SS brewtech QC is awful now.

[Jako]

Years ago I worked for a major Oil Company.

We only used IBM computer equipment.

I got a Tape Backup that was bad. I had to send it back to be fixed. When I got it back, I tried to insert a tape cassette. The spindle was "UP" in side the machine. There was a lever on the front that controlled the spindle. I move the lever and the spindle went "Down" but now the lever blocked the entrance.

We were also having about a 30% bad out of the box issues with PS2 computers. They switched to Dell and IBM lost a major customer (1000s of PCs about every 2 years).

A bad reputation and poor product control can kill a business.

I am just thinking about all that work sending and resending messed up products over and over and over.

Are you still in the IT business?

 

[Jako]

Just helped a dear friend cook her 1st 1 BBL batch, she has an ss fermentor and it does not have any of this problems, its just pure beauty.

I was looking at my 7G fermenter that's a few years old side by side to the new ones. Even after the heavy use it looks significantly better as welds and final finish of the stainless.

 

[hout17]

For the cost of this kind of equipment it had better be inspected. I'm sorry you had such a bad experience if I ever go this route it will be Spike after seeing this.

 

[Jako]

I’m not pissed enough to send it back (I finally got a UPS driver that was willing to deliver to my neighborhood after two tries. UPS drivers are allowed to decide that they don't want to deliver to your neighborhood because it's too dangerous) but I am pissed enough to pour some gas on this fire.

This is the recirculation manifold for the infusion mash tun. Nice dent we have there. There’s also a cracked weld on the bottom and all kinds of nasty tool marks on the bottom. The packaging was in pristine condition upon arrival, so this isn’t shipping damage. They shipped this trash and charged me 54 bucks for it. That said, none of that should affect the performance of the device. I’ll try it out this weekend. Still, come on! You charge a premium price, you need to deliver a premium product.

I think I’m done with SSbrewtech.View attachment 740133

Weak man. Don't get me started on our UPS guy.... if I could upload a video of him destroying my yard on his way to deliver my boxes then yelling at my door after his weak knock because he hurt his hand I would.

Not to mention he often forgets our street or will bulk deliver items to other houses to avoid walking longer driveways.

If that mash recirculation ends up being junk let me know. I might phase mine out for a different design. It's a little overkill as I whirlpool and flow over the top of my grain basket.

 

[matt_m]

I see some crappy but probably sufficient welds outside but I'm not seeing anything inside in your pictures. If this is the vessel you want would probably accept it and move on. Scrub the hell out of it with BKF paste and a soft cloth, rinse, passivate, sanitize, brew. If you have buyer's remorse return it but I wouldn't argue to much if they say return shipping on this one is on your dime.

 

[oakbarn]

The pics of the inside show abrasions. Send it back! The inside should be high polish.

 

[Jtvann]

Okay I need some honest advice. Second one arrived today. It's marginally better. At least the chilling coil arrived attached so no damage.

But am I being overly sensitive to the quality of welds and final finish? I will save the long story and me with awful grammar trying to explain it all once more. If I am being too picky let me know, it's hard to not become so emotionally invested in something so expensive.

I think the fermenters sit outside at one point or another before final packing. This thing is filthy and it arrived with some bird poop free of charge.

I added a picture of the blow off cane. I had the old fermenter mocked up and out in the living room. Every day I would see how crooked it was welded and driving myself mad I had to share.

You spent a lot of money on this. It depends on your perspective if you should send it back. I would personally be fine with it.

If you’re not satisfied though, for years to come every time you use it, you’ll see the blemishes and it will be a constant annoying reminder. If it bothers you, I’d send it back and go with Spike.

 

[Broothru]

I see some crappy but probably sufficient welds outside but I'm not seeing anything inside in your pictures. If this is the vessel you want would probably accept it and move on. Scrub the hell out of it with BKF paste and a soft cloth, rinse, passivate, sanitize, brew. If you have buyer's remorse return it but I wouldn't argue to much if they say return shipping on this one is on your dime.

