New to 110v brewing : Grainfather or new Unibrau V3?

[DevilsCups]

Hoping everyone that has experience can help me make a decision! Considering the price point between these two products are currently the same they seem to play in the same arena. However, the Unibrau V3 hasn't been released yet so there is no real world experience with it.

Unibrau V3 - https://brausupply.com/collections/biab-systems/products/unibrau-all-in-one-electric-brew-system-v-3

Current Grainfather - https://www.grainfather.com/grainfather-connect.html?___store=us

I'm currently moving on from a 240v induction system that I'm trying to sell, where heat and boil on the plate and mash in a cooler / bag. Need to likely move to 110v brewing in the near future so I'm deciding on which system would best suit my needs. 5.5-6.5 gallon batches are fine for me, I just don't want to be super restricted to gravity on my batches.

I like that the Grainfather has history behind it, and a ton of great reviews and happy customers. However, the new Unibrau looks like a great piece of kit as well. Are there any drawbacks or benefits for one over the other that anyone can see when looking at the specs?

 

[TheDylster]

Also interested to see where opinions lie on this as I'm in the same market currently.

I've read over all of the threads for similar systems (Robobrew, Mash&Boil, High Gravity).

Here is another 110 system that looks decent and really nice price point:

https://www.clawhammersupply.com/collections/all-products/products/2-5-gallon-digital-brewing-system

The Unibrau V3 is likely at the top of my list although I have thought about going with the Robobrew without pump ($299) and adding a higher end pump and hoses on my own, this would come in around $600-$650 all in I suspect.

 

[DevilsCups]

So far, the three main differences I can see (that are obvious) are the Unibraus lack of pre-programming for power-up to heat strike water on a timer, the lack of bluetooth/app control, and the Grainfathers lower capacity.

 

[SirSpectre]

It looks like capacity is the same. 6 gallons of finished beer.

Personally, I use a Grainfather. I love the S*** out of it. I've brewed 1.100 OG Belgian quads without any issues. Its grain capacity is 19 lbs. Enough for 90% of beers out there. If you want higher OG, then design a smaller batch. 19 lbs of grain for 5 gallons of finished beer is a lot.

Looking at the Unibrau, only thing that intrigues me is the removal element might make it easier to repair if it does break. The price compared to a Grainfather is a real turn off though.

 

[DevilsCups]

Looking at the Unibrau, only thing that intrigues me is the removal element might make it easier to repair if it does break. The price compared to a Grainfather is a real turn off though.

Thanks for the input. If I get in early with the Unibrau, the cost is identical at $999 for either unit. That's what makes this one hard!

Each system seems to have it's advantages over the other, such as in the modular Unibrau design. I like the extra tech on the Grainfather too.

A big concern of mine is pump performance with clogging worries. I do many NEIPAs with 6+oz of hops in the wort post-boil. I've never dealt with a pump before so I'm a little anxious about that.

Capacities I see listed as 10.5gal for the Unibrau, and 8gal for the Grainfather.

 

[SirSpectre]

Never had an issue with clogging in the pump on the Grainfather. There is a little filter before the pump though. I use a hop spider now just because it makes it easier to clean. A lot of people do a strong whirlpool without a spider to prevent any issues on large hop bills. I figure that will be the same on either platform.

Grainfather is 10 gallons as well, but that is to the very edge of the pot. Assuming same for Unibrau. The Grainfathers measurement stops at 8 gallons

 

[mwayne112]

On the Grainfather I've done 250g hops, no spider, without issue in the boil.

 

[TexasWine]

I had the Unibrau v1.0 and it was great once I figured out how to properly circulate. Since then I've changed over to a two vessel system, but I'm still using the Brausupply EZBoil based controller. I'm still very happy with it.

If I were in the market for a single vessel all in one today, I'd assemble the kettle myself but buy a pre-made controller. Doing so is cheaper, it's actually very easy, and doesn't require much time at all. In addition, you'll end up with a more powerful and flexible system, able to handle a wider variety of batch sizes and gravities. You also don't spend money on features that you might consider unnecessary. For example, some people might not want Bluetooth on their controller, and others find triclamp fittings unnecessary for the hot side of a brewery.

