Anvil foundry or propane?

[sixstring]

Ok, so my wife doesn't like the smell of brew days and would prefer I didn't brew in the kitchen on the stove.
I'm fine with that, but now I'm not sure what way to go.

First off, I'm in Arizona, and most of the year it's really stupidly hot outside and I'd rather not be outside while brewing.
The garage is usually up to about the mid 90's in the summer too, so again, hot, but I could use the garage (I've got fans I can switch on).

110v only for electric. Just wanted to make sure that's clear. Not looking for anything that's on the beefier circuit.

So the questions I have:

If anyone's been in a similar situation, would they recommend propane or electric?
Obviously propane in the garage would be a no no, so it'd be outside for that.

I am primarily an extract brewer. I've thought about trying some BIAB recipes, but not there yet. Want to make sure I have the right setup before I go there.
So my next question is:
Is it ok to brew extract kits in a Foundry? Or am I just wasting time?

I just don't want to buy one thing and then wish I'd gone the other route. So hoping that others have had experiences with this type of issue and I can learn from their experience.

Bugs are also an issue outside in summer here. I don't want those in my beer (so if i brew outside, any suggestions for keeping them out?)

 

[simbabrew]

Try a 35 Liter Digiboil. A lot cheaper than a Foundry, and you don't need the mash basket of the Foundry. If you ever get into all grain, a mashing basket is sold as an option for the Digiboil.

Keep in mind that with all electric systems, when you stir in the syrup extract, you will have to turn off the heat until it is dissolved. Otherwise it will throw an error related to the temperature sensor being coated in extract. Once you dissolve the extract, turn it back on and boil.

 

[Willy]

If you are doing just extract brewing ( but may move to BIAB) ... Propane is much easier. The 100v will take too long to get to boil temps vs. propane.

Just my opinion - YMMV. Cheers

 

[sixstring]

Try a 35 Liter Digiboil. A lot cheaper than a Foundry, and you don't need the mash basket of the Foundry. If you ever get into all grain, a mashing basket is sold as an option for the Digiboil.

Keep in mind that with all electric systems, when you stir in the syrup extract, you will have to turn off the heat until it is dissolved. Otherwise it will throw an error related to the temperature sensor being coated in extract. Once you dissolve the extract, turn it back on and boil.

Does this happen on all the AIO electric systems with extract? What about if it's just all DME? I'm guessing it's the LME that causes this sort of problem.
Is the Digiboil worth the savings? While I like cheaper, I also would prefer to make sure I buy one of these systems and never need to buy again. The Anvil has a great thing going with how they sell all the replacement parts. I'll take a look at the Digiboil and see what they do with regards to parts.
Thanks for the suggestion.

If you are doing just extract brewing ( but may move to BIAB) ... Propane is much easier. The 100v will take too long to get to boil temps vs. propane.

Just my opinion - YMMV. Cheers

That's one of the concerns I had as it goes. However, I only do 5 gallon batches. So with extract, that usually equates to about 2.5 - 3 gallons in the kettle. Then I top off with water in the fermenter to bring it up to 5 gallons. Would that still be the case with propane vs electric? I'm never going to brew more than 5 gallon batches ever, as I can always get two 5 gallon cornys in my kegerator this way.
Does BIAB allow this same sort of process with regards to topping up the water once you've doing the boil and transferred the wort to the FV? I guess it would help to be informed about that wouldn't it
Hmm, I guess with a propane system I could work on the porch with it, where it's shaded and it'd give me an excuse to buy a Sonos Move 2 so I can bring the music outside while I'm brewing.

So if we take the time to boil out of the equation, would you still go propane vs electric, @Willy?

 

[Willy]

Does this happen on all the AIO electric systems with extract? What about if it's just all DME? I'm guessing it's the LME that causes this sort of problem.
Is the Digiboil worth the savings? While I like cheaper, I also would prefer to make sure I buy one of these systems and never need to buy again. The Anvil has a great thing going with how they sell all the replacement parts. I'll take a look at the Digiboil and see what they do with regards to parts.
Thanks for the suggestion.


