Brewzilla gen .4 with BIAB

[Barão]

I'm having a problem with the tap and pump clogging up due to the central hole . What do you think about using a BIAB bag inside the grain basket?

 

[JohnSand]

I have, others too. I think I put mine outside because of the pipe.

 

[Barão]

I have, others too. I think I put mine outside because of the pipe.

I didn't understand what you meant... do you also use the bag of grains inside the basket ?... please explain better

 

[JohnSand]

The bag on the outside of the basket keeps grain inside without interfering with the pipe. I don't think I have any pictures. You might find some more suggestions here: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/brewzilla-gen4-discussion-tips-talk.702436/

 

[Yooper]

I had the same issue- the big hole in the bottom was an issue I thought. But I added the optional heat exchanger and it still clogged the hole so I just started using a mash tun. Sort of a waste of an AIO, but it's easy and I have a lot clearer wort (no clogging the pump). I pump from the Brewzilla to the MLT, and then gravity drain back after the mash.

It sounds more complicated than it is, but I only brewed about 5 times on the Brewzilla and had it clog up, every single time, whether I used a bag, didn't use a bag, recirculated more, recirculated less, stirred more, stirred less, etc. I did try the bag inside the pipe but then recirculation was an issue, then I tried it without, and it still clogged. It made me crazy- I had to stand there constantly and babysit the Brewzilla. This last time, I pumped the liquid to the bag inside MLT, and walked away after stirring well.

 

[Willy]

I used to have pump and hole clogging issues... But have been fine once I got the HED and use only a bag, i.e. no malt pipe.

When do you get the clogging issues? During mash, recirculate period? If so ... You might wanna slow down the pump speed. Slow and easy works better.

If the problem is hop additions... Turn off the pulp when you toss them in (commando is my method... Just toss them in). After a few minutes resume the pump if recirc on the boil. (Not if it is necessary).

At the final 15 minutes... Throw in a whirlfloc tab and send the pump to a whirlpool attachment... Etc etc.

Hope this helps. Getting clogs is really annoying - I once had a clog with PBW! (But now I mix it in first and then recirculate )

 

[Yooper]

I used to have pump and hole clogging issues... But have been fine once I got the HED and use only a bag, i.e. no malt pipe.

When do you get the clogging issues? During mash, recirculate period? If so ... You might wanna slow down the pump speed. Slow and easy works better.

If the problem is hop additions... Turn off the pulp when you toss them in (commando is my method... Just toss them in). After a few minutes resume the pump if recirc on the boil. (Not if it is necessary).

At the final 15 minutes... Throw in a whirlfloc tab and send the pump to a whirlpool attachment... Etc etc.

Hope this helps. Getting clogs is really annoying - I once had a clog with PBW! (But now I mix it in first and then recirculate )

It's doing recirculation- but also even after the boil when I want to run the pump during chilling. I have tried superslow, fast, throttling it via the valve, throttling it by turning the pump to 25%, 10%, 75%, which sometimes help it 'unplug' but I've just given up. I never go without the HED, I just think that the pump is too anemia and the tubing just can't handle any debris. Of course, I was coming from a bigger 1/2 barrel all electric system with March pumps and much larger tubing.

Doing the BIAB in the MLT and then gravity draining super clear nice wort seemed to have solved all of my troubles, so I think that's the way I will continue. Plus, I can't do a full volume mash for most of my beers in the Brewzilla anyway, but I can in my MLT.

 

[Willy]

It's doing recirculation- but also even after the boil when I want to run the pump during chilling. I have tried superslow, fast, throttling it via the valve, throttling it by turning the pump to 25%, 10%, 75%, which sometimes help it 'unplug' but I've just given up. I never go without the HED, I just think that the pump is too anemia and the tubing just can't handle any debris. Of course, I was coming from a bigger 1/2 barrel all electric system with March pumps and much larger tubing.

Doing the BIAB in the MLT and then gravity draining super clear nice wort seemed to have solved all of my troubles, so I think that's the way I will continue. Plus, I can't do a full volume mash for most of my beers in the Brewzilla anyway, but I can in my MLT.

Whatever works. If it is working ... You are good.