Mash&Boil vs Robo Brew

[Jwin]

I understand that there are a few big threads on this topic. I've searched and read through most of them. Please forgive my ignorance but I'm asking for the community help on this direct comparison. I've done all-grain brewing with a hack setup (though VERY happy with my hack brew results!) for several years. Going through a lengthy divorce with much of my gas burned based equipment poorly stored I thought I'd see what new things are out there. I am very intrigued by the electronic systems. A long brew day is fine, so longer times to reach temps is fine with me. I am one of those who loathes the cleanup after the brew day. Give me a longer day and less clean up, I'm good.

Please offer this electric neophyte your opinion between the

M&B found here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075NNZ3KT/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

and

Robobrew version found here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074DB6WY3/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I'm only familiar with these units by looking at them online and reading here.
From what I have seen, both can use a few tweaks(insulation, preventing HSA, sparge efficiency).
For me and myself, capacity matters. Robobrew wins there. Big beers need space. IMO, neither have enough but...
I've debated grabbing one for winter brews when I don't want to drag the 10g propane system out and for trial mini batches. If you still have a functioning mas tun, you could use it in a two vessel type setup for bigger beers fairly easily.(electric kettle would be hlt and bk)
You would need something to heat sparge water though.
You could cash in her life insurance and get a Brewha BIAC(kidding)
Either should make beer just fine. Just keep an eye out at vendors for sales.
AIH has the robobrew($349)and a points sale ending today. You would get 750 bonus points on top of the 125. That would result in ~$42 in store credit, essentially bringing it down to mash n boil price. Wait till they put Kita on sale and get a couple of kits for free-$10.
Cheers and welcome back to the fold.
https://www.homebrewing.org/Rewards-Program_ep_52-1.html

 

[plano_harry]

Does anyone have experience with the pump (v3) an non-pump (v2) versions of the robobrew? I'm curious about the changes in software. V3 looks more programmable

V3 is mash step programmable. The pump is still manually controlled. There is very primitive automation even on the V3. If you want step control, the next time starts when the previous step times out, so if you want a 20 minute hold, you have to calculate the ramp time and add to the hold time. May as well be manual.