Brau Supply

[TexasWine]

I'm joining the club, just ordered a 120V 15A 6 gallon system today.

The waiting begins.

Congrats. I predict you're really gonna enjoy it.

Let us know how the maiden voyage goes.

 

[whovous]

I am not sure if anyone else has the 24Qt Mini system like I do, but the mesh rack that TW found is sturdy as all get out. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IR3XA9Y/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20 I expect that it plus a well tied off Wilser bag is going to let me grind my grain much more fine and still have no cavitation issues. I plan to get a lot of mileage out of the valve installed on the exit side of my new Chugger pump as well. That is a lot more pump than this system needs.

 

[JPBowden]

Steven's really on top of things. I placed my order Saturday afternoon, got the shipping notice on Monday afternoon.

 

[andrewmaixner]

Yeah, my efficiencies have ranged from about 60 all the way up to 88%. I definitely need to dial in my process.

I've ordered a couple more 5" segments of the Loc-Line, so I should be able to make my own single ended circle for whirlpooling. Hope the idea works.

I also have a recirculating eBIAB system, and i think the key to my repeatable efficency number is that i always squeeze, pour one or two gallons, and squeeze again. I have stayed in the 73-80% range for 1040 to 1090 gravity, reliably and predictably scaling down as gravity increases. (.045 crush)

 

[ShaLaH]

I was researching several electric brewing systems, was mainly curious about The Grainfather & Braumeister and stumbled upon this thread. This looks like a nice system and am really curious about it - I like that it seems pretty easy to switch out parts if something brakes whereas other systems have proprietary parts.

Do the mash temps hold well? Are there any big temp swings with this?

Also, I've never used a plate chiller - is it effective in cooling wort and easy to hook up with this?

Really interested in this, I decided after my last batch that I'm done with 2 pots and an igloo cooler and jumping through hoops to hit my strike temp, undershooting my mash temp, leaky mash tun, etc.

I'd love to know why ya'll ended up choosing this over other systems.

 

[andrewmaixner]

I was researching several electric brewing systems, was mainly curious about The Grainfather & Braumeister and stumbled upon this thread. This looks like a nice system and am really curious about it - I like that it seems pretty easy to switch out parts if something brakes whereas other systems have proprietary parts.

Do the mash temps hold well? Are there any big temp swings with this?

Yes, No

Also, I've never used a plate chiller - is it effective in cooling wort

very effective.
but, much more sensitive to immediate and proper cleaning than a slightly slower tube-based counterflow (or a super-easy-cleaning immersion chiller), both of which could easily be substituted here. You can google "how to clean a plate chiller" for good info on that.

and easy to hook up with this?

yes, easy to hook up. The connections are QDs which are quite easy to use.

Really interested in this, I decided after my last batch that I'm done with 2 pots and an igloo cooler and jumping through hoops to hit my strike temp, undershooting my mash temp, leaky mash tun, etc.
I'd love to know why ya'll ended up choosing this over other systems.

Like you hinted at: simplicity, ease of use, less equipment to take care of. I am very happy that I switched to single vessel eBIAB.

I don't have the system, but researched it thoroughly before buying what I ended up with. Had I been on a budget, I would have gotten it instead.
I am considering also making a small (3gal) system for tiny experimental batches, and if I do, it would be this general style.

 

[TexasWine]

I was researching several electric brewing systems, was mainly curious about The Grainfather & Braumeister and stumbled upon this thread. This looks like a nice system and am really curious about it - I like that it seems pretty easy to switch out parts if something brakes whereas other systems have proprietary parts.

Do the mash temps hold well? Are there any big temp swings with this?

Also, I've never used a plate chiller - is it effective in cooling wort and easy to hook up with this?

Really interested in this, I decided after my last batch that I'm done with 2 pots and an igloo cooler and jumping through hoops to hit my strike temp, undershooting my mash temp, leaky mash tun, etc.

I'd love to know why ya'll ended up choosing this over other systems.

Hey @ShaLah. Yes, temps hold amazingly well, and the plate chiller is a snap as long as you take your system through a cleaning cycle at the end of each brew day.

As for why this system, I've written this out a few times so I hope I can remember all the variety of reasons. You've mentioned one already, the ease of replacing broken parts. Some others, if comparing to the Grainfather....

-for an apples to apples comparison (analog controllers on both) the Brau Supply system is much cheaper at $659 with the 30 plate chiller, saving you $260
-you get way more power (wattage), 3000 watts versus 1650 watts
-no sparge brewing is a possibility

I'm sure I could think of others, but my head is pounding from allergies and staring at this screen is not doing me any favors.

But here's the bottom line question. If faced with the same decision, would I still land on the Brau Supply? The answer is absolutely, resoundingly yes. And I say that even after having made some customizations to my set up that made the system better suited for me.

Hit up Steven, @brausupply here in the forum, or email him with any specific questions you've got. He's a great guy to do business with and is constantly striving to make a better, cost effective product.

 

[ShaLaH]

Thanks all for the replies and info. I'm gonna research a little more and hopefully pull the trigger before the end of the year.

