ILMSTMF
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2014
- Messages
- 532
- Reaction score
- 165
I BIAB with a Stainless Brewing 15 gallon BK, thermometer and ball valve built in. Blichmann burner. Producing 5 gallon batches. It has become a pain having to move the BK four times on brew day to complete different steps of the process. (Ask me for details if you want but the point is that doing every step of the day in place would not be easy).
I'm considering selling the BK and burner to help pay for the Anvil Foundry. While I could modify the BK to install electric heating elements, I figure that, at that point, I would be investing into a solution that could be solved more easily by just trading to the Foundry. For those who know, please share what I would be losing by making this change. Here's what I've come up with.
Current propane system
Pros
• heats faster
• 15 gallon capacity allows for batches larger than 5 gallons, if I ever care to try that.
Cons
• propane costs a lot vs electric
• can only brew outside (I brewed in garage once and it was more of a pain than it was worth, sorry).
The next points apply to me only.
• I cannot brew / chill / transfer in place. It is painful moving heavy stuff around (yes, a second adult helps me move the BK).
• not easy to control temperature, especially during mash and whirlpool
• where I chill and transfer is sort of inconvenient
Foundry
Pros
• electric costs less
• temp control for mash and whirlpool
• bang for the buck
• easy to use but not entirely "hands-off", like a Keurig. In other words, the brewer still has ability to control their process. Right?
The next points apply to me only.
• I have determined that the front porch would be the most convenient location to do everything in place. There's a hose spigot for IC supply, I could run the outbound water to the curb, there's a 120 outlet nearby (for pump, perhaps), there's a pretty deep awning to provide shade & catch rain. Thus, I wouldn't have to concern with steam issues (if I were brewing inside).
• This is probably my favorite pro point. Do everything in the same place. Much less lifting. I would even consider cleaning it right outside instead of lugging it inside to the shower. The pump could be used for this job (cleaning itself in the process).
Cons
• heats slower than propane
• it's tall - a pain to store
The next points apply to me only.
• initial cost to purchase
• smaller capacity than my current BK
• I would need to install a 240v outlet. A friend is willing to do this for cost of parts only. Would be near breaker, in garage.
• I would need to purchase a lengthy / costly 240v extension cord to run out of garage and up stairs to front porch.
• I like the timer feature but probably wouldn't be able to use it. I wouldn't leave it on front porch overnight.
OK, weigh in, thanks!
I'm considering selling the BK and burner to help pay for the Anvil Foundry. While I could modify the BK to install electric heating elements, I figure that, at that point, I would be investing into a solution that could be solved more easily by just trading to the Foundry. For those who know, please share what I would be losing by making this change. Here's what I've come up with.
Current propane system
Pros
• heats faster
• 15 gallon capacity allows for batches larger than 5 gallons, if I ever care to try that.
Cons
• propane costs a lot vs electric
• can only brew outside (I brewed in garage once and it was more of a pain than it was worth, sorry).
The next points apply to me only.
• I cannot brew / chill / transfer in place. It is painful moving heavy stuff around (yes, a second adult helps me move the BK).
• not easy to control temperature, especially during mash and whirlpool
• where I chill and transfer is sort of inconvenient
Foundry
Pros
• electric costs less
• temp control for mash and whirlpool
• bang for the buck
• easy to use but not entirely "hands-off", like a Keurig. In other words, the brewer still has ability to control their process. Right?
The next points apply to me only.
• I have determined that the front porch would be the most convenient location to do everything in place. There's a hose spigot for IC supply, I could run the outbound water to the curb, there's a 120 outlet nearby (for pump, perhaps), there's a pretty deep awning to provide shade & catch rain. Thus, I wouldn't have to concern with steam issues (if I were brewing inside).
• This is probably my favorite pro point. Do everything in the same place. Much less lifting. I would even consider cleaning it right outside instead of lugging it inside to the shower. The pump could be used for this job (cleaning itself in the process).
Cons
• heats slower than propane
• it's tall - a pain to store
The next points apply to me only.
• initial cost to purchase
• smaller capacity than my current BK
• I would need to install a 240v outlet. A friend is willing to do this for cost of parts only. Would be near breaker, in garage.
• I would need to purchase a lengthy / costly 240v extension cord to run out of garage and up stairs to front porch.
• I like the timer feature but probably wouldn't be able to use it. I wouldn't leave it on front porch overnight.
OK, weigh in, thanks!