Kickstarter for SS Mash Tun, Kettle and Fermenter

[ingchr1]

Word has come in and we are going to add a port. It will be the same size port as the other two. We will have details on the exact placement of the port in the next update. The next update will be sometime on the upcoming weekend.

With this I think I'm going to be in for one.

This is certainly the one item that's missing from the homebrew market. Coolers work, but they end up warping or cracking. Not to mention they don't blend in very well with all the other equipment in our setups.

 

[scottconnor]

Adding a recirc port to the MT could also sway me to join in.

Sounds like a MT like this won't require constant recirculating during the hour mash, which will be nice to save some wear on the pump. But the recir port will come in handy during the sparge (and to step up mash temp if desired).

Is this how others are thinking about it?

@ChapmanEquipment - will the recir port be added to the current Mash Tun product, or is that a new add-on that you'll be adding to the kickstarter?

Also - I noticed on your site you mention false bottoms for the Heavy Kettler, and they are more expensive than the false bottom for the ThermoBarrel. Can you explain the difference between the two false bottoms?

 

[ruger988]

@ChapmanEquipment - will the recir port be added to the current Mash Tun product, or is that a new add-on that you'll be adding to the kickstarter?

Word has come in and we are going to add a port. It will be the same size port as the other two. We will have details on the exact placement of the port in the next update. The next update will be sometime on the upcoming weekend.

They are doing it on this run it would seem.

 

[Roadliner]

well add me into the mix.. I'll go for one of those nice SS fermentros. If they can get the funding.

 

[baulz]

The mash tun is tempting me. Would it make sense to have the recir port in the lid? That's what I did on my cooler

 

[ingchr1]

Sounds like a MT like this won't require constant recirculating during the hour mash, which will be nice to save some wear on the pump. But the recir port will come in handy during the sparge (and to step up mash temp if desired).

Is this how others are thinking about it?

Not only is it needed for recirc, but also for fill from the heating tank.

 

[scottconnor]

Any update on the recirc port? I'm ready to jump in, just wanted to see some details on that.

 

[Roadliner]

They just sent an update out that they are adding a recirculation port

 

[ChapmanEquipment]

What kind of heat loss are you expecting from the mash turn over say an hour?

From the tests we've performed with the ThermoBarrel, we've had varied results. But in general, heat dissipates quickly during the initial phases of the mash. This is because the steel will absorb heat easily. This problem is lessened by pre-warming the mash tun and using a higher strike temp.

After the temperature has settled, the mash tun holds temperatures at a similar or better rate than most plastic coolers.

From our experience in brewing, most coolers don't have a problem with heat retention. So the ThermoBarrel's specific purpose isn't to compete on heat retention. It's to create a cleaner and more durable vessel than a plastic mash tun.

@ChapmanEquipment - will the recir port be added to the current Mash Tun product, or is that a new add-on that you'll be adding to the kickstarter?

Also - I noticed on your site you mention false bottoms for the Heavy Kettler, and they are more expensive than the false bottom for the ThermoBarrel. Can you explain the difference between the two false bottoms?

First, we've scrapped the false bottoms for the brew kettle. Nobody wanted them and we weren't too excited about them anyway. I removed them from the Kickstarter before. I'll delete them from the website when I get the chance.

The reason the ThermoBarrel's false bottoms are less expensive is because they are domed false bottoms which sit on the bottom and are uniform in size. So they use less material than the regular false bottoms and are easier to produce. So we are including them for $20 on the Kickstarter. Here's a picture. (Note that the brass is only used for this prototype and it will be changed to stainless steel fittings for the final product.)

Lastly, we've added a third port to the ThermoBarrel. See our most recent update for details.

 

[ruger988]

From the tests we've performed with the ThermoBarrel, we've had varied results. But in general, heat dissipates quickly during the initial phases of the mash. This is because the steel will absorb heat easily. This problem is lessened by pre-warming the mash tun and using a higher strike temp.

After the temperature has settled, the mash tun holds temperatures at a similar or better rate than most plastic coolers.

From our experience in brewing, most coolers don't have a problem with heat retention. So the ThermoBarrel's specific purpose isn't to compete on heat retention. It's to create a cleaner and more durable vessel than a plastic mash tun.



First, we've scrapped the false bottoms for the brew kettle. Nobody wanted them and we weren't too excited about them anyway. I removed them from the Kickstarter before. I'll delete them from the website when I get the chance.

The reason the ThermoBarrel's false bottoms are less expensive is because they are domed false bottoms which sit on the bottom and are uniform in size. So they use less material than the regular false bottoms and are easier to produce. So we are including them for $20 on the Kickstarter. Here's a picture. (Note that the brass is only used for this prototype and it will be changed to stainless steel fittings for the final product.)

Lastly, we've added a third port to the ThermoBarrel. See our most recent update for details.

Awesome on the recirc port. Don't think I've ever seen anyone run with such a big change so quickly on kickstarter.

That being said I have to ask for more, haha. It sounds like you're only doing it on the 10gal, what about the 15 and 20?

 

[scottconnor]

From their kickstarter page:

This is just a quick update, but we wanted to officially state that we are adding a recirculation port to all of the ThermoBarrels

It sounds like they are adding the port to all thermobarrels, and just included a pic of the 10 gallon...?

Very excited, I'm gonna jump in for a 20g thermobarrel. Very impressed at the responsiveness of this kickstarter!

 

[ingchr1]

Lastly, we've added a third port to the ThermoBarrel. See our most recent update for details.