 

[doug33]

I just bought the mini cause I usually do 3 gallon batches. Does anyone ever pull the grain out and sparge up to 5 gallons pre-boil? Just curious if I'd be able to do an occasional larger batch that way.

 

[whovous]

No, but I've been giving thought to the best way to do just that

 

[wilserbrewer]

Sorry double post....

 

[wilserbrewer]

I just bought the mini cause I usually do 3 gallon batches. Does anyone ever pull the grain out and sparge up to 5 gallons pre-boil? Just curious if I'd be able to do an occasional larger batch that way.

With a six gallon kettle, a total batch volume of five gallons is certainly possible. It will be a tight squeeze. You will need to sparge, either using a dunk sparge placing the grain basket in another kettle or bucket and stirring to rinse the grain well, or a pour through sparge by slowly pouring water over the grain and collecting those runnings either in the kettle or another vessel. Sparge water temp isn't important, with the advantage of using hot water being less time to reach boil.

You can also boil a slightly smaller volume of higher gravity and top up with water to increase batch size.

Possible but tight given only a 6 gallon kettle. View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1480757786.634978.jpg

 

[doug33]

I tried a 5 gallon IPA batch on the mini yesterday, it works ok. I steeped about 8.5 lbs of grain, main problem is when you pull that much grain out there is hardly any wort left. I set the basket and bag over the kettle and slowly poured hot water thru till it was just over 5 gallons. Gravity wasn't too bad it came to about 1050 pre-boil, I added corn sugar and got it to 1055. Boil was very weak with that much liquid so after 60 min I was at 1060 gravity and probably 4.75 gallons of wort into fermenter

 

[TexasWine]

I tried a 5 gallon IPA batch on the mini yesterday, it works ok. I steeped about 8.5 lbs of grain, main problem is when you pull that much grain out there is hardly any wort left. I set the basket and bag over the kettle and slowly poured hot water thru till it was just over 5 gallons. Gravity wasn't too bad it came to about 1050 pre-boil, I added corn sugar and got it to 1055. Boil was very weak with that much liquid so after 60 min I was at 1060 gravity and probably 4.75 gallons of wort into fermenter

Given your approximate volumes and numbers, sounds like a successful brew day! To really dial things in you're gonna want to take some more gravity readings and get your volume readings from "about" and "probably" to something that's a little firmer.

After you pulled the grains, but before sparging, I'm guessing you had about 3 or so gallons of wort at a gravity of ~1.065-1.070. Sound about right?

Let us know how the final product turns out.

 

[doug33]

I agree, my info isn't very useful without more precise measurements. Usually my 3 gallon batches without sparging are much more dialed in. Main takeaway is a 5ish gallon batch on the mini can work. Especially if you are willing to boost the gravity with a sugar or DME addition. I wouldn't attempt it with a high abv beer

 

[c_g_b]

I've read through this read and I am seriously considering a jump to eBIAB, specifically the unibrau mini. I've traditionally brew 2.5-3 gallon batches (extract) that fit well with my 2.5 gallon kegs. It allows me to brew more frequently with the increased turnover that a smaller batch provides. I've noticed that the design has changed and would like to get the current unibrau owners impressions based on the original system. Does anything stand out that might be a detriment instead of an improvement? Looks like it is an improved kettle, no longer uses bag and basket, pump connected directly to ball valve, temp probe placement, controller, etc.

https://brausupply.com/products/unibrau-mini-3-gallon-countertop-electric-120v-brew-sytem?variant=27766145872

Since this is a 25L system, how effective of a boil can I expect with a 1 x 1500w element?

Those who have swapped the grain bag/basket for the mesh basket does this help with the drain problems some of you mention?

I appreciate any feedback you can provide. I am making my final decisions soon.

 

[whovous]

I have the original version, and I really like all of the changes I see in the pictures at the website, especially moving the recirculation away from the lid and providing volume markings inside the pot.

If you do 2.5 to 3 gallon batches, then the single element is more than enough. Doug33 tried a five gallon batch above and I recently did one that was a little over four gallons. The element was able to bring it to a boil, but that was about it. I guess that is what a Hot Rod is for.

My not especially clear recollection is that mesh baskets in other systems get mixed reviews. You might want to do some more research on that front. I use a Wilser bag and a DIY false bottom (wide open mesh with nuts and bolts for legs) and drain problems have been non-existent so far. I wonder if the new location of the temp probe would create a snag problem if you ditched the mesh basket in favor of a bag and false bottom.

 

[calandryll]

I just placed an order for the Unibrau this morning, non-mini size. I originally was going to purchase one in December but with the new upgrades I decided to hold off, as to me the upgrades seemed worth it. Definitely excited to see it and start brewing with it.

