Mash & Boil and Robobrew

[okiedog]

There seem to be a lot of posts praising Grainfather, but at around $1000, it is out of my price range. I'm wondering about Mash & Boil and Robobrew. I wouldn't expect them to compare with Grainfather, but at $300 - $480, they are much more affordable. Could I hear from some owners of (or those who have researched) these more affordable units. Are they worth the money? What are the cons or limitations?

 

[augiedoggy]

There a number of robobrew and mashmash boil threads here too I believe the consensus is they work pretty well for the cost.. just a bit slow to heat up.

 

[cod3ck]

If cost is a deterrent and you’re handy. You can easily DIY your own setup for the same price or cheaper depending on the route you take...

I realize this wasn’t the question, but as others have said elsewhere, it’s at least worth mentioning [emoji6][emoji482]

 

[augiedoggy]

These will help with questions.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/forum/search/329878/?q=mash+boil+robobrew&o=relevance&c[node]=170

 

[mongoose33]

My son has a robobrew. He's still trying to work out the bugs. He was having trouble w/ stuck mashes and sparges, I suggested rice hulls. He's tried that, works better.

I can see one of these systems being useful if you're really hurting for space, but if price is an issue, IMO you're far better off with a cooler mash tun and a kettle.

 

[okiedog]

My son has a robobrew. He's still trying to work out the bugs. He was having trouble w/ stuck mashes and sparges, I suggested rice hulls. He's tried that, works better.

I can see one of these systems being useful if you're really hurting for space, but if price is an issue, IMO you're far better off with a cooler mash tun and a kettle.

Thanks. The temp control is what I was most interested in.

 

[okiedog]

There a number of robobrew and mashmash boil threads here too I believe the consensus is they work pretty well for the cost.. just a bit slow to heat up.

I would like to control temps better (and easier), but I'm also looking at possibly saving a little time.

 

[okiedog]

Thanks for all the comments. I didn't realize that there were so many posts on this. Also, I was not aware that Mash and Boil had been available for so long.

 

[toddfore]

I bought the robobrew with pump AU version(2400W I believe). Had to buy a transformer because of the different currents but it seems to heat up quickly. I set the timer so it's at mash in temp when I'm ready and I turn the heat up as soon as mash is done and I pulled the grain out of the unit. By the time I am done sparging, it only takes about 15 min. to hit boil. I do need to babysit it when mashing in due to temps being off. I drilled a hole the size of a temperature probe in the top screen and insert my temp. probe in so it's in the middle of the mash. Adjust heat till I hit my desired temp then make sure it's stabilized. I used BIAB method previously and everyone is so impressed with the quality of the beer I am producing now. I pump the wort out into my old brew kettle after boiling and use that to cool. This allows me to clean the robobrew and cool wort faster since unit will hold heat for a while. I use rice hulls anytime I am using flaked anything and wheat.

 

[okiedog]

That RoboBrew V3 looks good. I really like that it allows you to recirculate. Guess I'm going to have save up for that.