This was my issue, and also my solution. The first purchase was an Ss Brew Bucket. No problems with fit/finish, etc. Followed 6-8 months later with a Chronical. Good but not great fit/finish, nothing but cosmetic 'gripes' that were taken care of with BKF and elbow grease. A year later, the Unitank (delivered late summer before Covid) had an "iffy" weld of one of the legs, the transfer port wasn't centered between the legs, the neoprene jacket didn't fit evenly over the ports or support legs, the logo wasn't centered on the front of the unit but didn't matter since it's covered by the jacket. All those issues are related to a crappy job attaching the legs to the tank itself. That reflects on the fabricator in China, but ultimately rests with the marketer SsBT.

With all that said, is it a functional unit? Absolutely. Am I happy with my purchase? Yes and no. On the one hand it does everything I want it to do in exactly the way I want it to perform. The design of the unit is superior, and I have no issues with any of the sub components (valves, fittings, etc).

My complaints are with the offshore fabricator and the domestic QC. For the most part these concerns are either cosmetic of were correctable. The disappointment is that they existed in the first place.

 

[Broothru]

This was my issue, and also my solution. The first purchase was an Ss Brew Bucket. No problems with fit/finish, etc. Followed 6-8 months later with a Chronical. Good but not great fit/finish, nothing but cosmetic 'gripes' that were taken care of with BKF and elbow grease. A year later, the Unitank (delivered late summer before Covid) had an "iffy" weld of one of the legs, the transfer port wasn't centered between the legs, the neoprene jacket didn't fit evenly over the ports or support legs, the logo wasn't centered on the front of the unit but didn't matter since it's covered by the jacket. All those issues are related to a crappy job attaching the legs to the tank itself. That reflects on the fabricator in China, but ultimately rests with the marketer SsBT.

With all that said, is it a functional unit? Absolutely. Am I happy with my purchase? Yes and no. On the one hand it does everything I want it to do in exactly the way I want it to perform. The design of the unit is superior, and I have no issues with any of the sub components (valves, fittings, etc).

My complaints are with the offshore fabricator and the domestic QC. For the most part these concerns are either cosmetic of were correctable. The disappointment is that they existed in the first place.

Addendum:

I added an SsBT glycol chiller to the mix of toys over a year ago and it looks and has performed flawlessly. Different supply chain I'd presume than their tanks.

 

[shoengine]

Addendum:

I added an SsBT glycol chiller to the mix of toys over a year ago and it looks and has performed flawlessly. Different supply chain I'd presume than their tanks.

I have a glycol chiller as well, which I got second hand, and mine looked and performed great.

I'd be curious to know what their internal quality policy looks like. It is possible that they are letting quality escapes go violating their own internal controls.

 

[Golddiggie]

Those welds look like some untrained monkey did them (the actual primate). With scratching inside, I'd have them take it back as well. That's a hard "F NO!" in my book. At this point, with two units full of issues, I'd go to a different maker. I'm on the cusp of ordering my third conical fermenter. Looking at another Spike CF10. Wish I could get SOMEONE to buy my two fermenter glycol chiller so I could order one that supports up to four fermenters. I'll probably order the new gear within the next week (or so). Need conical #3 before cider season starts.

 

[csantoni]

For the cost of this equipment those defects would be unacceptable to me. I'd send it back and find another vendor.

 

[wepeeler]

I've had a few issues with SSBrewtech stuff, but they have always been very accommodating and helpful when I reached out. I hate not being able to talk on the phone with anyone, but it is what it is, and I've had pleasant experiences emailing back and forth.

They usually have very high quality equipment, but it's over priced for what it is. But I like shiny glowing things so I've stuck with SSBrewtech. I have 3 7 gallon brewmaster brew buckets, 1/5 HP glycol chiller and their 15 gallon kettle. Looking at the keg washer soon. That being said, if I was starting from scratch today, I would probably go with a different company...

 

[Broothru]

I've had a few issues with SSBrewtech stuff, but they have always been very accommodating and helpful when I reached out. I hate not being able to talk on the phone with anyone, but it is what it is, and I've had pleasant experiences emailing back and forth.

