Hey all! I'm looking at getting the 35L version. Moving into a smaller place, so I'm getting rid of my propane burner set up. Excited to save space!
Anyway, a few questions after reading through this thread.
- Has anyone come up with a solution for the false bottom and clogged pump? I saw suggestions about cutting a silicone tube and putting it around it, to fill that gap. Anyone do this, or something else? I like to throw my hops right in the boil. I would also grab the whirlpool attachment with my order.
- Has anyone used one of these inside the house, like in the kitchen? I've never brewed indoors, so I don't know what kind of steam/condensation this would create. I would likely brew in the garage with the door open, but on really cold days it would be awesome to brew inside.
- Is anyone having issues with the stamped measurements? I saw somewhere that they may be off, due to a manufacturing issue. Though I'm sure that's all fixed now, just curious if it's still potentially an issue.
- Anyone get boil overs on a bigger beer? I don't generally make big beers, but once in a while I'd like to make an imp stout or similar. I could always go for a 3-4 gal batch if needed, but wondering if anyone has had issues with a boil over on this system, and what happened. Was clean up a PITA? Did it ruin the controller or any switches?
Thanks for any answers! I almost bought the system, just out of pure excitement, but I need to make sure this is the right set up for me.
I have the 35L, am very satisfied with it.
1) I don’t have an issue with the pump clogging, although I use a hop spider. Many people who throw the hops in the boil have issues with the pump. I’m using the stock false bottom with the screen over it and do make a point to keep the malt in the malt pipe! I use the whirlpool attachment more to help with the chiller.
2) I always brew in the basement, no matter what season. I previously brewed on a propane unit and do not miss that for a second! I suppose for some people the humidity off the boil could be a concern though.
3) No issues with the stamped volume indicators. I’ve owned a 3.0 for three years and I recall an earlier version had trouble with that. I verified the volumes before my first brew session. I rely more on the liter indicators as there’s tighter resolution.
4) No issues with boil over although I keep a close eye out for the occasional hot break. I recently did a 120 min boil so the pre boil volume was quite high, no problem at all. The mash is more of a challenge on big beers. I max out at 17 lb grain bill but I’ve had good results with subbing 1-2 lb DME on my biggest beers.
I’d say the RB is excellent overall. My only two “nice to haves“ would be 240v for faster heating and larger volume for big beers. That said I’m brewing like a fiend and no desire to change anything for the foreseeable future!