Grounded Brewing Technologies - 240V eBIAB System

[emr25]

3) Yes, there will be hooks for the basket to the kettle
4) No problem with 5 gallon batches. The element is around the 2 to 3 gallon mark

Does that mean there will be 2 to 3 gallons of “dead space” below the mash basket? Or will the basket fit inside of the heating element?

 

[hezagenius]

I'm curious to see their basket as well. Presumably it has legs to keep the bottom of the basket above the element and the pump intake, but who knows.

 

[groundedbrewtech]

Hey everyone! Thank you for the interest in our system! So, I know we threw a curve ball with the different kettle size. We were just about to start production on the 20 gallon kettles, but after seeing everyones feedback on here we have decided to stick with the 15 gallon for now and release a 20 gallon version at a later date. Thanks again!

 

[crankyx]

Hey everyone! Thank you for the interest in our system! So, I know we threw a curve ball with the different kettle size. We were just about to start production on the 20 gallon kettles, but after seeing everyones feedback on here we have decided to stick with the 15 gallon for now and release a 20 gallon version at a later date. Thanks again!

While I know it is impossible to make everyone happy, I for one was excited for the 20g Jump :/ but I am however very much looking forward to the details on your system!

Welcome to the forums

 

[tmendick]

Makes sense, you will probably be able to sell more 15's than 20's. You can definitely still do 10 gallon batch BIAB in a 15G pot, I do it relatively often, you would just have to do a pourover sparge once you pull the grain. Good luck, from what I've seen this looks like a great system.

 

[groundedbrewtech]

Makes sense, you will probably be able to sell more 15's than 20's. You can definitely still do 10 gallon batch BIAB in a 15G pot, I do it relatively often, you would just have to do a pourover sparge once you pull the grain. Good luck, from what I've seen this looks like a great system.

Thank you very much!

 

[groundedbrewtech]

While I know it is impossible to make everyone happy, I for one was excited for the 20g Jump :/ but I am however very much looking forward to the details on your system!

Welcome to the forums

Thank you! We are hoping to have the 20gal version soon after the 15gal if everything goes as planned!

 

[augiedoggy]

Math Time:

$475.99 - BIAB Panel - Grounded's Price
$350.00 - Kettle - Assuming 2x tangential in, all TC... sure
$200.00 - Basket - Rough amount from comparison to Utah BD
$200.00 - 4x Valves Butterfly - Brewers Hardware
$ 66.00 - 12x Clamps - Brewers Hardware
$ 12.00 - 12x Gaskets - Brewers Hardware
$120.00 - 12x Barb to TC Fittings - Brewers Hardware
$ 32.00 - TC Temp Fitting - Brewers Hardware
$ 32.00 - 12' Silicon - MoreBeer
$109.00 - 5500w TC Element - eBrew Supply
$ ???.00 - Pump of some sort

WITHOUT pump this is $1677, depending on pump $1800 seems pretty reasonable. Like its been said, this appears to be top tier equip, can some things be priced out cheaper? Sure, but this is one click and it's great looking thus far.

Like it's been said, pending specifics, pump, other info it seems like a reasonable value to me.




*****Math Time is sponsored by beer and beer math can be wrong. Amount pulled from the fastest googled website containing the term and pertaining to brewing with some "I've shopped there before" favoritism, yes i'm sure some items can be found cheaper, extreme accuracy was not guaranteed but for beer math, it's close enough.

a lot of those prices are kinda high it seems they are close to double what you can buy them for if you dont go through a homebrew shop as a middleman.
For example 1.5" TC butterfly valves start at about $25 shipped each https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-5-Sanita...cone-Sealing/232303795591?hash=item3616629d87 theres about $100 in savings..

The barbed tri clamp fittings are about $5 each not 10.. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-12MM-Sanitary-Hose-Barb-Pipe-Fitting-SS-SUS316-Tri-Clamp-OD-50-5MM-Ferrule/273270257448?hash=item3fa02d3728:g:cdEAAOxy7nNTWg37&_sacat=0&_nkw=1/2"+barb+tri+clamp&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313 another $60 in saving

and those are for the type you'll find in most small breweries.. and there are multiple places to find the TC based nema plug elements for as little as $14 plus shipping.. even ebay has them for $50 shipped.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Brewing-Heater-5500w-240v-Heating-Element-2-Tri-clamp-Electric-Locking-Plug/323186402398?hash=item4b3f69245e:g:5U8AAOSwDFBaJR1K&_sacat=0&_nkw=5500w+tri+clamp+element&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313 about $50 in savings.

