Brewzilla Gen4 Discussion/Tips Talk

[Mucklemann]

I think this has already been answered and may seem obvious, but do people run the pump while bringing the unit to strike temp?

I didn't do this for my mash and my temp was 2C under.

I realised my potential mistake while I was calibrating yesterday with 10 litres of water and trying to get an even temp.

 

[mashdar]

I think this has already been answered and may seem obvious, but do people run the pump while bringing the unit to strike temp?

I do. I basically run the pump all day. During strike water heating, it helps keep the water mixed to get accurate temperature readings.

 

[Mucklemann]

@KegLand,

I have done one batch in my new Brewzilla 35L Gen4 and had issues, like many other new customers on this thread.

The default values and user-guide do not provide enough clear, consolidated information for a new customer to get the best from their new unit.
If there was a clear step-by-step guide to get a new customer going on their first batch, there would be a lot less hesitation on this forum to purchasing a unit as well as more satisfied customers. Default values on the system do not give the full picture of a batch from beginning to end.

Therefore, can you please provide step-by-step information from your own testing and experience in building the product based on the following:

Recipe: US Pale Ale (i.e. a typical recipe to begin with. Maybe even provide a recipe on Brewfather)

System (this is my system, but on reading this thread would appear to be the recommended setup for new Gen4 customers):

• Brewzilla 35L Gen4 240V (provide a separate guide for 110V customers if different)
• Neoprene jacket
• BT probe
• HED in place
• PID off (as using BT probe)

Please provide details on each the following values for the following process (if anything has been missed, please include all relevant settings and information):

Equipment calibration:

• High and low temperature recommendations (E.g. 62 and 100)

Then, provide the following the steps below:

• Target temperature
• Heat %
• Pumping via recirculating arm on/off
  • If on, Pump %
• Hysteresis value
• BT probe present/absent
  • If present, temperature differential

1. Strike temp

2. Mash-in

3. Mash

• Advise use of top plate

4. Mash-out

5. Boil

6. Hopstand

7. Chilling

 

[Neldog0]

@KegLand,

I have done one batch in my new Brewzilla 35L Gen4 and had issues, like many other new customers on this thread.

The default values and user-guide do not provide enough clear, consolidated information for a new customer to get the best from their new unit.
If there was a clear step-by-step guide to get a new customer going on their first batch, there would be a lot less hesitation on this forum to purchasing a unit as well as more satisfied customers. Default values on the system do not give the full picture of a batch from beginning to end.

Therefore, can you please provide step-by-step information from your own testing and experience in building the product based on the following:

Recipe: US Pale Ale (i.e. a typical recipe to begin with. Maybe even provide a recipe on Brewfather)

System (this is my system, but on reading this thread would appear to be the recommended setup for new Gen4 customers):

• Brewzilla 35L Gen4 240V (provide a separate guide for 110V customers if different)
• Neoprene jacket
• BT probe
• HED in place
• PID off (as using BT probe)

Please provide details on each the following values for the following process (if anything has been missed, please include all relevant settings and information):

• Heat %
• Pumping via recirculating arm on/off
  • If on, Pump %
• Hysteresis value
• BT probe present/absent
  • If present, temperature differential

1. Strike temp - 71C

2. Mash-in

3. Mash - 65C

• Advise use of top plate

4. Mash-out - 76C

5. Boil - 100C

6. Hopstand - 80C

7. Chilling

• Neoprene jacket yes/no. Yes
• HED yes/no. Yes
• BT probe yes/no. Yes
• Temperature hysteresis setting. 1.0f
• Temperature differential setting. 1.0f
• Pump power setting. 100%
• Angle of ball valve or flow rate. 8 0’clock position. Change as required.
• Heat power setting. 65-70 percent
• PID on/off. Off
• Ambient. Currently 69f
• Allowed sensor differential. 1.0f

Calibration:

Lower; 145f

Upper; 212f

Remember, we are trying to achieve the best repeatability. The tighter you get your temp range, the better your repeatability. 145f is as low as I go for mash so I start there. No one starts at 32f.

Also. For recirculation & heat settings, every brew session is different. Adjustments are needed to try to get the base sensor & the Bluetooth to balance. The goal is to get an average mass temp. A few degrees up or down during the session has minimal impact on the conversion of the starches. As you drift up and down, when you approach your desired mash temp the starches are going to convert.

 

[mashdar]

No one starts at 32f.

No, but I chill to 40F sometimes, and under 50F for every lager : )

and precision != accuracy
Edit: to elaborate, you want precision (e.g. tight cluster of outputs for identical inputs) for repeatability, but adjusting calibration points is an attempt for accuracy (i.e. point cloud well-centered on the "correct" value).

