Grounded Brewing Technologies - 240V eBIAB System

[Quadrider]

All great points, and I think I’ll eventually swap it out for a ball or linear. For the next brew, I think I’ll try just a constant recirc whirlpool through the CFC until the probe reads good pitching temps.

 

[emr25]

Finally got to brew the first batch with my Grounded eBIAB system. It was also my first attempt at a LODO brew day (last night), but I won’t derail this thread with much discussion on that topic.


Overall it was a huge success for the first time with a new system and following new techniques. We had excellent break material and trub separation and nearly nailed our numbers and volumes. 5.5 gallons of the cleanest wort we’ve ever produced (coming from traditional squeeze the bag with no pump recirculation BIAB) into the conical. The chilled wort tasted sweet and delicious!


This recipe is a Kolsch, wanted something simple and clean to judge the new system and process.


9.5 Gallons Strike Water (RO)

90% (11 lbs 11.2 oz) Weyermann Barke Pilsner
5% (10.4 oz) Weyermann CaraHell
5% (10.4 oz) Weyermann Acidulated

13 IBUs (1 oz) Spalt at 45 Minutes
11 IBUs (1 oz) Tradition at 45 Minutes

WY2565
Predicted OG - 1.045
Actual OG - 1.047
Predicted FG - 1.009
Actual FG - TBD


5:45PM - Fired Kettle w/ 10 Gallons of RO Water
6:25PM - Pre-Boil Reached
6:30PM - Element Off and CFC Whirlpool Started
6:35PM - Dosed NaMeta, AA, BTB in Kettle
6:35PM - Conditioned Grain w/ 4oz Water (~2% of Grain Weight)
6:45PM - Milled Into eBIAB Mesh Basket (Monster MM3)
6:55PM - Dosed CaSO4, CaCl, MgSO4, NaCl in Kettle
7:00PM - Slowly Lowered Basket into 9.5 Gallons Strike at 131* (Dough-In)

Step-mashed with continuous recirculation with rests at 144*, 148*, 153*, 163*, and 172*. Pre-boil OG was 1.043 (predicted at 1.042).

8:55PM - Removed Basket after Draining
8:55PM - Fired Element at 100%
9:08PM - Boil Reached, Lid On Kettle, Steam Slayer On
9:10PM - Element Reduced to 25%
9:10PM - Dosed 1.25mL Lactic Acid and FermCap-S
9:23PM - Added Hops
9:53PM - Added Whirlfloc and Yeast Nutrient
9:58PM - Dosed 1.5mL Lactic Acid
10:05PM - Recirculation Through CFC to Sanitize
10:08PM - Element Off / Boil Complete
10:45PM - Transferred to Conical (70* Wort)
11:50PM - Aerated w/ O2 for 90 Seconds
11:55PM - Pitched Yeast (58* Wort)

 

[crankyx]

This morning I finally brewed with the system. Before I get to the today's brew however, lets talk about cleaning out of box. There was so much manufacturing crud on everything and it took the better part of Friday to clean, soaking, scrubbing, rinsing, repeat. I followed the TSP method from above that @Quadrider used, then PBW with brushes on tangential inlets, valves and fittings after a long soak.

Today's first brew was 10 gallons of a mild brown ale which was a bit of a learning curve coming from 3v herms gas setup. Rough calculated efficiency came out at 72.5% and overall the day went OK. There were a few challenges with lifting the basket due to my hood placement and cleanup as I have yet to procure my garage sink.

I was impressed with electric component and all TC fittings. The chiller i'm sure will work better once I have a functioning drain (buckets man, lots of buckets) but as stated above it is over sized. I may go back to my plate chiller as it takes up less space and frankly I think works better.

The biggest take away for me was to order a sink, cleanup would have been leaps easier than it was and also that 10 gallons is a bit more of a challenge than I was expecting. I was inaccurate in my assumptions about water volumes and the kettle volume was a bit too high with the grain added initially and the grain basket gets quite heavy.

