Brew Boss Systems

[azdavid]

This is a little off topic, but I noticed that there is not a brew-boss users group on Facebook. Would anyone be interested if I started one up? There is very little information out there for our systems and it would be nice to have another avenue to post and share on. I thought also about doing some review YouTube videos of the system in general, maybe a brew day here and there for people that are not familiar with Brew-Boss. What does everyone think? Would that be worth my time?

I would definately be interested in the facebook page as well as some you tube videos I enjoy seeing how others run thier systems.

 

[cnash]

Anyone going to get the Spike system? My Boss is around 6 years old and I'm thinking of switching.

I don't plan to, I honestly think my Brew-Boss system is better. But I do have the latest version and it's not even 2 years old yet.

This is a little off topic, but I noticed that there is not a brew-boss users group on Facebook. Would anyone be interested if I started one up? There is very little information out there for our systems and it would be nice to have another avenue to post and share on. I thought also about doing some review YouTube videos of the system in general, maybe a brew day here and there for people that are not familiar with Brew-Boss. What does everyone think? Would that be worth my time?

I'm definitely interested. Let us know.

 

[u81doughboy]

I too would be interested in a brew-boss FB group.

 

[ingchr1]

Anyone going to get the Spike system? My Boss is around 6 years old and I'm thinking of switching.

My Brew-Boss controller works just fine, no reason to switch.

If the controller did happen to fail, I would just try to replace what ever part broke. I did take the controller out of the box it came in and put into my own panel. I also use my own BIAB kettle.

Spike makes nice stuff, but if I had to get a complete setup I'd probably go with one of the options that's a lot less expensive.

 

[ingchr1]

This is a little off topic, but I noticed that there is not a brew-boss users group on Facebook. Would anyone be interested if I started one up? There is very little information out there for our systems and it would be nice to have another avenue to post and share on. I thought also about doing some review YouTube videos of the system in general, maybe a brew day here and there for people that are not familiar with Brew-Boss. What does everyone think? Would that be worth my time?

I'd join the group.

 

[jturman35]

I'm still wondering if there is a better way of whirlpooling with large hop addition without clogging the swirlboss. Im also not sure about using the mash basket in the boil, mine still has the rubber feet. I always forget to stir up the hops in my hop spider which i'm not certain it's really big enough.

 

[u81doughboy]

I'm still wondering if there is a better way of whirlpooling with large hop addition without clogging the swirlboss. Im also not sure about using the mash basket in the boil, mine still has the rubber feet. I always forget to stir up the hops in my hop spider which i'm not certain it's really big enough.

I use a hop basket during the boil. I have found that I need to stir it every so often to ensure that there is good utilization of the the hop oils. It does a fantastic job of keeping the crud out of the swirlboss. Also, since it hangs on to the kettle, I hang it just past the swirlboss to maximize flow (at least theoretically) during whirl-pooling.

 

[cnash]

I'm still wondering if there is a better way of whirlpooling with large hop addition without clogging the swirlboss. Im also not sure about using the mash basket in the boil, mine still has the rubber feet. I always forget to stir up the hops in my hop spider which i'm not certain it's really big enough.

I use a hop spider and my utilization seems to be fine. I currently have a 300 micron Hop Spider but I plan to potentially switch to a 400 micron spider with a support to sit above the element and to support my wort chiller.

 

[21jason21]

This is a little off topic, but I noticed that there is not a brew-boss users group on Facebook. Would anyone be interested if I started one up? There is very little information out there for our systems and it would be nice to have another avenue to post and share on. I thought also about doing some review YouTube videos of the system in general, maybe a brew day here and there for people that are not familiar with Brew-Boss. What does everyone think? Would that be worth my time?

I started a Brew-Boss User's Group on Facebook. If you have a Brew-Boss system or even a piece of the hardware, join and help get some good content on there.

 

[azdavid]

Just asked to join..

 

[21jason21]

Just asked to join..

got you added! Thanks!

 

[21jason21]

I don't plan to, I honestly think my Brew-Boss system is better. But I do have the latest version and it's not even 2 years old yet.

Facebook group is open. Just search Brew-Boss.

I'm definitely interested. Let us know.

 

[21jason21]

I'd join the group.

Facebook group is open. Just search Brew-Boss

 

[ingchr1]

Facebook group is open. Just search Brew-Boss

Request submitted

 

[h22lude]

I have to wonder what makes this pandemic so much worse than the ones in even the recent past that were about as bad. There were few closings etc. for those.... I think what is happening now might be necessary in the near future, but at present levels of infection I also think it is premature.

Hope you and all the other small business affected survive. Good luck.

Seasonal influenza caused flu has an R value of 1.3, which is how many people catch the virus from 1 single infected person. Covid19 R value is close to 3. It is much more contagious. Symptoms also may not show for up to 2 weeks after being infected where as flu symptoms come on very quickly. So with a high R value and symptoms that don't show for 2 weeks, a lot of people can become infected without knowing it, spreading the virus even more.