 

[Neldog0]

No, but I chill to 40F sometimes, and under 50F for every lager : )

and precision != accuracy
Edit: to elaborate, you want precision (e.g. tight cluster of outputs for identical inputs) for repeatability, but adjusting calibration points is an attempt for accuracy (i.e. point cloud well-centered on the "correct" value).

That’s a discussion on fermentation. This was about strike temp , mash in, & maintaining temp for creating a wort. This equipment is made for repeatability.

 

[mashdar]

That’s a discussion on fermentation. This was about strike temp , mash in, & maintaining temp for creating a wort. This equipment is made for repeatability.

No, I mean I use the IC and the brewzilla temperature probe for chilling. So at least personally, I do care about accuracy over 40F-180F.

FWIW, calibration doesn't affect repeatability. All you need to know is that 150F is the same 150F every time, even if it's different from your neighbor's 150F.

 

[Mucklemann]

All you need to know is that 150F is the same 150F every time, even if it's different from your neighbor's 150F.

Agreed, once you are familiar with your equipment.

Most people on this thread have had to use trial and error to get to the point where they are confident and have 30 years brewing behind them. Well done! In the end everyone has their own technique.

But there needs to be a starting point, not just a discussion on endpoints.

I am asking @KegLand to help circumvent that process as much as possible, leaving a shallower learning curve for people new to all-grain brewing on their equipment.

The Brewzilla user manual is not written from the perspective of a new customer, but from the perspective of someone who already knows what they are doing.

It is only focussing on the assembly and how to set individual settings. Not how to actually make a beer.

There should be a section titled: "Making your first batch". Starting with calibration and moving on to preparing strike temperature and then the remaining steps, followed by cleaning, as this is how the unit will be used.

 

[Willy]

I do. I basically run the pump all day. During strike water heating, it helps keep the water mixed to get accurate temperature readings.

I have now done 4 batches with my new Brewzilla Gen 4. Like others - I was a bit overwhelmed with options of how to make this awesome puppy work well.

I found a David Heath video very helpful on setting up PID and I love how it works now. Spot on, gliding up to the proper temp and holding the mash temp like a pro.

 

[jdubdvdt]

I'm trying to- it's a bigger transition from going small with a cooler MLT to a 1/2 barrel all electric HERMS, believe it or not. That was gradual- oh, this works but I need a pump! Oh, this is great but I need another pump. Oh, I like this but should have this......
Getting rid of it now seems like selling a child.

My brew setup started with
- Propane Bayou Classic 5gal BIAB setup (edit: 10 gal kettle IIRC)
- Modified 5gal setup to have a false bottom and used the same kettle for mash/boil
- OG Grainfather 110V, pre-ordered it so what is that 2014?
- Brewzilla Gen 4 220V, 2024

Grainfather was great when it worked, was bad when it didn't. No need to go into details here.
Brewzilla Gen 4 220 gets up to temp fast compared to the Grainfather (only 300W more supposidly)

The simplicity of the Brewzilla and Grainfather is really nice, but a sparge water heater could be helpful. Luckily I am using my Grainfather as a sparge water heater. I am using the CF Wort Chiller from the Grainfather in tandem with the IC from Brewzilla. Why? Because I want to be able to get a cold break, but also want to transfer the beer quickly. I run the IC and CFC together and within 2-3 minutes of turning the kettle off I start transfer to the fermenter.

CF wort chiller still irks me out, but I try to do my best to clean with PBW and Starsan after use. One of these days I am going to try to pull a small brush through with a string.

220 definitely does not need a neoprene jacket.
I bought the chiller hose kit, which is just a 5/8" hose kit with garden hose attachment. Not needed if you already have misc. parts like this laying around.
I bought the CIP attachment which I have not used yet, but will probably use.

You will like things about the Brewzilla and you will probably dislike things about the Brewzilla, but the price can't be beat if you ask me. I wouldn't bother with going crazy on options and accessories and just add a few here and there as you think you need them. Like I said, I pretty much have only used the IC hose kit. Just my $0.02.

 

[Yooper]

My brew setup started with
- Propane Bayou Classic 5gal BIAB setup (edit: 10 gal kettle IIRC)
- Modified 5gal setup to have a false bottom and used the same kettle for mash/boil
- OG Grainfather 110V, pre-ordered it so what is that 2014?
- Brewzilla Gen 4 220V, 2024

Grainfather was great when it worked, was bad when it didn't. No need to go into details here.
Brewzilla Gen 4 220 gets up to temp fast compared to the Grainfather (only 300W more supposidly)

The simplicity of the Brewzilla and Grainfather is really nice, but a sparge water heater could be helpful. Luckily I am using my Grainfather as a sparge water heater. I am using the CF Wort Chiller from the Grainfather in tandem with the IC from Brewzilla. Why? Because I want to be able to get a cold break, but also want to transfer the beer quickly. I run the IC and CFC together and within 2-3 minutes of turning the kettle off I start transfer to the fermenter.