Side note:
Pictures forthcoming of the brewing area, couple more things to complete.

 

[Quadrider]

Brewed my 4th batch on the GBT system last weekend, and with every brew I'm continually figuring out what works better and better.

1) Boil-Off - Had about 1 1/2 - 2 Gallons total boiloff @ 72% element output. Dialing back down to around 58-63% output should give you that gentle roll with minimal boil off on a 5 Gal. batch

2) Chiller - Still having the issue with the butterfly "click" and flow control on the pump outlet, but I found that hooking the T-Fitting up (with probe attached) to the Chiller outlet will give you an exact temp readings into fermenter. 1 full open click on the butterfly will result in about 83-85 degree output (using Michigan ground Winter water) and fill 5.5 gal. within 2-3 Minutes. 1/4-1/2 click is a slow gentle flow @ about 60-65 degree output. took me about 8-10 minutes to fill 5.5 Gal. @ this rate. Still considering swapping the butterfly for a ball valve

3) Cleanup - Obviously the most tedious task of all. Found the best way is to disconnect everything (except element) leaving the pump inlets / outlet hoses connected and into a bucket of fresh water for an initial trub pump flush then into a bucket of PBW for a 10 min recirc / soak; while following the same routine with all the fittings soaking in the PBW while the pump is recircing - While everything is soaking, rinse out all the kettle trub, then fill with the recirc'd used PBW and fire up the element to heat up. I use (2) blank TC plates for the 2 lower kettle outlet ports. After a 10-20 min soak and light scrub, just a good rinse. Had everything completely cleaned up 100% and on towels within 1/2 hour.

 

[hezagenius]

1) Boil-Off - Had about 1 1/2 - 2 Gallons total boiloff @ 72% element output. Dialing back down to around 58-63% output should give you that gentle roll with minimal boil off on a 5 Gal. batch

I have mine set to 60% in the boil phase and I boil off about 1 gallon per hour

 

[emr25]

Only one batch so far, but used in conjunction with the Steam Slayer from Brew Hardware my boil-off was 0.6 gallons or 7% (8.3 gallons pre-boil and 7.7 gallons post-boil).

PID is set to 100% until boil starts and then reduced to 25% once the lid is on and Steam Slayer functioning.

 

[emr25]

Anyone else have feedback on the Grounded eBIAB system?

I have two batches down (Kolsch and NE IPA) with a third planned for Friday (repeat of the Kolsch, no changes to recipe).

The system, in conjunction with several other changes, has produced our two best beers to date. Stainless mesh basket over standard fabric bag and the ability to step mash with precise temperature control and pump recirculation have been the biggest improvements. And the eBIAB controller looks clean and professional on the wall.

 

[cheesebach]

Anyone else have feedback on the Grounded eBIAB system?

I have two batches down (Kolsch and NE IPA) with a third planned for Friday (repeat of the Kolsch, no changes to recipe).

The system, in conjunction with several other changes, has produced our two best beers to date. Stainless mesh basket over standard fabric bag and the ability to step mash with precise temperature control and pump recirculation have been the biggest improvements. And the eBIAB controller looks clean and professional on the wall.

Good to hear, thanks for sharing! Could you explain what the improvements are that you’ve seen with the stainless mesh mash basket vs. a bag? Is it ease of use/cleaning? Or has it helped you to improve the quality of your beer in some way?

I’ve been struggling to decide between a simple e-kettle and controller with a bag vs. a more complete all-in-one with a mesh basket or solid walled mash pipe. Was initially leaning towards something sturdier but lately have been thinking just a simple bag might be easier for the cleaning and possibly increase the maximum grain bill I could mash without going to a larger kettle. Curious what your thoughts are since it seems you have some experience with both.

 

[emr25]

Good to hear, thanks for sharing! Could you explain what the improvements are that you’ve seen with the stainless mesh mash basket vs. a bag? Is it ease of use/cleaning? Or has it helped you to improve the quality of your beer in some way?