The TC clamps...sell for about $2.50-$3 each so $66 for twelve is about double the going rate. https://www.ebay.com/itm/10pcs-Sing...041706463?epid=8021093985&hash=item33ee5259df about $30 in savings. I'm sure theres a lot more but these are all things I have bought many of so the prices jumped out at me..

You can bet the people building these systems arent buying the parts from other homebrewing shops so why would you use them and their retail markups to do a cost breakdown? just my thoughts on it ..

 

[crankyx]

a lot of those prices are kinda high it seems they are close to double what you can buy them for if you dont go through a homebrew shop as a middleman.
For example 1.5" TC butterfly valves start at about $25 shipped each https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-5-Sanita...cone-Sealing/232303795591?hash=item3616629d87 theres about $100 in savings..

The barbed tri clamp fittings are about $5 each not 10.. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-12MM-Sanitary-Hose-Barb-Pipe-Fitting-SS-SUS316-Tri-Clamp-OD-50-5MM-Ferrule/273270257448?hash=item3fa02d3728:g:cdEAAOxy7nNTWg37&_sacat=0&_nkw=1/2"+barb+tri+clamp&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313 another $60 in saving

and those are for the type you'll find in most small breweries.. and there are multiple places to find the TC based nema plug elements for as little as $14 plus shipping.. even ebay has them for $50 shipped.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Brewing-Heater-5500w-240v-Heating-Element-2-Tri-clamp-Electric-Locking-Plug/323186402398?hash=item4b3f69245e:g:5U8AAOSwDFBaJR1K&_sacat=0&_nkw=5500w+tri+clamp+element&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313 about $50 in savings.

The TC clamps...sell for about $2.50-$3 each so $66 for twelve is about double the going rate. https://www.ebay.com/itm/10pcs-Sing...041706463?epid=8021093985&hash=item33ee5259df about $30 in savings. I'm sure theres a lot more but these are all things I have bought many of so the prices jumped out at me..

You can bet the people building these systems arent buying the parts from other homebrewing shops so why would you use them and their retail markups to do a cost breakdown? just my thoughts on it ..

I was not using those numbers as a comparison for a system builder. They were priced as a consumer DIY. A reasonable DIY person would buy components from home brew shops, hence the prices and the beer math. That cost represents the rough amount a consumer would pay to piece out a system using similar components attempting to answer the question of is it a good value to me as a consumer.

 

[JohnBrews]

My thought is that if they are able to offer a 20G system for the reported $1800, the least they can do is pass the cost saving on to the customer when purchasing a 15G system. I agree with @augiedoggy, the material cost for a lot of these components is much less than originally posted. However what you're looking at is an out of the box solution that appears to use premium parts, hence they charge accordingly.

 

[augiedoggy]

I was not using those numbers as a comparison for a system builder. They were priced as a consumer DIY. A reasonable DIY person would buy components from home brew shops, hence the prices and the beer math. That cost represents the rough amount a consumer would pay to piece out a system using similar components attempting to answer the question of is it a good value to me as a consumer.

I disagree. I think a reasonable person would research what they need and buy the best components for the best prices based upon what they are and what they do.. If you feel a $10 barbed fitting through a middleman who likely buys them in bulk for $3 is somehow better than the same fitting directly from where it's made for $5 than more power to you. To me one of the key reasons to DIY is also to save and not overspend.

 

[Blazinlow86]

I disagree. I think a reasonable person would research what they need and buy the best components for the best prices based upon what they are and what they do.. If you feel a $10 barbed fitting through a middleman who likely buys them in bulk for $3 is somehow better than the same fitting directly from where it's made for $5 than more power to you. To me one of the key reasons to DIY is also to save and not overspend.

