Need Help Jumping Into This

[PBRS1844]

Hello everyone!
I have been brewing for 10 ish years with a full 5-gallon system (2 10 gallon kettles, cooler mash tun, and pump). So I want to make the jump over to electric brewing but I don't know the easiest route. I have read soooooooo many articles and posts and I, more or less, am looking for opinions.
1) I only brew 5-gallon batches. Not to say I won't go bigger but for now, and in the near future, I will only be brewing 5-gallons.
2) I only want to do a single vessel BIAB. Cleaning everything after a full brew day with what I have now is super exhausting.
3) I don't want an All In One system.
4) I want 240v. My father is an electrician and will be installing an outlet in my basement.

I want to save whatever money I can, but I don't want to "shine a turd".
1) Opinions of High Gravity Brew
2) Will my 44 quarts (11-gallon bayou classic) kettle work?

Any information would be great! Again, I have researched this immensely but I would love to hear from those of you who have built or bought a system. I'm a tinkerer so a project is not a problem for me.

 

[doug293cz]

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.

Brew on

 

[Jag75]

Maybe I'm a dummy but isnt #2 & #3 contradictory?

 

[doug293cz]

Maybe I'm a dummy but isnt #2 & #3 contradictory?

You mean the pricing of the two Auber CUBEs? The 2S has more capability, and contains more components, than the 2E, so the 2S costs more.

Brew on

 

[Jag75]

You mean the pricing of the two Auber CUBEs? The 2S has more capability, and contains more components, than the 2E, so the 2S costs more.

Brew on

No , the OPs post, sorry I wasnt clear.

 

[doug293cz]

No , the OPs post, sorry I wasnt clear.

I don't see them as contradictory. OP doesn't want a "Grainfather" type fully integrated brew system. He would rather have a separate boil kettle, with stand alone pumps and controller.

Brew on

 

[Jag75]

BIAB is a one vessel system is what I'm getting at. And I was recently informed by @IslandLizard that the Grainfather is BIAB

 

[doug293cz]

BIAB is a one vessel system is what I'm getting at. And I was recently informed by @IslandLizard that the Grainfather is BIAB

Yes, Grainfather, et. al. are forms of BIAB, which is why the OP had to get more specific about the kind of system he wanted. OP wants a different form.

Brew on

 

[IslandLizard]

Consider an induction plate. An IC3500 can be had for around $170, for example. It has all the power you need for 5 gallon batches.

You can even use it for 10 gallon batches, just takes 2x as long to heat water/wort, but you could use an accessory heating element.

 

[PBRS1844]

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

Holy smokes I could not have asked for more information! I appreciate all of this! I don't know if i have the balls to build a control box from scratch. I can follow the schematics of a kit but I feel like I wouldn't get the right stuff for it. I will have to think about it!
I was heavily leaning towards that wart hog but now I might get something else!

 

[PBRS1844]

BIAB is a one vessel system is what I'm getting at. And I was recently informed by @IslandLizard that the Grainfather is BIAB

I don't want an anvil or grainfather system. I like them but they seem to be restrictive.

 

[PBRS1844]

@doug293cz have you seen the ebrewsupply diy kits? Any opinions?

 

[doug293cz]

@doug293cz have you seen the ebrewsupply diy kits? Any opinions?

They use a PID rather than an EZBoil, and I recommend EZBoils over generic PID's. They do completely de-energize the element output when off.

Biggest problem I have with them is the schematics in the instructions are a disaster. Looking at them, I can't figure out what connects to what.

Brew on

 

[PBRS1844]

They use a PID rather than an EZBoil, and I recommend EZBoils over generic PID's. They do completely de-energize the element output when off.

Biggest problem I have with them is the schematics in the instructions are a disaster. Looking at them, I can't figure out what connects to what.

Brew on

I apologize to take up all your time but I do appreciate it.
I am looking at getting the Auber Instruments CUBE 2E. I will need the wiring and the male plug. I will only be running one pump and one heating element. Do you foresee me needing anything else? How difficult are the schematics to read with this unit?

