An 11 gal kettle will work for 5 gal batches using the BIAB method. There are four off the shelf controllers that you should consider:
- The High Gravity Wort Hog EBC-130 -- $395 assembled
- The Auber Instruments CUBE 2E -- $420 assembled, $330 kit
- The Auber Instruments CUBE 2S -- $540 assembled, $440 kit
- The Blichmann Engineering BrewCommander -- $375 assembled
The Wort Hog and CUBEs are both based on Auber EZBoil controllers. The CUBEs use the high end DSPR320 model which allows for automatic step mashing, as well as two programmable relays (for alarms, pump control, etc.) Not sure about the Wort Hog, but it might use the DSPR120 low end model which does not have automatic step mashing, nor does it have controllable relays. The BrewCommander uses touch panel user interface, and can also do automatic step mashing.
The Wort Hog and CUBEs also have high current switches/contactors that completely de-energize the element output when the units are off. The BrewCommander does not completely de-energize the element output when the unit is off (it does not have mechanical disconnects in series with the power SSR, and SSR's leak when "off".)
The BrewCommander requires a 120V power input (from a separate outlet) as well as the 240V outlet. The others are all powered from a single 4-wire 240V outlet.
The Wort Hog and BrewCommander both can manually control one 120V pump (second pump option available for Wort Hog.) The CUBEs can control two 120V pumps. The 2E is manual pump control, and the 2S allows manual as well as automatic pump control (programmed control from the DSPR320.)
Or, you can DIY your own controller. Here is a schematic for an EZBoil based control panel. It allows manual control of one pump, and automatic step mashing. It also contains a "Safe Start" interlock that prevents the panel from powering up unless both the element power enable and pump switches are off.
View attachment 679899
Brew on