That's one of the concerns I had as it goes. However, I only do 5 gallon batches. So with extract, that usually equates to about 2.5 - 3 gallons in the kettle. Then I top off with water in the fermenter to bring it up to 5 gallons. Would that still be the case with propane vs electric? I'm never going to brew more than 5 gallon batches ever, as I can always get two 5 gallon cornys in my kegerator this way.
Does BIAB allow this same sort of process with regards to topping up the water once you've doing the boil and transferred the wort to the FV? I guess it would help to be informed about that wouldn't it
Hmm, I guess with a propane system I could work on the porch with it, where it's shaded and it'd give me an excuse to buy a Sonos Move 2 so I can bring the music outside while I'm brewing.

So if we take the time to boil out of the equation, would you still go propane vs electric, @Willy?

I think you would like the propane system better for a few reasons. AIO can be more expensive if you wanna run 240v (which is recommended). 110v can be a little slow to heat vs a propane gas system. Propane is more portable, and brewing outside is a lot of fun. If you are in the garage, ventilate well and open the door.

BIAB is adding a new mash step to your routine. Temp at approx 150°F for about an hour - let the grains steep in the bag, and pull it out. Then add water (sparge) to batch boil volume.

Hope this helps

 

[mashdar]

If you use propane in a garage, make sure you have a working CO alarm.

I use a Brewzilla Gen 4 outside, and my only complaint is slow boil times. Anvil Foundry sounds good, too.

Digiboil is missing some bells and whistles, but it's nice that you can get the base model now and upgrade later. It doesn't have a pump, which is pretty nice to have.

How do you want to cool wort? Immersion chiller?

 

[Whisky River]

First off, I'm in Arizona, and most of the year it's really stupidly hot outside and I'd rather not be outside while brewing.
The garage is usually up to about the mid 90's in the summer too, so again, hot, but I could use the garage (I've got fans I can switch on).

Obviously propane in the garage would be a no no, so it'd be outside for that.

Bugs are also an issue outside in summer here. I don't want those in my beer (so if i brew outside, any suggestions for keeping them out?)

You’re sure to get a ton of advice here, I would just caution to make sure it really applies to you and your situation. Asking if you should get a fast or slow system on this forum is kind of like going to a car forum and asking if you should get the anemic 4 cylinder car or the 800 horsepower supercharged V8 (everyone is going to say to get the V8).
From what I hear YOU saying above, brewing outside in Arizona might not be the most pleasant experience. I think using the 110v electric AIO would be perfect for your situation and would give you the flexibility to brew inside/outside/in the garage.
Heating your 2-3 gallons of water will not be an issue in one of those systems. If you do move to all grain, they can handle 5 gallon batches with no problem and the extra time it takes to heat the water can be spent preparing for the next brewing step. I have used the 110v systems before and I was never standing around waiting with nothing to do/clean. Some things that do help the 110v systems are to try and make sure you are using them on a 20a circuit. Let your strike water sit out overnight to come up to room temperature. Buy the extra insulating jacket or make your own out of reflectix. Sparge with hot water not cold. And if you still feel like it’s too slow get a heat stick to use on a separate circuit.

I have used both the Grainfather and the Brewzilla and they were both good but in different ways. The Grainfather was much better built and the Brewzilla had more tech and automation. I would seriously consider buying a used system if price is an issue at all.
Whatever you decide best of luck.

 

[sixstring]

How do you want to cool wort? Immersion chiller?

Yup, I have a simple immersion chiller for that with a cooler full of ice packs and ice i've frozen the day before in 8lb bricks. Works perfectly to bring temps down to pitching in under 20 minutes

You’re sure to get a ton of advice here, I would just caution to make sure it really applies to you and your situation.
From what I hear YOU saying above, brewing outside in Arizona might not be the most pleasant experience. I think using the 110v electric AIO would be perfect for your situation and would give you the flexibility to brew inside/outside/in the garage.
Heating your 2-3 gallons of water will not be an issue in one of those systems. If you do move to all grain, they can handle 5 gallon batches with no problem and the extra time it takes to heat the water can be spent preparing for the next brewing step. I have used the 110v systems before and I was never standing around waiting with nothing to do/clean. Some things that do help the 110v systems are to try and make sure you are using them on a 20a circuit. Let your strike water sit out overnight to come up to room temperature. Buy the extra insulating jacket or make your own out of reflectix. Sparge with hot water not cold. And if you still feel like it’s too slow get a heat stick to use on a separate circuit.