I’ve been struggling to decide between a simple e-kettle and controller with a bag vs. a more complete all-in-one with a mesh basket or solid walled mash pipe. Was initially leaning towards something sturdier but lately have been thinking just a simple bag might be easier for the cleaning and possibly increase the maximum grain bill I could mash without going to a larger kettle. Curious what your thoughts are since it seems you have some experience with both.

A few improvements, at least in terms of my opinion and goals.

I get cleaner / clearer wort when removing the stainless mesh basket than I used to with a fabric bag. Recirculation has a rigid “floor” of the basket to compact the bed and filter through. Also, the grain bed is disturbed to a lesser extent during removal.

Ease of use is a slight edge to the basket, I find it easier and less messy to remove than the bag. I raise it with a pulley to be just level with the liquid in the kettle. It only takes a few minutes to drain. I do not squeeze or sparge so efficiency is a little lower than I used to get, but grain is cheap and I prefer the cleaner wort.

Cleaning is equivalent, no advantage either way. Both get a spray down with the hose and air dry until the next brew day.

 

[emr25]

Sounds like Grounded Brewing might be getting out of the homebrew equipment market for the time being.

They don’t plan to restock the 30A eBIAB Panels and the dual tangential inlet 15 gallon kettles are on fire sale at $140 shipped. I picked up a spare at that price as a backup and/or potentially as a mash tun to allow for bottom filling (underletting) the grist and also bottom draining from mash tun into boil kettle.

 

[flubbss]

What size stainless table is that? And where did you get the silicone mat? I just got a kettle from grounded’s sale and was hoping to piece together a similar setup to yours.

 

[emr25]

What size stainless table is that? And where did you get the silicone mat? I just got a kettle from grounded’s sale and was hoping to piece together a similar setup to yours.

Both came from Webstaurant Store. Table is 24” deep by 30” wide with a work surface height of 34”. The rubber mat is 18” by 24”.

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/re...ash-and-galvanized-undershelf/600TB2430G.html

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/ca...-mat-anti-fatigue-mat-black/8442502152BK.html

 

[tmendick]

I think I just bought the last kettle, looks like it's now sold out.

 

[emr25]

It was a great sale price. Easily a $300-350 value when compared to similar options (such as the Spike+ V4).

 

[tmendick]

How are you recircing the mash? Are you just using one the tangential ports as the return?
Even with the smoking deal on the kettle, I don't know that I'm ready to move from the bag to the basket yet.

 

[flubbss]

It was a great sale price. Easily a $300-350 value when compared to similar options (such as the Spike+ V4).

I totally agree. Kind of a steal for $140 shipped. I now regret not buying a second to have as a back up

 

[emr25]

How are you recircing the mash? Are you just using one the tangential ports as the return?
Even with the smoking deal on the kettle, I don't know that I'm ready to move from the bag to the basket yet.

I used the upper tangential inlet to recirculate mash for the first few batches. Paired with a Blichmann Linear Flow Valve on the pump outlet to limit flow to a slow trickle.

From a conversion efficiency standpoint this worked perfectly fine. I’ve hit ~98% conversion efficiency every time.

For low oxygen pursuit purposes, I’ve moved to a floating stainless pizza pan with a piece of silicone tubing submerged just under the mash level. I’d like to eventually replace the silicone tubing with something like the SS Brewtech Manifold.

 

[hezagenius]

How are you recircing the mash? Are you just using one the tangential ports as the return?
Even with the smoking deal on the kettle, I don't know that I'm ready to move from the bag to the basket yet.

I punched a hole in the lid and recirculated that way. My first batch, I recirced through the top tangential port and I got a buildup of fine particles on the side of the basket. I figured if I recirced through the lid, those particles would have a better chance of staying inside the basket or bag.

 

[Quadrider]

Sounds like Grounded Brewing might be getting out of the homebrew equipment market for the time being.

