Robobrew regrets?

[RePete]

I started a new thread, Robobrew/Brewzilla discussion, for no other reason than I have no regrets

Yeah. Overall I really like mine, and would buy it again. It has made brewing more enjoyable. There is a learning curve, and limitations, but it's a good system.

 

[rjhoff]

Yeah. Overall I really like mine, and would buy it again. It has made brewing more enjoyable. There is a learning curve, and limitations, but it's a good system.

I checked with Williams Brewing, I don't think they were aware of it but said to expect availability in the fall or early winter.

 

[user 272106]

Regrets? The quality control.

I think I complained earlier in this thread about the pump and how weak it was and it leaking, not to mention how easily it clogs. Well, the first picture shows it all ... they put the tube on facing the wrong direct ion and then twisted it to fit. Even brews with incredibly little hopping (saison) would clog with all hops in a spider or hop sock. You can see some nasty wort stain on the tubing as well as marks on the steel where it leaks along the side.

I fixed this, but the leak still remains. I'm horrified by the type of clamps used given the electrical down there. They seem incredibly weak and don't really appear to have enough pressure to guarantee a seal. Dangerous if you ask me but I'm no expert.

Video of leak: Leaking Robobrew Brewzilla 3.1


Its hard to say what exactly the issue is here outside of the terrible installation of that tubing, but I'll be requesting some type of replacement given the leak and I've only had it since early this year.

 

[rjhoff]

Sorry to hear you’re having a problem. I’ve not experienced a leak although I noticed how tight the hose was when I replaced my circuit boards. Probably a workmanship issue for sure. As far as plugging the pump, it’s happened to me a couple times and I learned early on not to let any grain overflow the malt pipe and I always use a hop spider.

 

[RePete]

I had a clogged pump. It was after adding hops at flameout. I was able to blow them out with an air compressor. It would probably be good to do as regular maintenance. Cleared them right out, and I had full flow after that.

 

[user 272106]

I just got done replacing the clamps to see if that would fix the leak. It did not. I think the stress of the twisted tubing on the inlet stressed the pump and there's probably a hairline crack in it somewhere. I'll have to pull it to inspect. Either way, I'll be contacting KegLand with a warranty claim tomorrow. The good news is the the pump is working at 2-3 times the flow rate after I re-installed the tube correctly which give me hope for using the whirlpool arm effectively. Hopefully I can get a new pump and can be on my happy way. I do like the overall convenience of this unit.

 

[rjhoff]

Good luck with that - $55 part

https://www.williamsbrewing.com/Hom...-Machines/Brewzilla/Robobrew-Replacement-Pump
I‘ll probably do an inspection, maybe recirculate PBW solution through it for a while.

 

[user 272106]

I clean with PBW and recirculate after every brew. Doesn't everyone?

As for the part, whatever is the issue better be covered by warranty. At minimum there was an assembly issue and I've only had it since early this year. The replacement pump is $83.99 CDN here at OBK where I bought the whole unit. Considering the whole unit was $449 CDN, I find the replacement part prices insane.

If the smaller spike solo gear ever gets released and are available here, I'll be considering a switch to that.

Cheers.

 

[rjhoff]

Yes, PBW after every brew, but I’m thinking run the elements and recirculate hot for 30 mins. Good luck with your warranty...

 

[RePete]

I just partially fill it with clean water, and run the pump for a little while. Seems to have worked fine. It clogged once, but it was obvious why. I had thrown loose pellets in, and there was a pile of them on the bottom after draining. After letting it dry, I blew compressed air into the out tube, and a bunch of hops blew out.

 

[user 272106]

Found the source of my leak before contacting the company about warranty. The silicon gasket in the bottom hole was shredded. Replaced it with a new one and it is no longer leaking. Unfortunately I broke an electrical lead putting it back together and now need to fix that. There's no room for adult sized hands in the bottom of this unit.