Brewers Edge - Mash and Boil system $300

[scottibones]

Thanks for the video, I think this will work well for my needs for weekday indoor brews. I just ordered one. Do you think something like this would work well as a stand? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001MS6WMO/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20 It's 13 1/2"H printer cart with laminate top 19"W x 16"D and they claim it will hold 300 lbs. Looks like it has locking wheels.

That looks like a great option this thing is tall with the basket on top.

 

[wilserbrewer]

1st off I want to thank the person who posted up the video. I am actually seriously considering this.

Or going electric on my kettle, but if this brings it to a boil, can do 5 gallon batches, then why not?

Williams brewing I know for a fact is a fantastic company.

This seems like a nice unit for $300, it really does. For me, the extra $500 for the grainfather with integrated automation temp control, pump and chiller is not worth the cost increase.

This unit and an immersion chiller is all you need. Imo

Only downside to this over a 240v, much higher wattage system is time to temperature, and a more vigorous boil.

Upside is that you can plug in almost anywhere once unboxed.

 

[fermentinginpa]

Yeah, that's how I feel, automation is nice but not that valuable to me as I really enjoy the process. I just want an easy system to do 2.5 to 5 gal batches indoors or outdoors. I ordered mine and a hop spider. It shipped yesterday and should be here by the weekend.

scottibones - Williams Brewing says it's only recommended for 5 gallon batches but do you think you could do full volume BIAB style 2.5 gallon batches?

 

[wessay]

His seems like the route I will eventually go. I am just getting back in to homebrewing and am going to go try out the traditional biab method, but this seems like a nice vertically integrated way to brew in my tiny apartment.

 

[scottibones]

Yeah, that's how I feel, automation is nice but not that valuable to me as I really enjoy the process. I just want an easy system to do 2.5 to 5 gal batches indoors or outdoors. I ordered mine and a hop spider. It shipped yesterday and should be here by the weekend.

scottibones - Williams Brewing says it's only recommended for 5 gallon batches but do you think you could do full volume BIAB style 2.5 gallon batches?

Yes you should have no problem unless you're brewing a big beer with a huge grain Bill. The batch I brewed had a 6 pound grain Bill and 3.8 gallons of water. Of course if you're talking about being to small of a batch that would not be a problem as the basket is close to the bottom of the pot leaving room for fully soaked grain.

 

[mpolybius]

This looks great - thanks so much for posting. I've been sticking with extract for many years because I like brewing inside and don't want a bunch more equipment to store. This seems ideal because it's got just about everything and won't take up much more space. My prior thought was a 220v induction hot plate and do BIAB so this is really similar but in one unit.

 

[SpottedDogBrewing]

That looks like a great option this thing is tall with the basket on top.

Did you buy this?

 

[scottibones]

Did you buy this?

I'm not sure what you're asking. I bought the mash and boil someone else was looking for a stand for it. I have mine sitting on a little scaffold.

 

[SpottedDogBrewing]

I'm not sure what you're asking. I bought the mash and boil someone else was looking for a stand for it. I have mine sitting on a little scaffold.

Not sure why entire quote didn't come thru: post #31
The printer stand
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001MS6WMO/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[garrettbuckeye]

Is that kettle really double walled?

 

[scottibones]

Is that kettle really double walled?

Yes it is I removed the valve and it is double walled.

 

[Weezy]

Does this thing have a pump on board? Does it self recirculate or anything? Or is it more like a big percolator in that it heats water to specified temp and can hold temp, but no recirc? Confused how it actually works on the inside.

 

[mhochman]

Not sure why entire quote didn't come thru: post #31
The printer stand
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001MS6WMO/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

On the blog for this product, they talk about how the unit needs to be reset sometimes, even during a brew session. It had to do with the thermometer. I'm wondering if a stand that's wires, rather than a solid shelf, would make sense, granting access to the reset button, which is under the unit.

Not this, but like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-Stackable-Closet-Shelves-Chrome/dp/B0017L6CB2/ref=sr_1_7?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1490015651&sr=1-7&keywords=portable+shelf

 

[TANSTAAFB]

Like this?
Alera 3-Tier Wire Rolling Cart, 16 by 26 by 39-Inch, Black Anthracite https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FDX5IG/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[mhochman]

Like this?
Alera 3-Tier Wire Rolling Cart, 16 by 26 by 39-Inch, Black Anthracite https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FDX5IG/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Yes, but I'd think that top shelf it too high. I wonder how stable that would be if the top shelf were not installed.