They usually have very high quality equipment, but it's over priced for what it is. But I like shiny glowing things so I've stuck with SSBrewtech. I have 3 7 gallon brewmaster brew buckets, 1/5 HP glycol chiller and their 15 gallon kettle. Looking at the keg washer soon. That being said, if I was starting from scratch today, I would probably go with a different company...

My thoughts exactly. I hate to admit it, but bling is a large part of the purchase decision, and SsBT is pretty high in the Bling Quotient. I like their design and engineering as well, but their fabrication and production could use some work. They are responsive to questions and concerns which is a strong positive, so there's that.

 

[matt_m]

Well this thread pushed me over the edge. I've been wanting a Unitank for long time now and the logical path was to upgrade one of my SSBT Chronicals to a Unitank since most of the accessories would transfer over. These types of threads on SSBT gear have become all-too common. Just not worth the hassle so I'm moving to Spike.

 

[Broothru]

Well this thread pushed me over the edge. I've been wanting a Unitank for long time now and the logical path was to upgrade one of my SSBT Chronicals to a Unitank since most of the accessories would transfer over. These types of threads on SSBT gear have become all-too common. Just not worth the hassle so I'm moving to Spike.

You'll still be able to use most if not all of your SsBT accessories on a Spike tank, certainly all the TC fittings except for 2" ports on the lower dump of the Spike tanks IIRC. I think in the end you'd like the SS Unitank (I really like mine). But I totally get the concerns with QC at Ss.

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

And now, September 16, 2021, just to rub "salt in the wound"

"Due to the ever-increasing cost of raw materials and a dramatic increase in shipping rates, we will be adjusting the price of specific product lines listed in the link above, as well as some accessories, on October 1st.

We appreciate you all and your support of the brewing industry as a whole during the trying past year. As such, we wanted to give you some notice prior to the price adjustment, so all orders placed by midnight September 30th will be honored at current (lower) pricing.

Cheers and Happy Brewing
The Ss Brewtech Team"

 

[Broothru]

And now, September 16, 2021, just to rub "salt in the wound"

"Due to the ever-increasing cost of raw materials and a dramatic increase in shipping rates, we will be adjusting the price of specific product lines listed in the link above, as well as some accessories, on October 1st.

We appreciate you all and your support of the brewing industry as a whole during the trying past year. As such, we wanted to give you some notice prior to the price adjustment, so all orders placed by midnight September 30th will be honored at current (lower) pricing.

Cheers and Happy Brewing
The Ss Brewtech Team"

Got the same email. Supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressure I suppose. No real surprise. It's not just components and offshore fabricators. I've been waiting for a Stainless Steel JaDaHydra chiller since their stainless supplier hasn't been able to meet demand.9

Seen any auto dealer's lots lately? Not much on the lot at all. We've been in the market for a new Mercedes based RV, but the estimated delivery time is 24-36 months, minimum. Micro chips and raw materials shortages everywhere. When supply is down and demand is high (or even stable), prices go up. Capitalism 101.

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

My point in posting is, apparently, SS BrewTech quality control leave a lot to be desired and now they are raising prices for the same cr*p.

Please don't get me wrong. I have, and use, 14 BrewTech SS buckets.

 

[MaxStout]

Other possibilities to look at:
Delta Ferm Tank
Chapman UniVessel

 

[Jtvann]

And now, September 16, 2021, just to rub "salt in the wound"

"Due to the ever-increasing cost of raw materials and a dramatic increase in shipping rates, we will be adjusting the price of specific product lines listed in the link above, as well as some accessories, on October 1st.

We appreciate you all and your support of the brewing industry as a whole during the trying past year. As such, we wanted to give you some notice prior to the price adjustment, so all orders placed by midnight September 30th will be honored at current (lower) pricing.

Cheers and Happy Brewing
The Ss Brewtech Team"

I sure hope Spike doesn’t have to increase their prices any time soon for the exact same reason. I’d hate to see their customer service reputation lumped in with the lowly Ssbrewtech trash.

 

[Vale71]

Just got my SSB Brew Cube from the local reseller. Two out of four top screw are defective and stick after just a couple of turns. The leg extensions are missing the connecting screws but since they did not come in SSB original packaging this could just be the reseller not being careful when getting the order packaged and ready to ship. I must say for the money I paid for the gear I would have expected everything to be flawless out of the box.