CF wort chiller still irks me out, but I try to do my best to clean with PBW and Starsan after use. One of these days I am going to try to pull a small brush through with a string.

220 definitely does not need a neoprene jacket.
I bought the chiller hose kit, which is just a 5/8" hose kit with garden hose attachment. Not needed if you already have misc. parts like this laying around.
I bought the CIP attachment which I have not used yet, but will probably use.

You will like things about the Brewzilla and you will probably dislike things about the Brewzilla, but the price can't be beat if you ask me. I wouldn't bother with going crazy on options and accessories and just add a few here and there as you think you need them. Like I said, I pretty much have only used the IC hose kit. Just my $0.02.

Thank you so much! I've never actually seen the Brewzilla in action, so trying to picture the size/weight/way to lift out the malt pipe, etc. I didn't realize you were in Ocala, or else I would have bothered you to see if I can stop by sometime to see it (I'm up north now). I do much better when I see something in person vs videos and descriptions. I have a lot of miscellaneous parts for sure- and I like the idea of using the CFC too (I have a couple of March pumps laying around that I could bring into the picture if I want). Although up north, my tap water is really cold vs when I"m in Florida and it's pretty hot just coming out of the tap. I'm thinking of just doing small BIAB batches in Florida with a banjo burner and maybe an immersion chiller (of course, I have one of those laying around too), and then the Brewzilla up north.

Thank you again for all the thoughts on this.

 

[mashdar]

Thank you so much! I've never actually seen the Brewzilla in action, so trying to picture the size/weight/way to lift out the malt pipe, etc.

Would it be helpful if I weighed stuff? I have the 35L model. It's about the size of a round "tall bag" kitchen trash can, mabe slightly taller.

Re weight: The 35L malt pipe with wet grain could be ~23 lbs with a 12 lb grain bill. That's light enough for some people to lift with one arm, but heavy enough that some would want a pulley. I think there are bags of dog food about that weight, if you want to simulate lifting it at the store.

Personally, I don't even have it connected to internet. There's a button for pump on/off, and up/down for temperature. Doesn't have to get more complicated than that! I use the bluetooth thermometer in the mash, which takes a bit of menu navigation.

 

[Mucklemann]

Would it be helpful if I weighed stuff? I have the 35L model. It's about the size of a round "tall bag" kitchen trash can, mabe slightly taller.

You can do a rough estimate:
3.5kg grain
Plus about that again for the absorbed water (max).
Plus the weight of the malt pipe. Just guess at about 2kg.
Equals 9kg total = 20 lbs max

 

[tydaddy]

Any idea when the 100L extension, larger malt pipe, etc. will be available?

 

[rtstrider]

Has anyone figured out how to delete the remembered mash profiles on the device? I know how to do it in the web portal, but, this does not clear out the remembered profiles on the device. I have around 20 or so and would like to clear it out without wiping if possible.

 

[Postal]

Thank you for all the great information. I just got Brewzilla Gen4 yesterday and couldn’t get it to download OTA update to register. Did everything a few times and gave up. Got up this morning tried again and worked. Always something simple. It didn’t like the extension.

 

[KegLand]

Thank you for all the great information. I just got Brewzilla Gen4 yesterday and couldn’t get it to download OTA update to register. Did everything a few times and gave up. Got up this morning tried again and worked. Always something simple. It didn’t like the extension.

In the latest update we have updated the network libraries that are used to connect the device to wifi. We still have some older stock in circulation with older network libraries that have more connectivity bugs. So now that the firmware is updates I think you will find future updates easier.

The previous version may have had more issues with mesh networks with multiple routers/APs. Just out of interest do you have a mesh network?

 

[BandonBrewingCo]

We are working with Brewfather at the moment so the brewery(and other products) can be controlled via the Brewfather platform. The discussion so far is moving in the direction that we will allow customers to customize an MQTT address on the firmware of the device. This means customers will be able to control the RAPT products from any third part software ad not just Brewfather. We still have some work to do here.

Great news!!!!

But even just being able to import a recipe from Brewfather to the Rapt cloud would be a huge plus

 

[BandonBrewingCo]

@KegLand I understand you guys are doing a CFC too.

I'd personally prefer ye drop out the immersion chiller and let the customer have the choice between the immersion and cfc, or none.