If we didn't have closures and stay at home orders, A LOT more people would become infected. While most cases are mild, there would still be more extreme cases. Hospitals are already full as it is. We don't have nearly enough equipment. If we didn't stay at home, there would most likely be more deaths simply because people wouldn't be able to get the treatment they need.

This is something you want to be proactive and not reactive.

Compared to H5N1, H1N1 and even Ebola, simply put, we reacted quicker and were ready. We were being proactive. The start of Covid19, the US was being reactive. Being reactive means you are too late.


To bring my post on topic, is anyone measuring temps from the middle of the mash? My BB temp probe is at the bottom of the kettle under the false bottom. I do step mashes and wanted to check the temp throughout the mash. I have found it takes anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes for the entire mash temp to equalize.

 

[brewcityguys]

This is Darin at Brew-Boss.
We no longer offer the budget 7" tablets. We only offer 10" tablets now and sell them at cost ($75). Out purpose is not to be a tablet supplier, but give people a reasonably priced Android tablet option if they don't already have one. We now use the iRULU X1s Lightning 10.1 Inch Google Android 4.4 KitKat Tablet PC, Octa Core, Multi-touch Display model. We have not heard of anyone having issues with these tablets. They are very fast and work really well in our experience. We also run a Brew on Premise where we have 6 Brew-Boss systems operating daily using the iRULU tablets and to date have never experienced a tablet related issue. We offer the tablet as an option, you can always buy your own tablet. We just don't want the cost of the tablet to overpower the cost of the Brew-Boss system.

 

[ShaLaH]

I've been wanting this system for a long time. I'm coming from a Zymatic and a Cooler and Pot prior to that.
I think the 15 Gallon fits my needs - 5 gallon batches of varying gravity with the occasional 8-9 gallon batch.

From watching the videos, the process looks pretty straight forward. The only hesitation I have is the controller. I'm not an engineer or IT
inclined so I'm not sure if the control panel will be difficult for me. I'd like to be able to set a delayed timer so that mash temp is ready in the am. Dough In, then Program the following steps: Multi-Step Mashes, Mash out, Heat to Boil, Circulate, Chill, pump out to fermenter. I'd like to be able to program those steps without banging my head against the wall. Is the panel difficult to operate?

 

[brewswithshoes]

I've been wanting this system for a long time. I'm coming from a Zymatic and a Cooler and Pot prior to that.
I think the 15 Gallon fits my needs - 5 gallon batches of varying gravity with the occasional 8-9 gallon batch.

From watching the videos, the process looks pretty straight forward. The only hesitation I have is the controller. I'm not an engineer or IT
inclined so I'm not sure if the control panel will be difficult for me. I'd like to be able to set a delayed timer so that mash temp is ready in the am. Dough In, then Program the following steps: Multi-Step Mashes, Mash out, Heat to Boil, Circulate, Chill, pump out to fermenter. I'd like to be able to program those steps without banging my head against the wall. Is the panel difficult to operate?

As a brew-boss owner and user for last few years i can say without a doubt it is a piece of cake to operate. There is a bit of a learning curve to get a perfectly scripted complex brew, but i was doing just fine on my first brew using a basic template.

I find the Beersmith XML export imports into Brew-Boss work and give a fairly decent starting point, but i typically modify the steps beyond that import. I've sometimes had to manually do a step in the middle of the brew that wasn't programmed in, and it's very easy to do those. i.e. stop the pump for a bit while i stir the mash or adjust something, then turn it back on with the touch of a button on the tablet. Overall, I love my Brew-Boss and it strikes the perfect balance for me of having control over my brew and automation.

There is also this site, which is fairly easy to get the hang of on creating step files.

http://brewingintheburgh.com/brew-boss/index.html
Good luck. I highly recommend the system !!

 

[ShaLaH]

As a brew-boss owner and user for last few years i can say without a doubt it is a piece of cake to operate. There is a bit of a learning curve to get a perfectly scripted complex brew, but i was doing just fine on my first brew using a basic template.

I find the Beersmith XML export imports into Brew-Boss work and give a fairly decent starting point, but i typically modify the steps beyond that import. I've sometimes had to manually do a step in the middle of the brew that wasn't programmed in, and it's very easy to do those. i.e. stop the pump for a bit while i stir the mash or adjust something, then turn it back on with the touch of a button on the tablet. Overall, I love my Brew-Boss and it strikes the perfect balance for me of having control over my brew and automation.

There is also this site, which is fairly easy to get the hang of on creating step files.

http://brewingintheburgh.com/brew-boss/index.html
Good luck. I highly recommend the system !!

Thanks! I'm getting real close to pulling the trigger.

My setup would be:
Preconfigured V3 Deluxe 15 Gallon 240V System
Inline GFCI
Whirlpool Boss

Curious how the Whirlpool Boss works and whether people are happy with it. If there are accessories or modifications that anyone feels
are indispensable let me know.