 

[Broothru]

Just got my SSB Brew Cube from the local reseller. Two out of four top screw are defective and stick after just a couple of turns. The leg extensions are missing the connecting screws but since they did not come in SSB original packaging this could just be the reseller not being careful when getting the order packaged and ready to ship. I must say for the money I paid for the gear I would have expected everything to be flawless out of the box.

Sadly, I have to agree.

 

[Golddiggie]

And now, September 16, 2021, just to rub "salt in the wound"

"Due to the ever-increasing cost of raw materials and a dramatic increase in shipping rates, we will be adjusting the price of specific product lines listed in the link above, as well as some accessories, on October 1st.

We appreciate you all and your support of the brewing industry as a whole during the trying past year. As such, we wanted to give you some notice prior to the price adjustment, so all orders placed by midnight September 30th will be honored at current (lower) pricing.

Cheers and Happy Brewing
The Ss Brewtech Team"

That's why I ordered another of their Spunding valves (scaled) yesterday. The order went through (not backordered/unavailable) so I'm hoping it ships out before too far into next week. I intend to use that on a third conical (probably from Brewers Hardware this time). All my current TC fitting items that I use on my Spike CF10 fermenters can also be used on the Brewers Hardware unit (also has a 2" bottom dump port/ferrule). I do like the 2" bottom dump valve size on my Spike fermenters and am glad that the Brewers Hardware also uses those. Means the yeast brinks I'm using for one will be easily used on the other. That size should be 'standard' on all conical fermenters we would use.

 

[matt_m]

That's why I ordered another of their Spunding valves (scaled) yesterday. The order went through (not backordered/unavailable) so I'm hoping it ships out before too far into next week.

I ordered an unscaled one after confirming with them it was in stock. They said if thing are out of stock, the web site won't let you order. I got it in a few days. Feels dirty putting an SS Brewtech spunding valve on my Spike fermenters but that's actually what Spike recommends.

 

[Golddiggie]

I went with the scaled version so that I could easily adjust on the fly. Plus, I can set it without pressurizing my fermenter ahead of things kicking off. The two I already have are of good quality. Hopefully the one I just ordered is as well.

If another maker, like maybe Brewers Hardware, was to offer up a spunding valve with the same features, I'd probably order from them. I like how it's vertical, with the cup to hold liquid (Starsan). Without some kind of cup to pass through, it's difficult to tell IF anything is coming out. With the amount of headspace I typically have in the conicals I don't have any need for a blow off setup. Plus fermenting under pressure helps to further reduce the need for blow off setups.

 

[matt_m]

From what I read the scaling isn't super accurate and its in bar not PSI so I just went cheap. Ben from Spike has hinted they are going to have a spunding valve in the future but no indication of when. There's a bunch of similar ones on Aliexpress but really no savings over the SSB version so not worth the potential hassle. My only Aliexpress purchase ended in a credit card dispute so I shy away.

 

[Golddiggie]

I've never bought form aliexpress and don't plan to change that. I have the gas manifold setup on both of my fermenters, so I use that to confirm my setting. Sure, I could probably do that from the start, but (as I mentioned) I like to have the batch gain in pressure at the start. Not be under pressure from the start. I'll adjust the spunding valve to fine tune it once things are going crazy (typically <24 hours). If it's letting out more, or less, than I want, I simply adjust it. I also keep a bottle of mixed Starsan in that same area to top off the cup as needed. Often it has a blowout overnight and I need to add more in the morning.

I'll be watching to see what Spike offers in the future. Maybe Curtis from Brewers Hardware will make something too.

 

[Broothru]

I ordered an unscaled one after confirming with them it was in stock. They said if thing are out of stock, the web site won't let you order. I got it in a few days. Feels dirty putting an SS Brewtech spunding valve on my Spike fermenters but that's actually what Spike recommends.

The SsBT spunding valve is the most "pro-like" product in their, or just about anyone's, homebrew scale attachment lineup. I absolutely love mine.