Electric controller

[sictransit701]

Jumping into electric brewing. I am looking for a controller. I have come across the blichmann brew commander and the worthog ebc130. They seem like they do the same. Anyone have recommendations or experience with either. Thanks.

 

[Golddiggie]

I was in a similar position as you about two months ago now. The Blichmann was not available with a very soft ETA on more being available. Didn't know about the second you mentioned. I initially went with the BrewBuilt panels, but have since returned those and have a 50a, back to back, panel on order from eBrewSupply. I guess it comes down to if you're going with a three kettle or eBIAB setup or not.

From what I can see about the worthog ebc130, that would be my choice of the two. Being able to pick your probe choice, along with having the quick connection cable puts it over the top IMO. Plus, since it does come with that type of connection, you could always get a different probe later and swap that out (easily).

 

[micraftbeer]

I've had both of these controllers. The Wort Hog is good, reliable, but it is no comparison to the BrewCommander. Once you have an electric system with a delayed start timer to come on and start warming your strike water, you'll never go back. But the other beauty is the easily programmed mash steps. I'll frequently do a multi step mash. The fact they take a long time is almost meaningless.

I set the controller to come on and start circulating and heating strike water through my RIMS while I'm sleeping. I set my alarm to get up, go stir in my crushed grains, then press Start on the multi temperature mash profile I programmed in. Go back to bed for two hours, get up, and it's time to transfer to the boil kettle.

If I start early like that, the BC makes it so easy, and I'm done by lunch. If I start later, for that 1.5-2 hr mash time while the controller's doing all the work in the basement, I can be mowing the lawn, doing dishes, having breakfast with the family, etc. It's a beautiful thing.

 

[micraftbeer]

Also, if you're interested, here are links to my hands-on product review of the Wort Hog 120V ebiab system (which uses the EBC-130 controller), and the Blichmann Brew Commander.

https://www.homebrewfinds.com/2018/07/hands-on-review-wort-hog-turnkey-electric-e-biab-system.html
https://www.homebrewfinds.com/2019/10/hands-on-review-blichmann-brewcommander-controller.html

 

[RufusBrewer]

I have a brewcommander. I like the size, the touchscreen, the graphics, ease of use, the system offsets etc.

The only complaint I have is not really a big deal. It requires adding a ramp rate value. It bugs me because it does not have to be there.

Some people criticize the brewcommander because there is no failsafe master power kill switch. It is possible that you can plug in the brewcommander and it will provide full power to your element even when the display says the element is off. Some consider this to be a deal killer and remove the brewcommander from consideration.

Check out Auber Instruments and their Cube 3E. Pretty much a brewcommander.

https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=64_65&products_id=832
Pretty much a brewcommander, but it has the master power safety feature. Down side is it uses a PID like controller instead of touchscreen. The Auber interface is a system of menus and sub menus to navigate. Auber instruments EZ boil controllers enjoys having some enthusiastic fans.

One thing to consider when selecting an electric brew controller. Power. You must have a GFCI circuit. 240 VAC is almost a requirement. Brewing with 120 VAC can be done, but it takes more time.

Also make yourself familiar with different types of power options. Research what is available today and what be installed. Not all 240 VAC wall sockets are equal. Different controllers require different power configurations. Planning and preparation is important.