Pricing out 120v brewing controller

SSBrew - 728
Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum

Help Support Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
Kmcogar

Kmcogar

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 23, 2011
Messages
1,102
Reaction score
52
Location
Honolulu
I'm looking into switching to electric biab. I have a 10 gallon kettle and generally brewing 3 gallon batches. At most I have 4.5gallons for a boil. So I am pricing out some 120v controllers. Why is there such a big jump in prices? Should I just build it myself? How much would that cost? I see a lot of threads of how to build what I want but its another language that I don't speak apparently. Is there any other options out there?

$575
http://www.easternshoresbrewing.com/blichmann-tower-of-power-controller-120v-electric/

$249
http://brausupply.com/products/brau-mini-controller-with-timer-and-alarm

$220
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KLWH2EY/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

$349
http://www.highgravitybrew.com/store/pc/EBC-LT-120V-with-Infinite-Power-Control-269p4653.htm

DIY OPTION: http://www.aledrinkers.com/mashbrick-part-2-cutting/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I do not think any of your links are for complete systems. Figure out what else you will need to go to with the controllers. They all look like good deals, for what they offer.

The ebrew guys linked below look like they offer good value. They also offer parts kit for you to build your own if you are comfortable drilling holes and wiring stuff up.

http://www.ebrewsupply.com/shop/ebrew-kits/ebrew-pid-kits/20a-rims-kit.html

http://www.ebrewsupply.com/shop/ebrew-control-panels/aspbiab0311.html

I bet they will build a 120 VAC <5 gallon version for you.

Check these guys out for information.

http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/

ETA Knowledge is important to understand what you are getting.
 
Kmcogar said:
I'm looking into switching to electric biab. I have a 10 gallon kettle and generally brewing 3 gallon batches. At most I have 4.5gallons for a boil. So I am pricing out some 120v controllers. Why is there such a big jump in prices? Should I just build it myself? How much would that cost? I see a lot of threads of how to build what I want but its another language that I don't speak apparently. Is there any other options out there?

$575
http://www.easternshoresbrewing.com/blichmann-tower-of-power-controller-120v-electric/
Overkill for what you are looking for, plus it's not really designed for BIAB.
On the other hand, it's Blichmann, so it's well designed and well built.

$249
http://brausupply.com/products/brau-mini-controller-with-timer-and-alarm
This is a unit I've been looking at, seems decent. I wish it had a built-in pump switch, but I've been in contact with the owner and he says he could add it for a $40 upcharge, which seems steep to me.
$220
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KLWH2EY/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Only good for a 1650w element-I think you want 1800 or 2000 for shorter heating times and just in case you want to go bigger
$349
http://www.highgravitybrew.com/store/pc/EBC-LT-120V-with-Infinite-Power-Control-269p4653.htm
These have been around a while- a proven system.
DIY OPTION: http://www.aledrinkers.com/mashbrick-part-2-cutting/
I hadn't seen this before. I just skimmed it, It's kind of rough, but gives you an idea on the build process.
Click to expand...

You have probably checked out this thread already https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=341219
but if not check it out, lot's of good info on building a system with schematics.
Some advantages to building your own include:being able to source quality components-watch out for cheap chinese junk. That can account for some of the price differences of the various systems.
If something breaks or fails, you can fix it yourself.
Another tip-get a stainless steel element-stay away from the cheapies that rust.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I'm in the same boat as you in that I don't speak electrons. Molecules, yes. But not electrons. I don't exactly know the answer to your question of why the huge difference in prices because I haven't looked closely at the links you provided, but I can tell you about my very recent personal experience.

I purchased the complete 2x1500 watt Brau Supply system. Controller, kettle, everything. I used it this weekend and, barring one technical difficulty due to user error, it worked like a champ. It's a very simple controller. It'll hold any temp you specify for mashing, has a manual mode, a timer with an alarm, and even has a "cool" setting you can use to run a fermentation chamber or keezer/kegerator.

