Electric Brewing Supply vs DIY?

[LJvermonster]

Hi All,
Seems every eBIAB DIY panel I've seen, almost everyone ends up spending more than $600 for the panel itself. Is there any reason not to go to Electrical Breweing Supply and get this panel?

https://ebrewsupply.com/collections/biab/products/30a-pid-biab-control-panel-1-element

Thanks in advance!
Matt

 

[MikeCo]

The reason would be to save $200, if you don't mind assembling and wiring it yourself. The DIY version of that panel costs only $375 vs $575 for the assembled version.

https://ebrewsupply.com/collections/pid-controlled-diy/products/complete-30a-biab-kit

I bought an Auber Cube for my system and opted to get the assembled version instead of saving $75 on the DIY kit. After getting it, I was surprised how simple it was. I could have done it myself, but in my case I had a problem with it, and I think it was faster to get it diagnosed with Auber's help since the possibility of my wiring it incorrectly wasn't a factor. The system you are considering looks a bit more complex, but I'm sure there are good instructions and maybe even videos.

 

[Bobby_M]

I have no idea how anyone could spend $600 on a single vessel control panel.

1. Fully functioning off the shelf Brewcommander is $375
2. Auber Cube, off the shelf $399
3. Auber Cube DIY kit: $309
4. Cost to build a "cube like" controller with all the important internals would only be about $200 including a very nice aluminum box.

 

[MikeCo]

I like my cube, and the BrewCommander is really nice for the money. The unit linked above says it's built for controlling 2 elements, so that may be why it's rather large and expensive. It seems odd that it's called a BIAB controller but it's made to control 2 elements.

 

[Bobby_M]

I like my cube, and the BrewCommander is really nice for the money. The unit linked above says it's built for controlling 2 elements, so that may be why it's rather large and expensive. It seems odd that it's called a BIAB controller but it's made to control 2 elements.

I don't see what you're seeing. The link is to their single element controller.

 

[MikeCo]

Under the description, 2nd paragraph, it says:

This particular controller is designed for controlling 2 elements , interlocked limiting use to one element at a time.

 

[smcinco]

There's a bling factor for sure with the stainless enclosure, but in my experience eBrewsupply is great and also provides quality at good value. Buy once, cry once. The stainless enclosure and ebrewsupply brand will have good resale imo.

 

[Joshuah57]

Actually, the description on that controller is confusing. It states it can control 2 elements, but the specifications say it has only has one plug for an element. It also states it has 4 xlr plugs and 3 cables with probes included, but the picture shows only one xlr plugged into the controller and I see no other plugs. I agree with Bobby that both the Auber Cube and the Brewcommander both offer the same, if not more features, for less. Minus the SS panel of course.

 

[Bobby_M]

Under the description, 2nd paragraph, it says:

This particular controller is designed for controlling 2 elements , interlocked limiting use to one element at a time.

That line of text must be vestigial from another product. In no way does that box have two element outputs nor any selector switch to select one and lockout the other.

 

[jekeane]

I built a 30a 2 vessel kit from ebrewsupply for my system 4 or so years ago. It is great and I have had no issues with it.

That being said I am looking at some of the other less expensive units for a biab setup.