I have used both the Grainfather and the Brewzilla and they were both good but in different ways. The Grainfather was much better built and the Brewzilla had more tech and automation. I would seriously consider buying a used system if price is an issue at all.
Whatever you decide best of luck.

Thanks Whisky,
Yup, the caution is always something I use with advice. While I love to learn about what things people use/do/have/etc, I try to sift through all of the knowledge to use what I need.

One thing I have noticed, in AZ, i don't see many electric systems for sale used. There's always a lot of propane systems, but to me that says one of two things:
AZ brewers use them but don't sell because they're enjoying not being outside while brewing, or that due to the cost of the electric systems, it's not as easy to get into compared to propane setups.

 

[sixstring]

Actually, Mashdar just triggered another question. My current immersion chiller wouldn't be good enough for an electric system, as it's not high enough.
So I would guess I'd also need to pick up something like this: https://jadedbrewing.com/products/scylla
Which is fine, I've had my eyes on a Jaded chiller for quite a while (Hydra), so it's not a game changer, just need to make sure if I go Electric then I get a decent chiller to use with that system that will fit

 

[Brewer Mike]

I've got friends in my brew club that use condensation lids to brew indoors. I'm not sure how effective they are for the smell, though. You might want to research that.

I would only advise AIO, if you're seriously entertaining all grain brewing. Otherwise, it's a kind of expensive brew pot.

That said, I switched from mashing in a cooler, and boiling with propane about 2 years ago. It was a game changer for me. A recirculation pump helps you maintain consistent temperatures throughout the mash, and makes step mashes much easier. Cleanup is easier too.

The Foundry also has some additional perks. It comes with an immersion chiller, it's double walled an has a switch to go from 110v to 220v (if you ever change your mind).

 

[Broken Crow]

Have you ever noticed that some perfumes smell marvellous on someone but then one day your stuck in room with someone who's wearing it but they clearly have no sense of smell because it's like they dumped a whole bottle over thier body and the scent which is pleasant in small doses is now overwhelming, burns your eyeballs and makes you wanna puke?
I love the smells of brewing and while my GF likes it from a distance, I was only allowed to brew when she was spending her time on another floor of the house and with the windows open until I got a steam condenser. The steam condenser makes the atmosphere of brewing much like being in the presence of a person with taste and an intact sense of smell wearing a pleasent scent....nice to be around and not overwhelming.
If the wife likes beer at all, there's a very good chance she'd find the scent enjoyable at the greatly reduced airborne concentrations that a steam condenser affords.
This is of course, highly subjective but hopefully some food for thought that may apply to your situation.

 

[sixstring]

I've got friends in my brew club that use condensation lids to brew indoors. I'm not sure how effective they are for the smell, though. You might want to research that.

I would only advise AIO, if you're seriously entertaining all grain brewing. Otherwise, it's a kind of expensive brew pot.

That said, I switched from mashing in a cooler, and boiling with propane about 2 years ago. It was a game changer for me. A recirculation pump helps you maintain consistent temperatures throughout the mash, and makes step mashes much easier. Cleanup is easier too.

The Foundry also has some additional perks. It comes with an immersion chiller, it's double walled an has a switch to go from 110v to 220v (if you ever change your mind).

Oh. That is an excellent little nugget of advice there. I will do more reading on the condensation lid. Thank you for that.

I am seriously entertaining BIAB, which as far as I understand it is all grain brewing, just less steps (correct me if I'm wrong, please). As I'd like to start buying ingredients in more of a bulk buy so I have things on hand to start creating my own recipes with. And just doing extract brewing seems to not be a great option for that. Seems to cost quite a bit more to buy LME/DME compared to grains.

