Picobrew Z

[TheHygienist]

I'd have to be assured I could clean the column in the picostill. The inside has got to get contaminated with resins and all sorts of sticky organics.

 

[NewBrewer1]

Hey All!

I'm new here and just posted my first thread about my curiosity on what peoples thoughts were on the PicoBrew Z and if it could be a good system for a newb like myself. I wanted to connect on this thread as well and the existing conversation about this product and see what others might think. Can anyone give me their thoughts on the PicoBrew Z, if it's worth the price tag, and if it would work for a newbie brewer? I'm really excited about the PicoPak adapter as I'd really like to create my own in the future granted that I'm able to hone my skills into something worthwhile to drink. They were supposed to make the adapter for the Zymatic (which I was highly considering getting), but I found out they shelved that idea once they announced the Z. Thanks in advance for your input! Really appreciated!

Here's a link to the PicoBrew Z for reference - https://www.picobrew.com/Store/Products/Z

 

[cubsfan16]

I actually got into brewing with the PicoBrew Zymatic. I had never brewed a beer before getting my Zymatic a little over a year ago. I wouldn't say this is common way to enter the hobby but I had spent a few months researching different systems in this general market segment. I looked at the Brewie, Grainfather and Zymatic before settling on the Zymatic. I watched all the PicoBrew how-to YouTube videos a few times before I received my unit. The learning curve was fairly short if you did your homework. From the looks of the Z, it will likely be very similar in operation to the Zymatic though I expect it to be even easier/more refined. I actually ended up putting together a 10g eBIAB setup after brewing on the Zymatic for a year so I could be more involved in the process and produce more beer each session. I did end up preordering the Z1 because its nice to be able to brew 2.5-3.5g of beer pretty much hands off during those times I cant brew on my other setup. I also love gadgets and thought it worth trading in my Zymatic to have the piece of mind of support priority in the future. If you decide to go with the Z, you will not be disappointed with the customer service and support from PicoBrew, they are very responsive though email....even on the weekends. Oh yeah, it can make some awesome beer as well. If you end up deciding to go with the Z and want to save fifty bucks here is a referral code you can use KYT5W

 

[jrb03]

There appears to be no threads on the picostill. Anyone using one and getting good results? I’d be interested if I could make a variety of flavored moonshine without going blind.

There’s a good reason, discussion of distilling is against the rules on HBT and will get this thread locked quick.

 

[TallDan]

There’s a good reason, discussion of distilling is against the rules on HBT and will get this thread locked quick.

Rules changed. They’re more relaxed on that now. There is even a distilling forum.

 

[toddegg]

Please feel free to use this code
KYVKD

You will get a discount. Pico has a good track record, great service record.

 

[toddegg]

Waiting on the pico still. will let you know how the "distilling hop oils" .... or anything else goes

 

[NewBrewer1]

I actually got into brewing with the PicoBrew Zymatic. I had never brewed a beer before getting my Zymatic a little over a year ago. I wouldn't say this is common way to enter the hobby but I had spent a few months researching different systems in this general market segment. I looked at the Brewie, Grainfather and Zymatic before settling on the Zymatic. I watched all the PicoBrew how-to YouTube videos a few times before I received my unit. The learning curve was fairly short if you did your homework. From the looks of the Z, it will likely be very similar in operation to the Zymatic though I expect it to be even easier/more refined. I actually ended up putting together a 10g eBIAB setup after brewing on the Zymatic for a year so I could be more involved in the process and produce more beer each session. I did end up preordering the Z1 because its nice to be able to brew 2.5-3.5g of beer pretty much hands off during those times I cant brew on my other setup. I also love gadgets and thought it worth trading in my Zymatic to have the piece of mind of support priority in the future. If you decide to go with the Z, you will not be disappointed with the customer service and support from PicoBrew, they are very responsive though email....even on the weekends. Oh yeah, it can make some awesome beer as well. If you end up deciding to go with the Z and want to save fifty bucks here is a referral code you can use KYT5W

Thanks for your input Cubsfan16! It's great to hear a first hand experience of the products. I was originally interested in the Brewie due to the expanded capacity and similar price to the Zymatic (this is about a year ago), but it seems that the company never got their act together and that lots of owners have issues with their machines or that they don't work at all. They apparently have a new system that they are starting to sell in 5 days. It sounds like they may be leaving their early adopters in the dust and just focusing on the new model. But maybe not.