Plus, that way lots of people upgrading from eg biab can use their existing chiller.

And for those entering the market it's a nice choice between $n and $4n (?) depending on your budget.

Of course that could be a pita logistically as you may need one of each chiller for every brewzilla stocked.

Or if it's a case whereby the immersion chiller is relatively immaterial cost wise, maybe promote it as a whirlpool chiller for those looking for a CFC...

Anyways, just my 2c as someone looking to go from biab with an immersion chiller to AIO with a cfc

 

[Willy]

For those who have one of these, how is it going? It looks like stuck sparges has been taken care of with more water and calibration issues as well. I am thinking of getting one. Do you like yours?

I got the Brewzilla Gen 4 in January and have made about 10 batches (20 L size, 220v). First thing I needed was an electrician to run some new outlets, which cost more than the Brewzilla itself. Haha.

Just did a batch yesterday and it automatically downloaded a firmware update. Nice!

Previously - brew kettle and propane. This new Brewzilla system is infinitely better and my ability to control temps is crucial for making great beer, and repeating the process.

I use the PID controls to ease into the desired temp and hold it steady. So far, this works great. I used the settings suggested by David Heath in a few YouTube videos.

Love it. Your beer will go to the next level of suds-sational !!!

 

[jmstone617]

In the latest update we have updated the network libraries that are used to connect the device to wifi. We still have some older stock in circulation with older network libraries that have more connectivity bugs. So now that the firmware is updates I think you will find future updates easier.

The previous version may have had more issues with mesh networks with multiple routers/APs. Just out of interest do you have a mesh network?

Where can we see a changelog with firmware updates? Mine just downloaded new firmware and I’m just curious to see what’s included.

 

[agentbud]

Nothing worked seemed to work, meaning chronic unsatisfactory mash temp stability...until trying the latest manual PID settings with the HED, no BT themo.

Sorry if I missed this already posted but can you explain the "latest manual PID settings" or point me to that post?

 

[Willy]

Sorry if I missed this already posted but can you explain the "latest manual PID settings" or point me to that post?

You can Google David Heath, Brewzilla PID and find several videos. I think this video is a good place to start.

 

[stealthfixr]

Sorry if I missed this already posted but can you explain the "latest manual PID settings" or point me to that post?

Go to this link: https://www.kegland.com.au/products/brewzilla-65l-gen-4

Download the manual, and the "default" settings are on page 35 in the table. Those settings are very different from what the BZ65L was first released with. Perhaps it neuters the PID down some, but I can say it is working for me.

 

[agentbud]

Go to this link: https://www.kegland.com.au/products/brewzilla-65l-gen-4

Download the manual, and the "default" settings are on page 35 in the table. Those settings are very different from what the BZ65L was first released with. Perhaps it neuters the PID down some, but I can say it is working for me.

I compared those PID settings to my original manual (purchased Oct 2022) and they are the same. What changed in yours?

 

[ChickenLambChops]

I was wondering if anyone knew how you could set up the water to boil in the morning, so i can start brewing as soon as I get up?

 

[Willy]

I was wondering if anyone knew how you could set up the water to boil in the morning, so i can start brewing as soon as I get up?

Not sure but maybe you could create a automatic profile that begins with 10 hours at 70°F and then begin your traditional mash/boil profile after that.

 

[ChickenLambChops]

Not sure but maybe you could create a automatic profile that begins with 10 hours at 70°F and then begin your traditional mash/boil profile after that.

thank you, i'll look in to this

 

[BandonBrewingCo]

I was wondering if anyone knew how you could set up the water to boil in the morning, so i can start brewing as soon as I get up?

You can add a feature request to kegland. If it's already there, give it a thumbs up .

They really do value feedback

https://gitlab.com/rapt.io/public/-/issues/?label_name[]=Rapt BrewZilla

 

[jmstone617]

I was wondering if anyone knew how you could set up the water to boil in the morning, so i can start brewing as soon as I get up?

I actually just did this over the weekend.

Not sure but maybe you could create a automatic profile that begins with 10 hours at 70°F and then begin your traditional mash/boil profile after that.

Yes, I created a profile with 2 steps:
First step (Wait):
- Step Type: Heat/Cool to target temperature
- Target Temperature: 55 degF
- Go to next step when: the step timer is finished
- Start the step timer: as soon as the step starts
- Step Duration: N hours ({time you want heating to mash to to start} - {time you will start this profile})
Second Step (Mash temp):
- Step Type: Heat/Cool to target temperature
- Target Temperature: {mash temp}
- Go to next step when: the target temperature is reached

Over the weekend I wanted heating to start at 4:30am, so I started the profile at 9:30pm the night before and set N in the first step to 7 hours