 

[sixstring]

Have you ever noticed that some perfumes smell marvellous on someone but then one day your stuck in room with someone who's wearing it but they clearly have no sense of smell because it's like they dumped a whole bottle over thier body and the scent which is pleasant in small doses is now overwhelming, burns your eyeballs and makes you wanna puke?
I love the smells of brewing and while my GF likes it from a distance, I was only allowed to brew when she was spending her time on another floor of the house and with the windows open until I got a steam condenser. The steam condenser makes the atmosphere of brewing much like being in the presence of a person with taste and an intact sense of smell wearing a pleasent scent....nice to be around and not overwhelming.
If the wife likes beer at all, there's a very good chance she'd find the scent enjoyable at the greatly reduced airborne concentrations that a steam condenser affords.
This is of course, highly subjective but hopefully some food for thought that may apply to your situation.

haha, sadly she doesn't like beer at all.
But yes, I get what you mean.
Doing some reading on the steam condenser lids now.

The great thing about this is the Anvil Foundry has one of those too I believe (or as an add-on), which would let me brew indoors, keep the stove free for actually making food (I'm the chef too mostly), and keep the "aroma" down.

 

[Broken Crow]

Oh. That is an excellent little nugget of advice there. I will do more reading on the condensation lid. Thank you for that.

I am seriously entertaining BIAB, which as far as I understand it is all grain brewing, just less steps (correct me if I'm wrong, please). As I'd like to start buying ingredients in more of a bulk buy so I have things on hand to start creating my own recipes with. And just doing extract brewing seems to not be a great option for that. Seems to cost quite a bit more to buy LME/DME compared to grains.

This might help:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/thread...ly-is-mythbusting-for-traditionalists.686973/

haha, sadly she doesn't like beer at all.
But yes, I get what you mean.
Doing some reading on the steam condenser lids now.

The great thing about this is the Anvil Foundry has one of those too I believe (or as an add-on), which would let me brew indoors, keep the stove free for actually making food (I'm the chef too mostly), and keep the "aroma" down.

And here's the homebrewer's steam condenser thread started by its inventer on this site:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/boil-kettle-condenser-no-overhead-ventilation-needed.636955/

 

[sixstring]

So far it looks like the AIO system is winning in my mind.
Water may take a little more time to heat to the temp for steeping grains, but that's fine. On the stove I have to get it done as fast as I can, so I can cook sunday dinner too. If I have the AIO sitting in the kitchen while i prep dinner stuff and let it do it's thing, then I'm making better use of my time while the water heats up.
I don't brew a lot. My goal is to have two kegs in the kegerator and two or three sitting in room temp storage (pressurized to seal them obviously) so I can switch kegs out when needed, but not need to be brewing beer every other weekend. I enjoy it, but I don't want to do it all the time. I just want to enjoy my finished product really, with as little amount of hassle as possible (hence the reason I don't have any intention of getting into 3 tier systems, which is why the BIAB method is very appealing for all grain to me).

The Foundry is also useful as a Sous Vide cooking method, so I have an additional use for it when not making beer. (always wanted to try Sous Vide cooking).
It has the condenser system to help reduce brewing aromas, while it might not be 100%, I can easily move the system to the porch or just open a window to help along with the extractor hood over the stove.

 

[Broken Crow]

FWIW: Without getting political, I like to believe that this era will not last and if that's the case, at some point in your life you may need or wish to provide for an electric vehicle (if not a welder or proper compressor or any number of other useful current-hungry fun things that make life worth living)... How old are you now and what does the future you want hold? I for one, can't imagine a garage with less than 240V/60A as a bare minimum. Do you own your house? In short; any chance you may wanna revisit this:

110v only for electric. Just wanted to make sure that's clear. Not looking for anything that's on the beefier circuit.