They don’t plan to restock the 30A eBIAB Panels and the dual tangential inlet 15 gallon kettles are on fire sale at $140 shipped. I picked up a spare at that price as a backup and/or potentially as a mash tun to allow for bottom filling (underletting) the grist and also bottom draining from mash tun into boil kettle.

After seeing hints of this on GBT's IG, I was very concerned about future support in the event there are any issues with my system. Reached out to Rex on it and his response was:

"For the time being we will be focusing on our wholesale work that we have built up over the last year.

Yes, we will for sure continue to support any customers that have bought products from us in the past, as we might at some point get back into the home brew market especially as we continue to grow."

Bummer. Still, after all said and done, I love my setup and still have no regrets. I've gotten tons of compliments on it. I've ran 5 batches though and its a killer system. Glad to hear they're not going out of business and will still offer continued support for us past customers.

 

[MildAvers]

Would a couple folks who own this system measure the ID size of the tangential and drain ports? Maybe post a picture with a ruler measurement and/or just post the ID size.

 

[jdonovan]

Sounds like Grounded Brewing might be getting out of the homebrew equipment market for the time being.

I had a very poor experience trying to order from them, after months of promising my order would ship the end of this week or early next week i got tired of waiting and canceled my order.

It looks like a great system, but if they can't actually deliver it to a customer, how good is it really ?

 

[emr25]

Does anyone have the inside diameter of the mesh basket? The kettle is 15.75” but I don’t have the mesh basket ID.

 

[baino]

I did my first brew on the Grounded eBIAB System tonight. I’ve had it in waiting since October.....new basement is just about done.
I’ve been doing a ton of reading and prep, considered adding a second kettle, using the CFC for HERMS, ultimately decided not to mess with things in the pursuit of simple.
I ended up ditching the basket (cut off only the base and used with a steam rack) and use with a brew bag. I also added a self built Brundog steam condenser. I’m planning on using the steam condenser port to recirculate the mash through.
The brew day was sloppy just given the unfamiliarity but achieved 70% brew house efficiency on a 1.050 British bitter.
The CFC took the temp from boil to 18c in less than 10 mins. I didn’t try to throttle and direct drain to the fermenter, instead I went wide open into the whirlpool and disconnected whirlpool into the fermenter when the temp was hit. I also had only 2L loss from the CFC because I was able to gravity drain.
I recommend putting the temp tee on the pump inlet. I kept it there the entire brew without issue. You have to recirc the strike heat up and can’t see the boil temp rise but other than that it’s perfect. During whirlpool the temp would drop 1c more after the cold water was shut off.
The biggest challenge I face is cleaning and spills. I don’t have a dedicated setup so portability and a delicate footprint are key. Lots to improve on there!!
It was fun and challenging.......don’t take a hose off until you close the valve!!!!!!

 

[Genuine]

Shoulda jumped on the kettle sale

 

[verboten]

I did, and I'll most likely be posting mine up for sale soon, probably with a SS brewtech racking arm that works as a side pickup.

 

[senkl005]

I’m really bummed I missed this. It is exactly what I’m looking for. If anyone is looking to part ways with this system let me know.

 

[mtcbrew]

I bought one, and am in two minds. I'll post here in a few days if i want to sell it.

 

[flubbss]

For low oxygen pursuit purposes, I’ve moved to a floating stainless pizza pan with a piece of silicone tubing submerged just under the mash level. I’d like to eventually replace the silicone tubing with something like the SS Brewtech Manifold.

What do you attach the silicone tubing to when submerging it under the mash level? Do you just run a long silicone tube from pump outlet straight to mash level, or do you attach something to the upper tangential port?

 

[Backslide]

e-biab panel is now back in stock! A quick FYI if you're looking for one!

 

[flubbss]

Resurrecting an old thread....

Anyone with this system - what’s the max grain bill you were able to do in the mesh basket? I am looking to brew up a stout soon that’s 25 lbs of total grain. Hoping this system can handle that much grain