split batch? If so was there any difference between the two batches whatsoever (fermentation time, attenuation, flavour, etc).

 

[IJesusChrist]

Can we get some follow up on these stories?!

 

[beernutz]

Buyers beware when purchasing anything directly from Tom Hargrave.

I'm sure you built a bad-ass stir-plate, but I wouldn't know because you didn't ship it to me after I paid you $175. Now after 5 emails, two voice mails, and 3 weeks later I've received no response from you and have filed a dispute with PayPal to receive a refund. I even contacted your distributor, Fox Equipment. Their response, "We heard he received parts to build more, hopefully he got all the parts!" I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt that you're not malicious, just a crappy business man.

To everyone else, if you want to buy the Black Maxx I suggest finding a retailer that can confirm it in stock. But unfortunately, I don't trust Tom's ability to honor/fill and warranty related orders. If you want more feedback just google "Thomas Hargrave Better Business Bureau."

BTW, I'm obviously rubbed wrong, but have no ill will. Just want my fellow brewers to know before spending their money.

Bringing back a dead thread because I was considering buying a rims controller from stir-plate sold on amazon but after reading this, checking the BBB information on Tom Hargrave, and watching the news clip video there is no way in Hades I am letting him anywhere near my money.

 

[insurgus]

Bringing back a dead thread because I was considering buying a rims controller from stir-plate sold on amazon but after reading this, checking the BBB information on Tom Hargrave, and watching the news clip video there is no way in Hades I am letting him anywhere near my money.

same. Just came across this thread and that guy can go eat a...