An electric AIO does sound ideal for your situation, but since you've shown yourself competent at DIY; there are many on here who have discovered for themselves just how easy it is to do your own domestic rewiring AS LONG AS YOU HAVE THE BRAIN TO DO IT SAFELY! (Bold print for others 'online' as you've proven in various threads to exercise sound judgement and the internet is full of idiots).
Adding a breaker and some 10/3 or (better) 10/4 Romex is no big deal...heck, just think about looking up your local electric codes and running it yourself and if you're not confident with connecting it, just hire an electrian to inspect and complete it.
I know that I for one, couldn't live with a garage that had any less.
Just sayin'

 

[Willy]

FWIW: Without getting political, I like to believe that this era will not last and if that's the case, at some point in your life you may need or wish to provide for an electric vehicle (if not a welder or proper compressor or any number of other useful current-hungry fun things that make life worth living)... How old are you now and what does the future you want hold? I for one, can't imagine a garage with less than 240V/60A as a bare minimum. Do you own your house? In short; any chance you may wanna revisit this:

An electric AIO does sound ideal for your situation, but since you've shown yourself competent at DIY; there are many on here who have discovered for themselves just how easy it is to do your own domestic rewiring AS LONG AS YOU HAVE THE BRAIN TO DO IT SAFELY! (Bold print for others 'online' as you've proven in various threads to exercise sound judgement and the internet is full of idiots).
Adding a breaker and some 10/3 or (better) 10/4 Romex is no big deal...heck, just think about looking up your local electric codes and running it yourself and if you're not confident with connecting it, just hire an electrian to inspect and complete it.
I know that I for one, couldn't live with a garage that had any less.
Just sayin'

Couldn't agree more. I learned late in life - but now have a 240v in the garage, backyard 240v for outdoor brewing, and for the dryer inside. My first AIO batches used an adapter cord that went from dryer outlet plug to Brewzilla female. Love 240v. It opens the doors of power. Haha

 

[Whisky River]

Couldn't agree more. I learned late in life - but now have a 240v in the garage, backyard 240v for outdoor brewing, and for the dryer inside. My first AIO batches used an adapter cord that went from dryer outlet plug to Brewzilla female. Love 240v. It opens the doors of power. Haha

What no 3 phase?

 

[mashdar]

What no 3 phase?

Maybe he's got a 240 delta. Don't jump to conclusions.

 

[sixstring]

An electric AIO does sound ideal for your situation, but since you've shown yourself competent at DIY; there are many on here who have discovered for themselves just how easy it is to do your own domestic rewiring AS LONG AS YOU HAVE THE BRAIN TO DO IT SAFELY! (Bold print for others 'online' as you've proven in various threads to exercise sound judgement and the internet is full of idiots).
Adding a breaker and some 10/3 or (better) 10/4 Romex is no big deal...heck, just think about looking up your local electric codes and running it yourself and if you're not confident with connecting it, just hire an electrian to inspect and complete it.
I know that I for one, couldn't live with a garage that had any less.
Just sayin'

I am very ignorant about electricity aside from knowing I don't want to get electrocuted So I always hire someone to do wiring. That and this house has the worst electrical wiring I've ever seen. Last time I had an electrician here, fixing an outlet that burnt up, he said whoever wired the house originally needed to be shot.
I have zero idea what we've got in the garage of the house we rent. There's a washer and dryer in a room off the garage though, so I'm sure it's probably got the beefier circuit already.
The main reason for 110 is so I can make sure that where ever I take it, I can run it. Convenience mainly.
The Anvil does have the ability to switch, which is excellent, and another point in its favour.

I've been mulling this over all weekend and then some and I do think that the AIO will be my best option since it leaves me open to faster boils if I can get it hooked to a 240 circuit and lets me stay indoors where it's cooler and not going to find a rattlesnake sitting by my chair while I'm brewing (yes, we get them on the porch here right outside the front door and it's not a fun experience).

Now to be patient and play the waiting game, since the Anvil 10 gallon AIOs are out of stock and I don't see any for sale used. So in the time I have before i buy, I can keep researching and reading Looks like I should educate myself on electricity too. Probably a good idea even if I don't do any wiring myself.