 

[TANSTAAFB]

I'd configure it differently​ than intended. Maybe one shelf low for pump and plate chiller, one shelf at optimal brew height, and the basket on top for stability but with a hole cut to accommodate the unit lined with something to keep it from scratching like a piece of split tubing.

 

[mhochman]

I'd configure it differently​ than intended. Maybe one shelf low for pump and plate chiller, one shelf at optimal brew height, and the basket on top for stability but with a hole cut to accommodate the unit lined with something to keep it from scratching like a piece of split tubing.

I have a similar shelf in my basement and I'm pretty sure the top shelf has to be at the top. The hole that the posts go into are capped at the top. When I zoom in on the top corners, the metal at the top looks the same as the bracket. Not sure, though.

 

[TANSTAAFB]

Hmmm...I assumed it was like the shelves and could be placed anywhere on the uprights. I guess you could mount pump & chiller to the basket and cut a hole in the top shelf if it has to be on top

 

[scottibones]

On the blog for this product, they talk about how the unit needs to be reset sometimes, even during a brew session. It had to do with the thermometer. I'm wondering if a stand that's wires, rather than a solid shelf, would make sense, granting access to the reset button, which is under the unit.

Not this, but like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-Stackable-Closet-Shelves-Chrome/dp/B0017L6CB2/ref=sr_1_7?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1490015651&sr=1-7&keywords=portable+shelf

Like this?
Alera 3-Tier Wire Rolling Cart, 16 by 26 by 39-Inch, Black Anthracite https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FDX5IG/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Make sure you check weight capacity of the unit before purchasing. Fully loaded you're in the 60 pound range.

 

[TANSTAAFB]

160# on casters, over 300# w/o

 

[mpolybius]

On the Q&A on the William's Brewing site for this product, it says the a kettle screen could not be used because the included valve does not have female threads. Any ideas on how a kettle screen could be attached? Maybe a new valve?

 

[scottibones]

On the Q&A on the William's Brewing site for this product, it says the a kettle screen could not be used because the included valve does not have female threads. Any ideas on how a kettle screen could be attached? Maybe a new valve?

There really isn't any room between the mash basket and the existing valve. You would need to extend the feet of the basket to raise it above any modification.

 

[Island_Dan]

On the Q&A on the William's Brewing site for this product, it says the a kettle screen could not be used because the included valve does not have female threads. Any ideas on how a kettle screen could be attached? Maybe a new valve?

They said any valve will fit as long as it was 7/8 or 22mm. I'm planning to change the valve on mine when I get it to one with a dip tube. As long as a screen will fit under the basket, changing the valve to accommodate one is more than possible.

 

[mpolybius]

There really isn't any room between the mash basket and the existing valve. You would need to extend the feet of the basket to raise it above any modification.

Ah, that makes sense. I forgot about the basket and there would be no way to attach one after the mash. I saw your video with the addition of the silicone tubing to decrease the loss at the bottom of the kettle. Maybe a screen could be attached to the end of the tubing?

 

[kristiismean]

Thinking about it, I only would need this for the boil, I could care less about using it for mashing, and continue using my cooler mash tun. Are their better options for the price?

 

[TexasWine]

Are their better options for the price?

If you already have a kettle, yes! And even if you don't already have one, yes!

A Hot Rod from Brew Hardware is one option.

https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/hotrod.htm

Or you can get a Hot Pod (also from Brew Hardware), an element, some extension cord and a plug. Punch a hole in your kettle and you'll have an eKettle for about $50. Buy a 15 gallon kettle and add another $100.

 

[Island_Dan]

There really isn't any room between the mash basket and the existing valve. You would need to extend the feet of the basket to raise it above any modification.

Having just received mine, I can see what you are saying about there being no room between the basket and the valve. how does your silicon tube even fit between that tight space?

 

[scottibones]

Having just received mine, I can see what you are saying about there being no room between the basket and the valve. how does your silicon tube even fit between that tight space?

The hose is 3/8 thin wall silicone so it is very flexible. It does get pinched but not enough to stop the flow but significantly slower with the basket in place. Removing the basket allows the flow to return to normal without pulling the hose out.

 

[Island_Dan]

I was thinking of getting this and seeing if I can make it work...

http://www.northernbrewer.com/ez-clean-flush-mount-bulkhead

If you cut the dip tube down a bit, it should start curving right at the kettle wall almost and maybe might fit?!?

 

[mpolybius]

Well, thanks to filing my taxes and the IRS for allowing me to give them an interest free loan for the last year, I pulled the trigger on the Brewer's Edge Mash and Boil! Can't wait to give it a try. I've been extract brewing only since the late 90s so this will be my first foray into all-grain. Wish me luck!