 

[doug33]

I would think the upgrade to the lid is nice, I don't like everything connected to it. Makes it difficult to take off and set aside. Also I have not experienced cavitation issues with the bag on 3 gallon batches. Only when I push the grain bill over 8 or 9 lbs do I have pump issues. Big beers don't work well with biab anyway your better off adding dme to raise gravity. Also the temp probe on the kettle would be an improvement. It would be nice to see temps without the pump on like when your bringing it to boil. I have the 2000w element and have no issues with the boil. Its not as vigorous as with a propane burner so I don't have near the boil off, but I haven't noticed any off flavors due to a weak boil.

 

[c_g_b]

Thanks for helping me get over the hump with this decision. I'll be placing the order for the mini this weekend. The next obstacle is convincing the wife that this was a need and not a want. I'll follow up once I'm up and running. Cheers!

 

[c_g_b]

I just placed an order for the Unibrau this morning, non-mini size. I originally was going to purchase one in December but with the new upgrades I decided to hold off, as to me the upgrades seemed worth it. Definitely excited to see it and start brewing with it.

Just curious if you received your unibrau? The majority of my unibrau mini setup was delivered but I don't know when the missing pieces needed to get it setup will arrive.

Anxiously waiting to be able to try it out.

 

[calandryll]

I received everything but the elements for my setup. Fortunately/unfortunately, I won't be brewing till the end of the month so I can wait on them. I had a conversation with Steven and he said he should be sending them out shortly. He also mentioned that the first batch seems to have some weakish welds on the basket and would be sending along a perforated plate to place on the bottom.

Right now I'm trying to get Beersmith setup with the new system so I can get up and running right away.

 

[c_g_b]

I received my 2000 watt heating element and clamp gaskets yesterday and was able to complete the assembly. I did have an issue with the o-ring supplied for the thermocouple. It was a little too large and unevenly compressed when tightening, leading to a leak. Picked up a smaller one at the local hardware store and the leak stopped. The maiden voyage is planned for tomorrow.

I also noticed that it is a very tight squeeze to insert and remove the stainless basket without hitting the barb fitting for the water return line. If the barb was 1/4" shorter this would be a non-issue. I'll let you know how the brew day goes tomorrow.

 

[brausupply]

Hey guys! I just wanted to weigh in here.
The 1/4" silicone seal is meant to be just tight enough to hold the probe in place. Not so tight that it compresses, as you'll be removing it from time to time to clean the system. Also, regarding the barb installation, check out the assembly video. The barb for inside recirc is supposed to be unscrewed to remove the grain basket. It's a quick disconnect swivel fitting actually that has a silicone seal inside for easy connection/disconnection and so should not interfere with the removal of the grain basket.

 

[tjs3]

Hey,

Thinking about getting the mini for an indoor lab/pilot system doing approx 2.5 gallon brews. After reading through this thread it seems like a good fit..short of a pump upgrade this should fit the bill. Anything I'm missing? Seems like there should be plenty of room for 2.5-3 gallon batches...definitely don't want to push it to its max based on some of the mash overflow comments.

 

[whovous]

2.5 to 3 gallons is easy for the Mini. I recently got as high as 4.5 gallons, but I really had to do my math carefully to make sure everything was going to fit. You can go higher still, maybe five gallons, but by that point you are really asking for trouble.

I think I will to target 3.5 to 4 gallons in the near future.

 

[sillybrewz]

I have been brewing on one of the older Brau Supply countertop systems (120v) for a while now. I recently upgraded my kettle from 6 gallons to 11 gallons to expand my capacity and I find I can comfortably do ~7 gallon batched with extra heating power supplemented by a Hot Rod heatstick. Overall I've been pretty happy with the experience, though I still find it a bit cumbersome to use in my cramped apartment space.

I've been really curious about the pro systems Brau Supply offers - namely the 45L 120V system, though I have yet to see a single primary review of this setup. Overall it seems like the experience would be very similar to the Brewha system (with a few small exceptions), and the small volume version looks better suited for true 5 gallon batches. Price is unfortunately the deciding factor in leaning toward the Brau Supply version, which is still considerably out of my price range, but I would consider liquidating a decent chunk of my other equipment to offset the cost if people have good things to say about it.

Any word yet on how Brau Supply BIACs perform?

 

[brausupply]

Hey,

Thinking about getting the mini for an indoor lab/pilot system doing approx 2.5 gallon brews. After reading through this thread it seems like a good fit..short of a pump upgrade this should fit the bill. Anything I'm missing? Seems like there should be plenty of room for 2.5-3 gallon batches...definitely don't want to push it to its max based on some of the mash overflow comments.

We are now using a new pump that has a steel body and is 120V. Pictures should be up soon.

 

[bstway]

If you were exclusively brewing 2.5 gallon batches and wanted to go as KISS as possible, would you recommend this system or induction with a cooler? In the past six months I've converted my equipment to small batches but still use propane. I'm ready for the final switch to indoors but stuck between these two electrical options.

 

[wilserbrewer]

As kiss / inexpensive as possible, perhaps an electric turkey fryer....

Can be found inexpensive on craigslist, 1650 watts all manual control.

Certainly not best option, but for kicks w/ all these new countertop options I dug my old one out this weekend and brewed 5 gal in the basement.

Worked well for what it is!

View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1490055580.621854.jpg