 

[jdauria]

I love my Foundry. Was a propane brewer for years and when I got the Foundry I thought I would only use it to brew in the winter when it was too cold to brew outside here in Mass, or on those 90 degree, 90% humidity summer days...but once I started brewing on it, I never went back to propane. Just being able to set a timer and having it come up to mash temp while I am sleeping is a big time saver.

Saying that, a Foundry may be overkill for an extract brewer. There are cheaper AIO's out there if you are basically only using it as a boil kettle. I am not sure if any extract brewers have any issues with the extract scorching on the heat plate in an AIO or not, but it does happen somewhat with all grain...as grain dust/proteins from grain get through the basket and scorch on the plate.

 

[AZ Maverick]

Another AZ homebrewer here.
I started brewing 29 years ago, extract on the stove 5-gallon batches - but I've been single my entire life, so no significant other to complain...
But after two years of extract brewing, I moved to all grain and kegging.
Back then AIO didn't really exist and I didn't want a 3-vessel setup, so I went propane and BIAB and never looked back and I still BIAB with a propane burner to this day.
I live up in Prescott, even though it still gets hot during the summer - it's nothing like down in the Valley! I have no problem brewing in my garage year around.
I did have to go to a counterflow chiller and even then, during the summer I struggle to get a fast chill - but I make do.
Recently, at times I have considered AIO but really can't find a valid reason (I also don't have 240V in my garage and I wouldn't even consider AIO with 120V), my BIAB setup works just fine.

 

[mashdar]

my BIAB setup works just fine.
View attachment 874816

View attachment 874817

For a moment I thought you had a really amazing cumulative flow meter on your keg.

 

[AZ Maverick]

For a moment I thought you had a really amazing cumulative flow meter on your keg.

LOL.
Nah - just and old photography darkroom timer...

 

[sixstring]

I love my Foundry. Was a propane brewer for years and when I got the Foundry I thought I would only use it to brew in the winter when it was too cold to brew outside here in Mass, or on those 90 degree, 90% humidity summer days...but once I started brewing on it, I never went back to propane. Just being able to set a timer and having it come up to mash temp while I am sleeping is a big time saver.

Saying that, a Foundry may be overkill for an extract brewer. There are cheaper AIO's out there if you are basically only using it as a boil kettle. I am not sure if any extract brewers have any issues with the extract scorching on the heat plate in an AIO or not, but it does happen somewhat with all grain...as grain dust/proteins from grain get through the basket and scorch on the plate.

Would the scorching still happen if I'm doing BIAB? As that's what I want to move over to once I have some more brews under my belt. I love extract brewing, it's very simple, but BIAB doesn't seem much of a jump to make. If anything it seems simpler than extract, aside from needing more grain. As long as it tastes as good as my extract brews, then I'll be happy.

Another AZ homebrewer here.
I started brewing 29 years ago, extract on the stove 5-gallon batches - but I've been single my entire life, so no significant other to complain...
But after two years of extract brewing, I moved to all grain and kegging.
Back then AIO didn't really exist and I didn't want a 3-vessel setup, so I went propane and BIAB and never looked back and I still BIAB with a propane burner to this day.
I live up in Prescott, even though it still gets hot during the summer - it's nothing like down in the Valley! I have no problem brewing in my garage year around.
I did have to go to a counterflow chiller and even then, during the summer I struggle to get a fast chill - but I make do.
Recently, at times I have considered AIO but really can't find a valid reason (I also don't have 240V in my garage and I wouldn't even consider AIO with 120V), my BIAB setup works just fine.

I would definitely consider your setup if I was in Prescott. What temps do you get in your garage during the summer? Our garage is in to the 90's now during the day.
I'd probably be fine brewing outside in Prescott, as it's so much nicer there. Maybe I should just consider moving the family. Do you have a Costco in Prescott? That's a necessity for me. Guessing there's a C02 exchange since you're kegging. So that'd be fine.

