Bru Gear

[Hannabrew]

Well...reading this thread has me thinking twice but I'm in the market to upgrade my 10G BK to a 15 so I can use the 10 as my HLT. I plan on using the Therm port as a whirlpool port as I really don't need to see the temp until the very end.

As long as it gets to me, I can't really go wrong at this price for what I get right?!?

http://www.bru-gear.com/ProBoilertm-15-Gallon-Kettle-Gen-2-with-optional-customization_p_87.html

$125 for a 15G 304SS with tri-clad induction capable kettle with ball valve

If they don't ship it, I contest the charge.

Can anybody think of a good reason not to if my other option at this point would be purchasing something really crappy like this?

http://www.homebrewit.com/brewers-best-basic-16-gallon-brewing-kettle-with-ports/

 

[morbster]

Well...reading this thread has me thinking twice but I'm in the market to upgrade my 10G BK to a 15 so I can use the 10 as my HLT. I plan on using the Therm port as a whirlpool port as I really don't need to see the temp until the very end.

As long as it gets to me, I can't really go wrong at this price for what I get right?!?

http://www.bru-gear.com/ProBoilertm-15-Gallon-Kettle-Gen-2-with-optional-customization_p_87.html

$125 for a 15G 304SS with tri-clad induction capable kettle with ball valve

If they don't ship it, I contest the charge.

Can anybody think of a good reason not to if my other option at this point would be purchasing something really crappy like this?

http://www.homebrewit.com/brewers-best-basic-16-gallon-brewing-kettle-with-ports/

I purchased this same kettle recently (added an additional triclover ferrule for a heating element). Received a confirmation email, but no info on lead time. Over the next week, I sent 2 emails, called probably a dozen times (nobody ever answered), and left a few voicemails.

I finally received an email from them saying the welding typically takes 2 weeks from the date of order, which is today. I'm trying to decide at what point I resume the phone calls and emails to get a status update.

So, the "good reason" you were asking about would simply be the peace of mind in knowing that you will actually receive what you order. I'm frustrated by this process, but I was aware of the risk by purchasing from a less-reputable company like this.

 

[Hannabrew]

Yeah I'm thinking if I do order it I will take the stock order!

I emailed them asking about shipping times for their stock 15 gallon kettle and they got back to me within 12 hours saying the following

"Yes it's all in Stock, normally fedex is 3 -4 days on their normal shipping schedules"

 

[morbster]

Yeah I'm thinking if I do order it I will take the stock order!

I emailed them asking about shipping times for their stock 15 gallon kettle and they got back to me within 12 hours saying the following

"Yes it's all in Stock, normally fedex is 3 -4 days on their normal shipping schedules"

Nice, I'm kinda regretting the additional ferrule. Plus, it was $90. The TC fittings just looked too sexy.

Good luck on your order, feel free to post back with your results.

 

[90minman]

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[90minman]

This is my HLT that has only had water in it. This was pasteurize as instructed by bru gear. I would NOT buy anything from them even if this was the only kettle left on earth!!!! Good luck trying to get customer service to answer any questions because they don't even answer their phones!!!! Never buy anything from this company.

 

[Hannabrew]

Damn...sorry to hear that 90minman. Nothing worse than not even getting that 5 minutes of glory with a new toy.

Yeah I think I'm going in another direction. Honestly the biggest detractor for me is the TC fittings. While they are technically superior, i have to buy all new stuff to get it set up the way I want vs NTP or weldless which I have plenty of spare parts to save some money.

Also they want $60 shipping...there goes the great pricing

 

[morbster]

Quick update on my Bru-Gear purchase (15 gallon kettle w/ 1 additional custom TC fitting).

My order was placed Feb 16, but I didn't receive any notice of when it would ship.
Finally got an email from their customer support saying custom builds usually ship after 2 weeks.
2 weeks pass, I send an email and was told that the item would definitely go out last week.
Item has not yet shipped, still haven't received a follow up as to the status.

I have called them probably 2 dozen times, left a couple voicemails, and never actually spoken to anyone. I don't think they use the phone. I have received no assurance that they are actually following up on my email requests, as it's going on 4 weeks after my order with no documented progress. Mind you, this was for 1 additional welded fitting on a vessel.

It would take an absolutely phenomenal product for me to consider recommending this company to someone else. Hopefully I'll eventually receive my item so I can post an update on how that goes.

 

[JonW]

It would take an absolutely phenomenal product for me to consider recommending this company to someone else. Hopefully I'll eventually receive my item so I can post an update on how that goes.

I would call and cancel the order. Dispute it with your CC company if you have to. It baffles me why people are so willing to place orders with them when they can't deliver, or when they do, it is sub-par.

 

[morbster]

After being promised that my item would ship last week, I sent an email every other day this past week requesting an update. I didn't receive a response to any of them, so I have sent my official request for order cancellation. It's been over 4 weeks since I've placed my order, and I've decided spending $100 more on a different kettle is well worth avoiding any additional anxiety in the process.

I wouldn't be surprised if they don't respond to this email request, so I plan to initiate the charge back process with my credit card company on Monday.

I would call and cancel the order. Dispute it with your CC company if you have to.

If only calling and canceling were so simple. I have probably called them 40+ times this past month (including the customer service #, technical support #, and accounts payable #) and never once had someone answer.

At least it's just a kettle and has absolutely no bearing on my happiness in life. Time for another brew

 

[Hannabrew]

I bit the bullet and ordered from Spike. Yes it was $110 more (after factoring in Bru's ridiculous shipping fees) but I'm supporting a somewhat local business and nobody has disputed their quality or customer service. And that's not including the fact that I am also able to reuse some of my hardware with Spike since it's NTP vs TC which I would have to buy all new hardware.

Received the kettle yesterday and it's wonderful. About a week turnaround time even with a custom port added.

 

[morbster]

I bit the bullet and ordered from Spike. Yes it was $110 more (after factoring in Bru's ridiculous shipping fees) but I'm supporting a somewhat local business and nobody has disputed their quality or customer service. And that's not including the fact that I am also able to reuse some of my hardware with Spike since it's NTP vs TC which I would have to buy all new hardware.

Received the kettle yesterday and it's wonderful. About a week turnaround time even with a custom port added.

I may be following in your footsteps. The TC fittings are nice, but I think the NPT will work fine with proper cleaning.

 

[morbster]

Well, the one time bru gear decides to respond to an email is my email requesting an order cancellation.

Oh well, I'll be glad to have the money refunded and then never think about this awful company again.

 

[morbster]

Just wanted to do a follow up to my negative experience. My order was eventually refunded by Bru-Gear.

I ended up placing an order for a similar kettle from Brew Boss (15 gallon, 2 triclover ferrules, weldless temperature fitting, and one additional weldless at the top of the kettle) for $250 shipped, which is less than what I was charged by Bru-Gear.

Additionally, I placed an order on Saturday and had my kettle by Tuesday. They even responded to an email I sent on Saturday on the same day.

Needless to say, I'm very impressed with Brew Boss and will continue to support them.