 

[doug293cz]

I apologize to take up all your time but I do appreciate it.
I am looking at getting the Auber Instruments CUBE 2E. I will need the wiring and the male plug. I will only be running one pump and one heating element. Do you foresee me needing anything else? How difficult are the schematics to read with this unit?

The Auber schematics seem pretty clear to me.

Brew on

 

[ILMSTMF]

Sorry to thread-jack. I'm in similar boat as OP.

"1) I only brew 5-gallon batches. Not to say I won't go bigger but for now, and in the near future, I will only be brewing 5-gallons."
Same.

2) I only want to do a single vessel BIAB. Cleaning everything after a full brew day with what I have now is super exhausting.
Same. Except, I'm already doing single vessel BIAB and the cleanup is still a pain. Par for the course.

3) I don't want an All In One system.
Same. I don't want to just throw stuff in a kettle and "press the power button".

4) I want 240v. My father is an electrician and will be installing an outlet in my basement.
I'm trying to accomplish this with 120v, if I can.

• Have 15 gallon kettle. No open ports.
• I would like to use my existing gear, if I can, to save money. If that makes less sense than buying new gear, please tell me so. @PBRS1844 , were you planning to use one of your 10 gallon kettles?
• If wanting to brew inside, would prob need to add port for Steam Slayer.
• If not following @IslandLizard 's suggestion, would need port for heating element. Or no port and do drop-in type elements (like Hot Rod).
• I hadn't planned to do any recirculation. I never have done that and never really considered it. Talk me into why I should.
• I gather the most expensive part of this will be the controller. Not mechanically inclined so, no, I won't be building one.

What do I need to do/purchase, how much will it cost? Thanks!

 

[PBRS1844]

@ILMSTMF I have made up my mind that I will be upgrade to 15 gallons. I hate to be restricted because I'm frugal. I also am getting away from my bayou classic and getting either SS brewtech or MegaPot 15 gallon and drilling it myself. My build is pretty much complete, on a spreadsheet not real life. My last piece is determining if I want to go Boil Coil or a normal element.

 

[ILMSTMF]

I will be upgrade to 15 gallons. I hate to be restricted because I'm frugal. I also am getting away from my bayou classic and getting either SS brewtech or MegaPot 15 gallon and drilling it myself.

My 15 gallon kettle has served me quite well for 5 gallon batches. If I crank the burner to max (propane), the wort will quickly rise and probably boil over. Not sure, I never let the max stay on long enough to see haha

Could probably pull off 10 gallon batches with what I've got. Also don't know, never tried! But I've only got room to ferment / control temp for one 5 gallon batch at a time so, 10 gallons is just a dream. For now.

The difference between us is know-how. I wouldn't know how to drill into my pot. I have a friend who could probably help though! And that's the beauty of having the kettle already. That is, assuming it's suitable for an electric heat source. Why wouldn't it be? I don't know!

 

[ILMSTMF]

This dude had some useful experience to report. No mention of steam control though.

https://homebrewacademy.com/electric-brewing-primer/

 

[IslandLizard]

This dude had some useful experience to report. No mention of steam control though.

https://homebrewacademy.com/electric-brewing-primer/

Yeah, I've seen that page before, he has very valid suggestions. Glad he admits to it up front, he definitely doesn't know much about electric...
As testimony of that, contrary to what he claims a few times, induction heating does NOT use magnets. It uses electromagnetism.

 

[madscientist451]

@ILMSTMF I have made up my mind that I will be upgrade to 15 gallons. I hate to be restricted because I'm frugal.