 

[cubsfan16]

Thanks for your input Cubsfan16! It's great to hear a first hand experience of the products. I was originally interested in the Brewie due to the expanded capacity and similar price to the Zymatic (this is about a year ago), but it seems that the company never got their act together and that lots of owners have issues with their machines or that they don't work at all. They apparently have a new system that they are starting to sell in 5 days. It sounds like they may be leaving their early adopters in the dust and just focusing on the new model. But maybe not.

Yeah, I actually liked the Brewie better than the Zymatic early on. I’m sure glad I didn’t go with it now, from all accounts I have seen, customer service is the polar opposite of what I have experienced with PicoBrew. I also saw they were releasing something new....the forums of brewie owners were pretty critical of the announcement.

 

[Lbarouf]

Given the capacity of the Z2 and purpose-built continuous use, I’m thinking it’s a wort-generating machine any brewers club would want to take up a collection and purchase. Granted, it would need to be housed somewhere, but can you imagine the popularity of this machine among a group of people who want to go all-grain but also don’t want to invest in their own all-grain operations? I think every brewer supply business in the country would want to have the 10 gallon system running in the back. And every brewing club would want a 5 gallon system to play with.

Funny that you say so, I was thinking along those lines. Open up a brew club to show others how to brew and membership fees to allow access to the machine.

 

[Lbarouf]

There’s a good reason, discussion of distilling is against the rules on HBT and will get this thread locked quick.

Really? Is there was/is a legal reason for this or just policies they set?

 

[jaay]

If you are thinking about buying a Z use the following code you will get a discount. It will help me get some money back of too...thanks in advance

PB12Y

 

[TheHygienist]

If you are thinking about buying a Z use the following code you will get a discount. It will help me get some money back of too...thanks in advance

PB12Y

I checked my code and it doesn’t work. Anybody else have the same issue?

 

[jrb03]

Really? Is there was/is a legal reason for this or just policies they set?

Both. They were hardcore about it. Picostill posts in my Pico users thread got deleted and I got warnings from admin even though I wasn’t posting them lol. If that policy has changed I wasn’t aware.

 

[JaleHouseBrew]

I checked my code and it doesn’t work. Anybody else have the same issue?

How did you check it? You tried ordering another one? Did you do it from the same web browser? You might still be logged in under picobrew.

My code is KYXY3. See if that one gives you a discount.

I've had people claim they used my code, but I haven't seen a rebate show up.

 

[TheHygienist]

How did you check it? You tried ordering another one? Did you do it from the same web browser? You might still be logged in under picobrew.

My code is KYXY3. See if that one gives you a discount.

I've had people claim they used my code, but I haven't seen a rebate show up.

It’s my own code. Just put something in the cart to check yours.

 

[gamerc]

Well, if you're randomly looking for a code to use, please consider using mine. I used the one for the OP (Goblism), so he'll get a discount on his too. I'd appreciate using mine in the off chance you're going to buy one. Thanks in advance!

KYY1H

 

[jaay]

Both. They were hardcore about it. Picostill posts in my Pico users thread got deleted and I got warnings from admin even though I wasn’t posting them lol. If that policy has changed I wasn’t aware.

Looks like PB12Y is working.

 

[Msullyman]

I've ordered the Z2 as well - was looking for the upgrade path to Z3/Z4 later. 240V needed for either - have a gas dryer and the 240V outlet is unused (lucky).