I just recently put together a price list for items needed to do this. Take a look at it. If you feel it's worth spending $300-$400 to have someone assemble a system that has less volume, less power, less flexibility, then go for it.

You may be ahead of the game here when it comes to money outlay. What size kettle do you have now with your induction system? Why not just get a 120v induction cooktop?

Edit: well I can't seem to add a picture. "This form has disabled media sharing." Not sure what that's about.

 

[TexasWine]

Here we are! Just can't edit a post and add a picture.

 

[DevilsCups]

Thanks for the input. At the moment I'm not very interested in the prospect of DIY unfortunately. Renting a small apartment means I don't really have access to tools or the means to really tackle it myself. It wouldn't be an issue if I was close to my parents home, though the whole reason I'm in need of a new system is due to moving a bit further away. Plus, volume isn't a concern for me at the moment as I only have means to control one vessel at a time in my ferm-chamber (mini-fridge).

I'd rather spend a few dollars more and have it pre-assembled and with warranty / support. Plus, if we're looking at the total with the Brausupply controller we're less than $100 anyways.

 

[jlinz]

Robobrew user here. Seems to compare to the grainfather well at a cheaper price point. Really like it so far. Not exactly what you were asking but thought I'd throw that out there.

 

[bluemoon737]

Robobrew user here. Seems to compare to the grainfather well at a cheaper price point. Really like it so far. Not exactly what you were asking but thought I'd throw that out there.

Opted for the Robobrew as well...half the price of the Grainfather with almost all the same features. Missing items are the Bluetooth control and includes a standard immersion chiller vice the counterflow. Very happy with mine for 5 gallon batches. I have the second generation that does have the timer for heating the strike water at a pre-set start time (if you want to use that feature).

 

[jlinz]

Opted for the Robobrew as well...half the price of the Grainfather with almost all the same features. Missing items are the Bluetooth control and includes a standard immersion chiller vice the counterflow. Very happy with mine for 5 gallon batches. I have the second generation that does have the timer for heating the strike water at a pre-set start time (if you want to use that feature).

Robots unite! :rockin:

 

[DevilsCups]

Thanks for the input fellas! Another thing to consider.

 

[jlinz]

Yeah man. If you have any questions about it feel free to ask.

 

[TexasWine]

Renting a small apartment means I don't really have access to tools or the means to really tackle it myself.

I'd rather spend a few dollars more and have it pre-assembled and with warranty / support.

You need a drill, a 1/8" bit, a step bit, a Phillips head screwdriver, and an adjustable wrench. If you don't have room at the new apartment for those few tools, I'd recommend holding off buying a new brew rig.

The warranty thing is a non issue. Every part you buy will have a warranty associated with it. If a part breaks during the warranty period, send it back. As far as support, you've got an entire forum at your finger tips.

I never saw answers to my other two questions but I possibly overlooked them. What size kettle do you currently have? Why not just get a 120v induction cooktop? They're readily available and at least one model I've seen can supposedly be controlled with a PID controller.

 

[DevilsCups]

I never saw answers to my other two questions but I possibly overlooked them. What size kettle do you currently have? Why not just get a 120v induction cooktop? They're readily available and at least one model I've seen can supposedly be controlled with a PID controller.

Sorry about that, I did initially miss them. I'm using a 10gal Bayou right now and a 240v induction cooktop. It's a good system, but there's obviously challenges. I'm likely not to have access to 240v in the future. The footprint of the kettle, plate and cooler that I mash in is fine, but reducing it would always be beneficial. I do not think a 110v induction plate would cut it, but I feel direct heating by the elements at 1600 watts shouldn't pose any issues.

I'm not interested in mashing in a bag single-vessel either. I moved to a two vessel system to avoid this. The grain baskets in either system are a much better solution than a bag for me personally. Because of the turn-key setup I'm mainly focusing on these systems at the moment.

 

[TheDylster]

Yeah man. If you have any questions about it feel free to ask.

How do you find the pump with the Robobrew? I've thought about buying the unit without pump and using a better pump for the recirculation.