Well said. I agree. Cheers

 

[doug293cz]

Ok people, if you disagree with what someone has said, respond to what they said, and why you disagree. Disparaging another member, questioning their motives, making fun of a member, etc. is never allowed. Those kinds of posts, and any posts that quote them, will be deleted. I have had to delete a number of posts in this thread for inappropriate comments.

We want HBT to be a place where people can discuss ideas and alternatives in a civil manner.

doug293cz
HBT Moderator

 

[augiedoggy]

My apologies

 

[cheesebach]

As someone looking to purchase an eBIAB system in the next ~6months, I appreciate when someone does some cost analysis to estimate the cost of a comparable system done in a DIY manner. I think anyone who's done some basic research (which hopefully someone who is considering dropping $1800 would do), realizes that a DIY system will almost always be cheaper, and wouldn't take any offense to somebody estimating the cost of the components.

To me, there are 2 types of systems that would interest me:

1) A somewhat "standard" eBIAB system that comes with everything I need, offering a good value for the $$ but offering nothing unique that really sets it apart. This would be something like the Clawhammer Supply system, High Gravity, etc. - mesh basket, standard heating elements, basic controller, etc. For these, I think somewhere around a 10-20% upcharge over the cost of DIY is reasonable and probably worth it if you're not into DIY.

2) A well-thought out design that incorporates some unique design/features that help it stand out. This would be systems like the Unibrau (mash basket), BrewBoss (COFI basket, software), etc. I expect to pay more for these than something that is just repackaging existing parts that anyone could easily buy themselves online.

In either case, the DIY component cost is helpful, so you can estimate what you are paying for convenience and special design features and then decide whether it is worth it. At $1800, there's gonna have to be something that helps make this system stand out for me to give it any serious consideration.

 

[Quadrider]

As there's no comparison that building your own setup will definitely be the most cost efficient and overall significantly cheaper way to go, some (myself included) might be seeking a complete turnkey solution in lieu of piecing everything together. I agree though, the $1,800.00 price point was definitely higher then everyone expected... especially without a chiller. Unfortunately there's only a few 240v options out there to compare:

CH - 10G w/EBS 240v Panel & Element - $1,414.00

HG – 240V w/SSbt 15Gal. & TD5 Pump - $1,135.00 (No Chiller / Nylon Bag)

BB - 15G 240v COFI - $1,620.00 (No Chiller)

UniBrau – 10G 240V w/ETC+SV240 - $1,569.00

Blichmann – 10G Brew Easy W/Plate Chiller & Butterfly Whirlpool - $2,554.00

Personally, I've been waiting since February to invest my $ on the SSBrewtech eBIAB system, but that was a complete disappointment. No basket, and we still don't even have pricing on the EKettles yet. However, with a $599.00 Controller, and EKettle "Priced similarly to our current offerings" Will probably still put you right around the $900.00 - $1,000.00 before pump, basket, chiller, fittings, etc.

Since it's an introductory kit, and brand new to the market, I'd love to see GBT possibly offer an "Early Bird" Backer or Pre-Order discount. Would definitely help garner & persuade those still on the fence or apprehensive at the current price tag.

 

[hezagenius]

@groundedbrewtech

Any updates on pre-orders?

 

[groundedbrewtech]

@groundedbrewtech

Any updates on pre-orders?

Almost there! Hoping we can start pre-orders early to mid next week! Pictures of the kit will be out soon. Had a bit of a delay with one piece. We will make the announcement here as well as soon as it is available! Thank you!

 

[hezagenius]

Almost there! Hoping we can start pre-orders early to mid next week! Pictures of the kit will be out soon. Had a bit of a delay with one piece. We will make the announcement here as well as soon as it is available! Thank you!

Any chance you will have a pre-order option for just the kettle and basket?

 

[groundedbrewtech]

Any chance you will have a pre-order option for just the kettle and basket?

Yes for sure! We will have 3 different options for the pre-order:

- Complete kit
- Kettle and basket
- Kettle only

 

[baino]

Any chance pre-orders will be open to Canada?

 

[groundedbrewtech]

Any chance pre-orders will be open to Canada?

