I got an update that Brewie repair facility has my machine now. Sure hope they put those "new" pumps and heating elements in the B20. After a 2 year wait, and after selling my 3-tier 1/2bbl brewery, I would love for this thing to eventually work. As I stated, though, I have a Zymatic-Z 5ga unit on order.
I'm not sure about all the hate. I sold a large home brewery to a brew pub. I had once thought to open a real brewery, so I had a large scale home version. I decided that I can't do this second job, so I sold my equipment. I still love the process, creativity, science and ... beer. I've got the money to buy several Brewies or other options. Some people invested all they had allocated for this hobby and are understandably disappointed. Disappointment doesn't do well for a business model - people vent their frustration. I haven't vented any frustration, but I am very clear on what the facts are. 2 year wait, non-functional unit, no end in sight.
For Ben - having been brewing for many years, the first thing I would suggest you invest in is some type of software or web based site to help with recipes. I personally use BrewSmith, have tried all others, and there are 3 or 4 options that are good. The next thing I would do is buy a couple of books and read through. I have a library, but I would start with "The Complete Joy of Homebrewing" or "The Homebrewer's Companion" by Charlie Papazian. It will go through every step in brewing, and you will get a better understanding of the steps that the Brewie machine automates (and how you might tweak them).
As far as their Brew Pads... these are just the grains and yeast you can obtain much cheaper at a Local Homebrew Supply or by ordering online in a little larger quantity. It's convenient to have everything in a box, sure. As you gain experience, and if you like the process... you will probably buy grains, hops and yeast elsewhere. Example - I like ensuring the grain is fresh, milling it right before brewing, and I like liquid yeast that I've made an appropriate starter quantity of yeast cells in a starter. Buying a Pad or Pack or something pre-packaged doesn't ensure or allow this. There is literally too much information to overload you with.
1) get software to track and help recipes
2) get a book and start reading
3) go ahead for a Brew Pad or two and enjoy brewing!!! (if your machine works).
Follow the instructions, and Sanitize, Sanitize, Sanitize. The most important step in the whole process, IMHO, is a sanitary vessel and ideal fermentation temperatures. We make sugar water when we "brew". Yeast cultures create beer. Good sometimes, less good sometimes depending on how ideal we make their working conditions. You have to keep that fermenting wort in a sanitary environment, give the yeast some oxygen, some nutrients, and keep them at the exact temperature they thrive. Then you will get good beer out of all that work you put in making sugar water (brewing).