The consistency of the brew process and the new recipe crafter is what I am interested in. I did much extract brewing as well as a bit of all grain but just never had consistency - nor what I would consider a proper environment and and equipment to brew with. Have that now and looking forward to crafting new beers and even creating my own PicoPaks to list on the Picobrew marketplace. Scaling to the Z4 could help pilot batches that I may share with a local nanobrewer to see how it goes - good fun.

One other thing for the Z2, Z3 and Z4: You can brew different beers in each section - so you can get a nice IPA and smoked porter brewed in the same brew time. Smaller batches for each - but a great way to experiment before scaling up.

In addition you can sous vide and also make cold brew coffee in 2 hours (with addon kit) - instead of a day.

And get $50 off with this code (just like the others it kicks in a rebate for me too): KYT6T

 

[BrewKnurd]

I mean I'd question #1. Otherwise sure the automation is great. it's just at these volumes and price point I don't see many of these as advantages over other semi-automated or traditional systems. Regardless I hope it works out for you.

For me its literally just the full on automation. I have two small kids. Finding a good chunk of time where I can be assured to be available is a challenge. Being able to set everything up in the AM, then midafternoon tell it to go, and come home from work to wort that just needs chilling is a very valuable proposition for me.

And if anyone particularly likes me, or particularly dislikes everyone else who has posted a discount code, feel free to use mine to get your $50 discount on an order. https://www.picobrew.com/Store/Products/Z/?pbref=KYV72

 

[Conodor]

My link seems to be working. Wish i had a code before i ordered mine. $50 is $50!!

https://www.picobrew.com/Store/Products/Z/?pbref=PB4RU

 

[Paul Acerra]

With the launch/announcement of the new picobrew product I figured we would need a new thread as there have been discussions between various other Threads.

There currently is a promotion that if you use another individual's code who has purchased a unit you can get $100 off for every person that buys it. The person buying a unit will also get $50 off. I would suggest asking another HomeBrewTalk member for a code before you purchase. I would be willing to split my $100 and give a member $50 back (either gift card or cash depending on how Picobrew dispenses the $100 discount) when their unit ships (when I would receive my discount).
My code is: KYTXK that you can use at checkout for $50 off immediately and again I would share $50 once it shipped.

Some other members have posted their codes, in all fairness I have consolidated some here for members to easily access:
DerekP: M3SFW
Jrb03: KYSNO
Macgyuver: KYW9Z
FreddyBrewger: M3RCT

ETA is July 2018 for the Z1 model, unknown ETA on Z2, Z3, or Z4

Information on the product is available here:
https://picobrew.com/Store/products/Z.cshtml

And the FAQ is available here:
https://picobrew.com/About/FAQ_Z.cshtml

I have opted to preorder the 5 gallon Z2 model and am hopeful for a shipping date in July!
View attachment 558000

Here is another (mine) code :KZ5NK

 

[toddegg]

Here's a link for $50 discount on pico-Z
https://picobrew.us11.list-manage.c...55e5300f5291fa2a6e&id=32bd19b9b6&e=98edc75094

 

[Cryersen]

I'm open to split the 100 rebate as well once your unit ships. Feel free to reach out to me.

Link below:
https://www.picobrew.com/Store/Products/Z/?pbref=M3SX4

 

[alestateyall]

Does anyone have a discount code?

 

[Thorrak]

Does anyone have a discount code?

Literally nobody in this thread. Sorry.

 

[macgyuver]

Does anyone have a discount code?

You can use this one till you find another. Hehehe

https://www.picobrew.com/STORE/PRODUCTS/Z?PBREF=KYW9Z

 

[jcaiola]

It's not released yet. I think the release date is march or april. I ordered one, but limited info out there on it. Almost none actually.

I saw May in the PicoStill.

 

[macgyuver]

I have seen the same thing

 

[Conodor]

I ordered a Z2 and a Picostil. I wonder if they will ship both at the same time(summer time). Or if the Picostill will collect dust for a few months.