Bru Gear or Spike

[Blackdirt_cowboy]

I'm in the process of designing a single tier, propane fired, HERMS system. I was planning on building a 2"x2" square tubing stainless stand with low pressure burners. I was going to outfit the stand with spike brewing 20 gallon kettles, and automate the temperature controls. However, I have found a used system that consists of a unitrut stand outfitted with bru gear kettles, high pressure burners, and no automation. Other than that, it's identical to how I was setting mine up. The asking price for this whole setup, including a monster mill, and all the TC fittings, pumps, hoses, everything is $2000. Just the spike brewing kettles were going to cost me over $2k alone. Is it worth it to go with the new spikes? The bru gear kettles were bought during there 2014 kickstarter campaign. Are they quality kettles? Also, does anyone have experience with the galvanized unitstrut stands. Mine will be kept outside in my carport. How will it hold up to the elements? Here is a pic of the used equipment.

 

[augiedoggy]

While im not positive im pretty sure the brugear stuff is made by the same manufacturer as SS brewtech... either than or they are awfully damn good clones... (I am talking about the kettles and conicals and not the added ports)

the products are fine from what Ive read but the companies customer service was very lacking from a few threads I read here.

 

[oujens]

As Augie suggested, I think the issue with Bru Gear is the customer service. However, if the kettles are in good shape it would be hard to pass up with TC fittings in place and everything else that comes with it. I think most customer service complaints were about shipping delays or missing items. Not really performance related. Then there are others who have better experiences...Seems like in this transaction you may not need the customer service.

 

[iijakii]

There's no hidden surprises on a used kettle as if youre car shopping. Go look at the kettles and make sure the welds and what not don't look like bollocks.

 

[Drumminguy81]

As much as I love my spike kettles it would be hard to pass up on that for the money. Comes with everything you need pumps and all. There is a couple hundred in tri clamps alone. Personally I would ditch the strut stand and stick with your original plan of a stainless stand just strip all the parts you need. I will say the spike kettles are a bit heavier duty and the welds are a work of art. Either way you can't go wrong.

 

[user 246304]

Looks great, Cowboy. Just wanted to ask about:

"Just the spike brewing kettles were going to cost me over $2k alone."

Wondering what configurations you've got to get them up to that price. Without sight glasses, the 20's are currently $280 a piece, with, $350. So basically 1000, with thermometers in place. I've got all 3 in sight glasses, with 3 piece ball valves, the 20 gallon false bottom, several dip tubes (2 side, 1 center, 1 with the false bottom), and QD's, and I think I'm at $1500. Anyway, just curious what you've got for your $2K, if you wouldn't mind sharing. Thanks.

 

[Blackdirt_cowboy]

Yeah I guess I misspoke. The spike stuff is basically the whole system minus the stand and burners. It includes the two pumps, hoses, disconnects (not TC fittings), false bottom, HERMS coil, etc. Does not include a chiller, and like I said, the stand and burners.

 

[augiedoggy]

Yeah I guess I misspoke. The spike stuff is basically the whole system minus the stand and burners. It includes the two pumps, hoses, disconnects (not TC fittings), false bottom, HERMS coil, etc. Does not include a chiller, and like I said, the stand and burners.

too expensive then for my liking... break it down.. you can buy all new comparible stuff for 2k or less

 

[user 246304]

Thanks for the thread, cowboy. I've pretty much been settled on Spike, but have nothing but what I can see from their website - quality. These look quality too and like people are saying, with much more included. Gives me some things to think about (I hate that).