 

[redrocker652002]

Having done both, I find that they both have their advantages. To me, I felt like I was brewing with the propane. The Grainfather is really nice for temp control and for the ease of the process. I can do much more with the Grainfather comfortably than I could with the propane, IE mash out, different mash temps and cleanup seems to be much easier. With that said, I have only done one batch in the Grainfather. So, what I am getting at is each has it's good and bad. For me, I think they both bring a little something to the table. In the end, you get beer, and really that is what we are all here for, right? LOL

 

[mashdar]

Scorching extract happens because the thick extract sinks and sits on the heat source (including the bottom of the pot for propane).

There are other tricks, like pre-mixing the extract with some hot water (or some wort) in another pot, if you don't want to cut heat. The goal is to get it fully mixed in. Think honey in tea.

Re BIAB, you need some kind of standoff to avoid the bottom of the bag scorching. Most of these AIO systems have a bottom plate that serves as a standoff, in addition to the malt pipe (if any) having it's own bottom. It would be a very strange system if it didn't have a standoff. I'm sure someone can confirm the Anvil system has one.

 

[Witherby]

Scorching extract happens because the thick extract sinks and sits on the heat source (including the bottom of the pot for propane).

There are other tricks, like pre-mixing the extract with some hot water (or some wort) in another pot, if you don't want to cut heat. The goal is to get it fully mixed in. Think honey in tea.

Re BIAB, you need some kind of standoff to avoid the bottom of the bag scorching. Most of these AIO systems have a bottom plate that serves as a standoff, in addition to the malt pipe (if any) having it's own bottom. It would be a very strange system if it didn't have a standoff. I'm sure someone can confirm the Anvil system has one.

I have had a Foundry for 5 years and I love it. I do no sparge, bag in the malt pipe, so basically BIAB. I know people use a bag without the malt pipe, but not sure if they use some sort of false bottom. I don't want a pulley contraption to pull up the bag, so bag in the pipe works for me.

I had to replace the board after ~35 brews and the same thing happened to a friend of mine. But at least they can be opened up and repaired.

I do step mashes and decoctions on many of my beers and both are very easy with the Foundry. I can't imagine going back to propane.

Actually, Mashdar just triggered another question. My current immersion chiller wouldn't be good enough for an electric system, as it's not high enough.
So I would guess I'd also need to pick up something like this: https://jadedbrewing.com/products/scylla
Which is fine, I've had my eyes on a Jaded chiller for quite a while (Hydra), so it's not a game changer, just need to make sure if I go Electric then I get a decent chiller to use with that system that will fit

I recently upgraded the immersion chiller to the Jaded Scylla which chills insanely fast. It is a beast. I hate everything about the chiller that comes with the Foundry (or at least the chiller that came with the Foundry in 2019).

 

[jdauria]

Would the scorching still happen if I'm doing BIAB? As that's what I want to move over to once I have some more brews under my belt. I love extract brewing, it's very simple, but BIAB doesn't seem much of a jump to make. If anything it seems simpler than extract, aside from needing more grain. As long as it tastes as good as my extract brews, then I'll be happy.

If you had a good brew bag, like the Wilser bag or the Brew Bag, it would hopefully contain most of the stuff that gets through the basket. I was using a bag with my Foundry when I had the 10.5, but never got a bag for the 6.5. After Saturday, I may now.

 

[Kizmiaz]

Once upon a time ("Back in the Day"), I had the a two tier, 10 gallon propane setup. Five years ago I purchased the Foundry 10.5 240v. I'll never go back to propane. My only gripe with the foundry is the grain basket. Your limited on the amount of grains it will hold and run risks of stuck mashes, BUT this easily fixed by replacing the basket with a grain bag and wire mesh (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G1BG61M/ref=dp_iou_view_item?ie=UTF8&th=1).

I use the Jaded Scylla chiller instead of the one that came with it. Its much better at cooling, but I think I might switch to a counter flow chiller. Performing a whirlpool with emersion chiller gets in the way of the hop matter coning in the center. I have used a plate chiller in the past, but I always felt uneasy that I didn't clean it well enough and I was running a risk of infection in my next batch.