The original post contained a complaint about cleaning hassles.
I have a 15 gallon keggle kettle, an 8 gallon Megapot an 6, 4 and 3 gallon pots.
The biggest pot is the biggest hassle to clean and the 8 gallon pot doesn't fit in my sink so it a PITA.
The smaller pots are just way easier to clean and handle.
I find it to be more enjoyable to run smaller, less hassle batches especially since I don't have all that much free time anyway.
My 2 cents: if you are going to go bigger, think about getting a bigger sink to make cleaning easier.
Also, the suggestion of using induction makes a lot of sense, no wires attached to the pot, no element in the pot, again everything is easier to keep clean.
If cleaning the brew rig isn't one of your main concerns anymore, then none of this is relevant.

 

[PBRS1844]

I completely understand your argument, but having to clean a 10 gallon kettle, a 20 gallon mash tun, a immersion chiller, a pump, and all the other pieces throughout the brew day is way more tasking. Eliminating that mash tun and simplifying my equipment will make my brew day shorter and way less stress.

 

[ILMSTMF]

Eliminating that mash tun and simplifying my equipment will make my brew day shorter and way less stress.

Indeed. I never had the added cleaning of mash tun because BIAB is the most involved my process has ever been. Graduated from partial volume extract batches a long time ago. From 5 gallon thin-wall kettle to 15 gallon kettle, big jump. And I still don't enjoy cleaning that.

To @madscientist451 's point - My 15 gallon didn't used to fit in the sink (stupid double basin). Just put a single basin in to replace it. In theory, kettle will fit in there but I'm not about to try! That's SWMBO's territory lol
Much of my cleaning gets done in stall shower or bathtub; both have handheld shower heads. Ultimately, I want to build a combo washer to clean everything. Kegs, bucket, and kettle. A plan that has been in the works for a while that I've dragged my feet on.

 

[videojunkie1208]

I know you said you don't want an 'all in one' but have you looked at the new Spike SOLO, or the Unibrau systems? They are 'all in one' from a point of a single purchase item, but hardly a coffee boiler.

The Unibrau in particular is sized for 5G batches, and comes in both 120V and 240V controllers.

 

[PBRS1844]

I know you said you don't want an 'all in one' but have you looked at the new Spike SOLO, or the Unibrau systems? They are 'all in one' from a point of a single purchase item, but hardly a coffee boiler.

The Unibrau in particular is sized for 5G batches, and comes in both 120V and 240V controllers.

I don't want the grainfather or anvil system. I am looking for something more versatile like the spike solo, ss brewtech ebiab, or the clawhammer. I don't want the clawhammer though because I want 240v. I am waiting to see price point for that Spike solo.
I have been researching and researching and it seems that if I build it myself, except for the control, I will end up about $200 less and with a carabou classic kettle. I want to treat myself with this so I might bite the bullet and get one of those buy all at once systems.

 

[videojunkie1208]

I don't want the grainfather or anvil system. I am looking for something more versatile like the spike solo, ss brewtech ebiab, or the clawhammer. I don't want the clawhammer though because I want 240v. I am waiting to see price point for that Spike solo.
I have been researching and researching and it seems that if I build it myself, except for the control, I will end up about $200 less and with a carabou classic kettle. I want to treat myself with this so I might bite the bullet and get one of those buy all at once systems.

Before I looked at the Foundry, I was pretty much prepared to save up the $1500 for the Unibrau. Then Spike came out with the Solo, and I am watching to see what the price on that's going to look like.

 

[ehall]

have you looked into the brew boss? If not, you should, its an awesome system. www.brew-boss.com

 

[PBRS1844]

Before I looked at the Foundry, I was pretty much prepared to save up the $1500 for the Unibrau. Then Spike came out with the Solo, and I am watching to see what the price on that's going to look like.

I want the 15 gallon @SpikeBrewing solo system. I'm assuming it's going to be around $1300 - $1500. I hope we find out soon.

 

[PBRS1844]

have you looked into the brew boss? If not, you should, its an awesome system. www.brew-boss.com

The issue I have with brew boss is that they seem to use the same kettle as bayou classic but are charging $100 more than bayou.

 

[ehall]

I couldn't tell you but if you're going to pay $1000+ whats another $100? All I know is I have one and love it. but there are slight differences between all these systems and you have to find what works for you.