In conjunction with the pump, the controller allows for what I would call a semi-automatic brew day. Set the mash temp and forget about it. When the timer alarm goes off pull the bag and set the controller to manual @ 100%, boil and add hops. Easy peasy.

I felt like the Brau Supply controller and system was a lot of bang for my buck. And Steven, the owner, has been incredible to work with.
 
Kmcogar,

You are lucky that yoru list of requirements is short and easy to fufill.

You do small batches, so you do not need jiga-watts of power
You BIAB, you need to heat only one pot, one heating element
You need a way to throttle down your heater element
You need a pump to distribute heated wort

Go with a proven design that works for 5 gallons, you are set.

Figure out the logistics of getting the heating element into your pot
Figure out the logistics of how you will keep your bag from getting too close to the heating element

Unless you like the challenge of building stuff, I would look for pre-built system. Sure, you can save money doing it DIY, but you often end up working for your self for a few dollars an hour, build something that is OK, but not great and it takes you away from brewing beer. (Ask me how I know)

Purchase the controller/PID and heating element from the same source. See what fits best with yoru current set up. Unless you are looking for an excuse to buy some new equipment.
 
The brausupply mini is perfect for you. The thing is a beast. it can rock out 3.5 gallon BIAB all grain, but you can still do larger batches by just doing partial boil, partial mash. It gets my vote.
 
I've been tempted by the brau supply controller. For those advocating DIY, are we talking about $20 in savings over buying from brau supply, or more than that? Seems like by the time you have all of the components together you would be over $200...
 
I have the 1500w Brau Mini system. 4 brews completed so far and not a single complaint. The controller is super easy to use, and to second what TexasWine said, the owner Steven has been extremely helpful!
 
thanks for the input guys. the brau mini might be the on eI need to buy. Now i just have to convince the wife
 
Bobby_M said:
Just don't buy from this con artist.
Click to expand...

I actually considered one through this retailer when I first contemplated going all electric. Ended up going with Jagger Bush's 220v and am very pleased.

Is that seller not legit, or provide shady service?
 
Natdavis777 said:
I actually considered one through this retailer when I first contemplated going all electric. Ended up going with Jagger Bush's 220v and am very pleased.

Is that seller not legit, or provide shady service?
Click to expand...

Well you may actually get the product but he's a known thief. Look up the BBB rating for kegkits.com or simply google Tom Hargrave.
 
Another controller source option and the vendor is an HBT member: brumatic

The vendor (Alex) and I have exchanged emails and he is willing to make custom controllers as well as offering his stock ones.

The website doesn't have all of this product options, for example the single pid/single pump 120v controller he offers isn't there, but if you search brumatic on ebay I think you can see them all.

[insert standard no affiliation disclaimer here]
 
beernutz said:
Another controller source option and the vendor is an HBT member: brumatic

The vendor (Alex) and I have exchanged emails and he is willing to make custom controllers as well as offering his stock ones.

The website doesn't have all of this product options, for example the single pid/single pump 120v controller he offers isn't there, but if you search brumatic on ebay I think you can see them all.

[insert standard no affiliation disclaimer here]
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up beernuts. If there any other 120v retailer out there. Add them to the list!
 
Perhaps I should have clarified better... I already have a mash temperature controller via the following:
bayite BTC211 1650W Digital Temperature Controller Outlet Thermostat, Pre-wired, 2 Stage Heating and Cooling Mode, 110V - 240V 15A https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KMA6EAM/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
I just need a boil controller which was the intent of the previous post...
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Hop
Ongoing Review: BrewHardware Premium Recirculating BIAB Package
Replies
4
Views
684
Bobby_M
Bobby_M
R
My experience with the Auber Brew Buddy 50-amp kit
Replies
0
Views
1K
RunnyDMC
R
A
BrewPiLess esp32 Build
Replies
4
Views
483
DuncB
D
EDF713
Does a 120v BoilCoil need a controller?
Replies
10
Views
2K
EDF713
EDF713
M
120v 20a Controller build advice
Replies
15
Views
3K
sicktght311
S

Latest posts

Back
Top