Now it looks like I have to decide 10 or 15 gallon, thinking 15 to move to a no sparge setup.

 

[eelgerg]

Can I back it if I am canada? Or what could you do for shipping of a stainless fermenter to canada? (Either 2x7 gal or 1x14gal)

Postal Code V2E2M1

Edit: now I see you already have a shipping option to canada. Thanks!

 

[ChapmanEquipment]

I'm glad to see so many people excited about pledging for gear after we've added a third port.

We received a lot of requests to change the designs of the equipment, and we've regrettably had to turn most of those down due to conflicting requests or the inability to make the change without a complete overhaul.

The recirculation port was something that we had underestimated demand for. We were glad to be able to make the change for the Kickstarter after getting so much feedback.

In the end, it will probably add about $10 to the retail price. It's something we will have to adjust for after the Kickstarter, but it's small enough that we can include it in the Kickstarter without changing the price.

Company's like Blichmann are great for industry standard equipment because they have decades of experience and great top-down design. Our team of brewers all have about 5 years brewing experience each on average. So we hope to make all our equipment through bottom-up design and plan to continue doing so in the future, always include the homebrewing community in our design process.

 

[chewse]

Steve Chapman - I believe you reside in China, right? If so, have you visited the shops where the ThermoBarrel™ insulated mash tun/HLT, SteelTank™ stainless steel fermenter, and Heavy Kettler™ are made? Is there anything about the manufacturing process that worries you that the equipment will have issues in the future. And, are the brew equipment make safely (without dangerous chemicals, worker considerations, etc.)?

 

[ingchr1]

Now it looks like I have to decide 10 or 15 gallon, thinking 15 to move to a no sparge setup.

Decision made, I'm in for a 10 gallon mash tun.

 

[KevinP]

I would have rather seen options for recirculation port placement.
Left, right or centered?
Centered and left would have been my first and second picks.
I guess I can deal with it on the right.
Decisions decisions...

 

[sboyajian]

Wish I had an extra $700 sitting around right now. Almost makes me regret buying that new Fender P-Bass.

That 15 gallon setup is calling my name. Excellent price for all 4 pieces.

What does post-KS pricing look like? (Sorry if this has been answered already)

 

[ingchr1]

Since they are looking for another $37k within 3 weeks, unless they get a big investor I don't see it.

They're getting closer, 7 days and 7k to go. I hope they make it, looking forward to receiving my mash tun!

 

[Roadliner]

They've made some very good progress the last few days. I think I might add one more fermentor when i get home to help out.

 

[brewslinger]

That's what I'm thinking as well. Might do the 10 gallon mash tun and fermenter combo even!

 

[val214]

Wait there's a mash tun and fermenter combo?

 

[Dynachrome]

One barrel system for $350?

 

[Roadliner]

Wait there's a mash tun and fermenter combo?

259 for a 10 gal mash, and 7 gal fermentor.
or 295 to up the mash to 15 gal
324 gor the 15 mash 14 ferm

400 for all 3 in 10/10/7 config kettle/mash/ferm
474 for 15/15/7
499 for 15/15/14


really any combos.. there are a ton of them.

 

[Roadliner]

Bit the bullet.. added a second fermenter to my pledge. My SWMBO might not approve lol. here's to hoping this gets funded.

 

[val214]

Thanx. Now I just have to decide on the size.

 

[Gavin C]

Second fermenter for me too. I'm in. Hope they make the goal.

 

[Gavin C]

Looks like this Kickstarter is very close to their end goal. Looks like some more backers overnight. Hoping they make it. Really want my SS FV's after reading another cracked carboy thread this am.

 

[ChapmanEquipment]

Steve Chapman - I believe you reside in China, right? If so, have you visited the shops where the ThermoBarrel™ insulated mash tun/HLT, SteelTank™ stainless steel fermenter, and Heavy Kettler™ are made? Is there anything about the manufacturing process that worries you that the equipment will have issues in the future. And, are the brew equipment make safely (without dangerous chemicals, worker considerations, etc.)?

You are the first person to ask this, but I think it's a good question that needed to be asked. So I've made an update on the Kickstarter page about my last visit to the factory. In case you didn't see it, I'll also post the update here.

I've received some questions about the manufacturer we use and about their treatment of the workers, standards, working conditions, cleanliness, etc. One thing that is great about living in China is that we have the ability to visit the factory on multiple occasions. I last went to the factory in early January to explain some designs. And I will be going back to the factory in two or three weeks to check up on the manufacturing process.

As far as working conditions go, the workers I've talked to seem happy to be there. They maintained regular working hours while I was there and had a safe working environment.

Here are 6 photos of the factory and a few of the people there. I hope this can give you a better idea of what it's like.

259 for a 10 gal mash, and 7 gal fermentor.
or 295 to up the mash to 15 gal
324 gor the 15 mash 14 ferm

400 for all 3 in 10/10/7 config kettle/mash/ferm
474 for 15/15/7
499 for 15/15/14


really any combos.. there are a ton of them.

We can create any combination of equipment you might want. Just send me a message on the Kickstarter and we can add the reward. All of the listed combos are there because people requested them specifically.



Also, the Kickstarter is going great. We have almost reached our goal. I wouldn't be surprised if we made it in one or two more days. Thanks for showing so much support!

 

[superstorm204]

I'm really tempted to get the 14g fermenter. Buy big , buy once, buy small , buy twice.