Yes for sure! And we will still be offering free shipping to Canada on this!

 

[groundedbrewtech]

Hello everyone! Pre-orders go live tomorrow! Check our our Instagram page for pictures. Any orders placed using code BIAB10 in the first week will receive 10% off their order.

 

[Backslide]

Order placed for kettle and basket [emoji482]

 

[Backslide]

As there's no comparison that building your own setup will definitely be the most cost efficient and overall significantly cheaper way to go, some (myself included) might be seeking a complete turnkey solution in lieu of piecing everything together. I agree though, the $1,800.00 price point was definitely higher then everyone expected... especially without a chiller. Unfortunately there's only a few 240v options out there to compare:

CH - 10G w/EBS 240v Panel & Element - $1,414.00

HG – 240V w/SSbt 15Gal. & TD5 Pump - $1,135.00 (No Chiller / Nylon Bag)

BB - 15G 240v COFI - $1,620.00 (No Chiller)

UniBrau – 10G 240V w/ETC+SV240 - $1,569.00

Blichmann – 10G Brew Easy W/Plate Chiller & Butterfly Whirlpool - $2,554.00

Personally, I've been waiting since February to invest my $ on the SSBrewtech eBIAB system, but that was a complete disappointment. No basket, and we still don't even have pricing on the EKettles yet. However, with a $599.00 Controller, and EKettle "Priced similarly to our current offerings" Will probably still put you right around the $900.00 - $1,000.00 before pump, basket, chiller, fittings, etc.

Since it's an introductory kit, and brand new to the market, I'd love to see GBT possibly offer an "Early Bird" Backer or Pre-Order discount. Would definitely help garner & persuade those still on the fence or apprehensive at the current price tag.

It's 1700.00 +10% off if ordered within the first week!

 

[emr25]

It's 1700.00 +10% off if ordered within the first week!

My original target price point was in the $1,200 range, but after seeing the quality and not needing anything else to get brewing with the system, $1,530 (price after 10% discount) is very tempting!

I’ll be giving a purchase serious thought over the next few days during the pre-order plus 10% off period.

 

[Quadrider]

It's 1700.00 +10% off if ordered within the first week!

Honestly, IMO offering the system @ $100.00 cheaper than originally MSRP'd, + adding in a 10% Early Bird backer discount is excellent “Good Faith" customer service.

I budgeted about $1,350.00 for my new system... Even With adding the new Heat Exchanger, and using the 10% discount puts it right at $1,710.00; $360.00 more then I originally budgeted. For Top Tier Equipment that looks like it will last a long time + a chiller... the extra $360.00 is worth it for me. Will be ordering mine on Friday.

 

[hezagenius]

So I got a question about the inlets. So one of the bottom ones is for the element and the other bottom is for the pickup.
Is the lower tangential one for the whirlpool intake and the higher one for the whirlpool outlet? (That would seem odd to me to do it that way since I wouldn't think you'd want them oriented in the same direction)
Or are there 2 different tangential heights so you can pick whichever one based on your batch size?
Or is the lower tangential one for whirlpools and the higher tangential one for recirc during mash?

 

[emr25]

So I got a question about the inlets. So one of the bottom ones is for the element and the other bottom is for the pickup.
Is the lower tangential one for the whirlpool intake and the higher one for the whirlpool outlet? (That would seem odd to me to do it that way since I wouldn't think you'd want them oriented in the same direction)
Or are there 2 different tangential heights so you can pick whichever one based on your batch size?
Or is the lower tangential one for whirlpools and the higher tangential one for recirc during mash?

The lower tangential would be for whirlpool inlet return from the pump (with the exit from the kettle to the pump coming from the standard lower outlet pickup).

The upper tangential is for mash recirculation, which would help maintain consistent temperature throughout the mash and should improve efficiency.

I would also plan to use the upper tangential inlet to connect the Brun boil condenser design during the boil!

 

[JohnBrews]

@groundedbrewtech
How long does it take to cool down the wort to pitching temperature with the heat exchanger?
is it possible to order a 400 micron mesh
Could you post some instructions for a typical brew session using with your system? I'm keen to learn how you recommend operating this system. Thanks!