Do you find the mash temp set on the controller consistent with actual temp?

 

[jlinz]

How do you find the pump with the Robobrew? I've thought about buying the unit without pump and using a better pump for the recirculation.

Do you find the mash temp set on the controller consistent with actual temp?

Pump is good. I use it for recirculation and to drain to fermenter. No problems with it. As far as temp goes, the temp probe is near the bottom by the heating elements. So, it seems that the mash in the tube is consistently lower in temp by 2 degrees. This is likely not unique to the robobrew as the temp probe is not always reading a universal temp for the unit in any of these urn systems. Not a problem just compensate for it by setting temp 2 degrees higher than target mash temp and all is well.

I hear the robobrew without pump is a pretty good little unit, too. But a bit more money and you don't have to buy a pump and rig it up with the pump model.

 

[double___a]

I'm debating the same two systems -- grainfather vs unibrau.

Looks like the unibrau launches tomorrow. Here it is in action. Looks promising.


[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3TtMDiLoD0[/ame]

 

[jturman35]

Yes I'm looking at the unibrau as well. Anyone know how much grain this unit will hold?

 

[DevilsCups]

They say 20lb or so. Maybe more. I just backed it recently. Hoping the 1600w element is sufficient.

 

[jturman35]

How do you buy this? I went to the website and it show sold out. I sent an email and was told to order on kickerstarter.com but there is no guidance on how to purchase.

 

[DevilsCups]

How do you buy this? I went to the website and it show sold out. I sent an email and was told to order on kickerstarter.com but there is no guidance on how to purchase.

You back it on the right hand side. The initial, lower priced reward sold out rather quickly. You can still back it at a less discounted rate.

 

[casey914]

I have 2 grainfathers that I am likely going to turn into one brausupply V3... Still having a little hesitation pulling the trigger but i am not far.

 

[augiedoggy]

Consider this... That brau supply controller is a $9 stc 1000 temp controller unit with the relay swapped out for an ssr... Just my opinion but its very expensive considering you can build the same exact thing for like $400... I know your not in the situation to diy but there isnt much to building that biab setup...

You can buy the kettle with the holes already drilled and just assemble it all in a couple hrs or buy a single real pid based controller like the inkbird ssr based controller http://www.ink-bird.com/products-PID-controller-ipb16.html that works with pt 100 sensors and will drive any 120v element you plug into it for like $60-75 elsewhere I believe .. I also believe its rated at like 20a 120v or 15 at 240v. this way you can run a 2000w element.

 

[jturman35]

Has anyone purchased the Unibrau yet? I was wondering how long this thing takes to come to a boil?

 

[augiedoggy]

Has anyone purchased the Unibrau yet? I was wondering how long this thing takes to come to a boil?

It should take a bit longer that the grainfather or robo or mash and boil due to the wider kettle with more surface area for heat energy to escape.
Im thinking the boil will be fairly weak compared to many setups but others like pico brew make good beer without an actual boil at all so.. This way the hysteresis controller can be on 100% and still give consistent heat which might be an issue if a larger element was used because it would not pulse multiple times a second like pid controllers to regulate heat.

The taller narrow kettles are used by many because they are a bit more efficient.

 

[DevilsCups]

Since this is version 3 of Brau Supply's setup, and not a lower-cost entry level system, I'm going to trust that they put it through the paces to make sure there are no issues with boil/heating. Especially considering that the previous versions used 2 elements and they went with one here.

 

[cheesebach]

Since this is version 3 of Brau Supply's setup, and not a lower-cost entry level system, I'm going to trust that they put it through the paces to make sure there are no issues with boil/heating. Especially considering that the previous versions used 2 elements and they went with one here.

I hope you're right, but I'd had my eye on the V2 Brau Supply system for the past 6-9 months and when I saw the details on the V3 I wished I had bought the V2 system when it was still available - the main reasons being the option for the 2nd element and the EZboil controller. The mash basket does look nice on the V3 system, but I doubt that it actually makes for a better brew day like the 2nd element and better controller would. Anyone here got a V2 system they're looking to sell so they can "upgrade"?