 

[ShaLaH]

I'd also be curious if ya'll find the COFI system to be as easy and efficient. I've toyed with the idea of just buying a grain basket from
Arbor Fab and hooking a locline on the accessory port for mash recirc.

 

[cnash]

So I bought exactly what you are thinking a few years ago.
15 gallon v3, COFI, Whirlpool.
It's a great system, easy to use and makes great beer.
I prefer the COFI over just a fabricated basket due to how the sparge arm works and also how you squeeze the grain as you lift it.
I do keep the lid off during the mash to stir occasionally though and put the lid back on during mash-out.

Get the Inline GFCI, you can't find it much cheaper anywhere else and you need it.
Also the 90 degree elbow for the pump makes it a little more convenient but it isn't a "must have".

 

[u81doughboy]

Thanks! I'm getting real close to pulling the trigger.

My setup would be:
Preconfigured V3 Deluxe 15 Gallon 240V System
Inline GFCI
Whirlpool Boss

Curious how the Whirlpool Boss works and whether people are happy with it. If there are accessories or modifications that anyone feels
are indispensable let me know.

This is basically the same setup as I have, but I have the COFI. I've been running Brew-Boss for a few years now and I love it. The latest swirl-boss is far better than their original one. I do believe it makes cooling the wort far more efficient than simply placing a immersion cooling device and letting it sit. A suggestion, go with the COFI. At worst you decide only to use the basket. You still have the option for using the tube. I've had no issues with it.

Good luck.

 

[ShaLaH]

I'm getting real close..... It's a shame there's no free shipping though, that tacks another $100 onto the purchase. Does Darin usually have a Memorial Day sale?

 

[u81doughboy]

To my recollection, I only recall his black-friday sale.

 

[brewswithshoes]

I agree on the COFI, I wouldn't not use it but I do have more brews with the lid off then with it on. I've tried rice hulls with gummier mashes but it still doesn't replace manually stirring to get my wort levels matching inside and outside the basket.

I mentioned in another thread how i cycle thru the pump opening changes then do a stir and start again. I usually do that cycle about 3 times over an hour mash. Works for my mash efficiency to hit about 84%. I'm good with that number.

The swirl boss or whirlpool attachment isn't my favorite but that's probably because I reuse the basket in my boil as a giant hop spider (I use a lot of whole leaf hops) and the swirl boss doesn't fit with the basket back in. But that's just my issue as I'm too cheap to get a bigger hop spider as the COFI baskets double duty is working just fine. Also, I do recall the swirl boss getting clogged a few times with pellet hops. I might look into changing that to a local line or something else. Not a big deal though.

I look at the Brew boss this way. If i had to buy it again, would I pay the going rate for another one? My answer is a definite yes.

 

[u81doughboy]

Good point on the COFI. I also tend to leave the lid off and stir the mash once in a while. I also throttle the valve to it so that I don't get wort spraying all over the sides (I typically do a 5 gallon batch in a 15 gallon kettle). My technique puts me in the upper 70's for efficiency according to BS3.
Incidently before using a hop-spider the swirl-boss did have a tendency to clog a bit with pellets. The spider fixed that.

 

[cnash]

Good point on the COFI. I also tend to leave the lid off and stir the mash once in a while. I also throttle the valve to it so that I don't get wort spraying all over the sides (I typically do a 5 gallon batch in a 15 gallon kettle). My technique puts me in the upper 70's for efficiency according to BS3.
Incidently before using a hop-spider the swirl-boss did have a tendency to clog a bit with pellets. The spider fixed that.

I also typically do 5 gallon batches in the 15 gallon kettle. I typically get around 80% efficiency with stirring every 10 minutes or so during the mash.
I also clogged the whirlpool a few times before getting a hop spider. Also use the hop spider for other additions like spices or fruit peels (like when making a witbier). I made the mistake of only using the hop spider for the hops and clogged the whirlpool with those other additions.
Only things I throw into the kettle and not the spider is the water additions (before mashing) and whirlfloc.

 

[kc.rkitek]

Has anyone with the Brew Boss built their own DS18B20 probe? Just wondering which rings on the jack are ground/vcc/data...

 

[Mike Howard]

Is that a DS18B20 on the Brew Boss? Since DS18B20's are serialized and the code is not open source, I wouldn't think it would do any good to build your own. No way for the BB software to read the new one.

You might just email [email protected] and ask them.

 

[kc.rkitek]

Is that a DS18B20 on the Brew Boss? Since DS18B20's are serialized and the code is not open source, I wouldn't think it would do any good to build your own. No way for the BB software to read the new one.

You might just email [email protected] and ask them.

That's what Darin told me last year:

I don't think emails are getting through to that domain since they suspended operations...hopefully only temporarily. Are the DS18B20 serials married to the controller? How would you replace them when they fail?? I think the serials are mainly for multiple sensor systems, right?