The Stasis - A glycol system designed for homebrewers - Pre-Order now for $599

[Nate R]

I turned the temp down to get it to turn on... I concede.. yes its noisy. It's the fan. I wonder how quiet the competing units are.

Fwiw, i have a Penguin 1/3hp. I live in a small 2 bedroom 1 floor house. My penguin fits on a harbor freight cart under my fermentors. Very compact compared to other models i was looking at. (Albeit heavy- they all are!).
It is 20 feet or so away from our bedroom. Swmbo and I can both sleep thru it easily.
Sure it makes noise, but imagine it sounds like a window ac unit. Lots of people sleep thru that.
I am lagering right now. Conical set to 54. My penguin is set to 30 with a 25 degree differential. Ambiebt ~ 65 or so.
It cycles on probably once every 3 to 6 hours or so.
To get from 60 to 30 the penguin runs maybe 5-10 mins or less. It is a small resorvoir with an S-ton of btu's.

For crashing, it will cycle on a lot more often, but again the noise is very minimal. I think Penguin advertises one of the lowest db's of available units.

Ymmv, and there are a LOT of new options for glycol out there. Blichmann, ss, penguin, icemaster, stasis, and diy of course!

Not trying to hijack the thread at all!!

 

[hootowl]

Fwiw, i have a Penguin 1/3hp.

Looks like $879. The Stasis at 600 fits my brewing schedule. We'll have to see how it holds up.

 

[birzzz]

I went ahead and purchased an "upgrade" for my Stasis..

this:https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07KFZ1G6W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think most of the sound that travels outside of the room where the unit is, is through vibration. My floor is hardwood, so maybe the rubber feet are not enough. I will let you know once my order arrives.

 

[Jethrow44]

I went ahead and purchased an "upgrade" for my Stasis..

this:https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07KFZ1G6W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think most of the sound that travels outside of the room where the unit is, is through vibration. My floor is hardwood, so maybe the rubber feet are not enough. I will let you know once my order arrives.

Craft a Brew posted an update around the vibration on the kickstarter page. I'm pasting it here for transparency.

"We had a few units experience an oscillation or vibration which is the result of the plastic top plate vibrating against the metal casing. Generally this noise will stop if you put pressure on the upper back side of the metal casing. We have confirmed this is coming from the top plate and is nothing mechanical making that sound because if the top plate is removed the sound stops immediately. We have a few solutions being worked out by our engineers with different vibrating dampening materials now. If your unit is having this vibration/oscillation issue please email [email protected] and we will get you on a list to get the fix as soon as we are able."

I emailed support and they added me to the list for the fix. I tried applying pressure to the "upper back side" and found it did not help the vibration.

 

[birzzz]

Craft a Brew posted an update around the vibration on the kickstarter page. I'm pasting it here for transparency.

"We had a few units experience an oscillation or vibration which is the result of the plastic top plate vibrating against the metal casing. Generally this noise will stop if you put pressure on the upper back side of the metal casing. We have confirmed this is coming from the top plate and is nothing mechanical making that sound because if the top plate is removed the sound stops immediately. We have a few solutions being worked out by our engineers with different vibrating dampening materials now. If your unit is having this vibration/oscillation issue please email [email protected] and we will get you on a list to get the fix as soon as we are able."

I emailed support and they added me to the list for the fix. I tried applying pressure to the "upper back side" and found it did not help the vibration.

Thanks for the heads up, this is appreciated. I tried to pressure on the back plate too, and like you, it didn't make any difference.

 

[hootowl]

These are the quick disconnects I ordered.

Not cheap but they are well made and valved so no liquid loss from either side when disconnected.

https://www.penguinchillers.com/product/38-quick-disconnects-for-silicone-tubing/

 

[birzzz]

Craft a brew support contacted me, and I was able to have their consent to remove the cover without voiding the warranty. First, removing the top cover didn't help at all for noise reduction. I think I have pinpointed where the excess vibration noise comes from. If you pinch the copper piping going to the radiotor in the back of the unit it reduces the noise.

Here is a video showing it:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TQuP2wJ87FPAwHKo9

 

[4TBBUCS]

Craft a brew support contacted me, and I was able to have their consent to remove the cover without voiding the warranty. First, removing the top cover didn't help at all for noise reduction. I think I have pinpointed where the excess vibration noise comes from. If you pinch the copper piping going to the radiotor in the back of the unit it reduces the noise.

Here is a video showing it:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TQuP2wJ87FPAwHKo9

Well done sir

 

[brewpharm Hill]

Anyone else having issues chilling below 40 F? I’m fermenting in a spike plus with the chiller coil and yes I switched the tubing for the recommended ~40 setup.

 

[birzzz]

Anyone else having issues chilling below 40 F? I’m fermenting in a spike plus with the chiller coil and yes I switched the tubing for the recommended ~40 setup.

That's the lowest I was able to get too. I tested on both my SS brewtech regular chronical 7 gallon and 7 gallon unitank.

 

[Nate R]

That's the lowest I was able to get too. I tested on both my SS brewtech regular chronical 7 gallon and 7 gallon unitank.

I think if the glycol is being chilled to 36 in the Stasis, you are not going to get much lower than 40.
When crashing in my Spike cf5, I set my glycol to 28 or so to get to 36 in the Spike.

Also- anecdotal here: @brewpharm Hill , but I stopped changing the "in" and "out" on my cooling coil and I think it is a little better for me. YMMV.

 

[CodeSection]

With known delta temps running ~6F-10F between the glycol temp and what chillers can be crashed to, I'm not sure why anyone would be surprised they could not crash below 40F since the Stasis glycol can only chill to 36F. After all, that information and warning was posted in this thread many times as well as in many other threads. Just saying.....

In my case with my Icemaster 100, my delta temp is ~10F.

 

[birzzz]

With known delta temps running ~6F-10F between the glycol temp and what chillers can be crashed to, I'm not sure why anyone would be surprised they could not crash below 40F since the Stasis glycol can only chill to 36F. After all, that information and warning was posted in this thread many times as well as in many other threads. Just saying.....

In my case with my Icemaster 100, my delta temp is ~10F.

The glycol itself is supposedly maintained at 30f in the reservoir. The 36f limit is for the fermenter temperature. In practice though, I wasn't able to go lower than 40f ishh.

 

[CodeSection]

The glycol itself is supposedly maintained at 30f in the reservoir. The 36f limit is for the fermenter temperature. In practice though, I wasn't able to go lower than 40f ishh.

Sorry to hear you couldn't crash below "40f ishh".

 

[hootowl]

My beer cold crashes after I keg it. I cut the pickup tubes about an inch shorter. The corny keg pickup tubes are designed to pick up almost every last drop. I don't want that. I notice after a couple of days the beer really cleans up. On the other hand my hazy I like hazy. Even add flour to make it hazier.
With that said, I will see how the Stasis brings my beer down before I keg it. I also notice there isn't a ton of residue in the bottom of the keg once it's empty. That final drop out doesn't amount to much. I drink the beer. I'm not competing. So far the Stasis is doing what I want. Like I said before... it barely turns on.

 

[birzzz]

On a positive note though, I have both an ale and a lager fermenting right now. Temperature is well maintained on both fermenters. Only complain so far is the excessive noise, which should be addressed by craft a brew.

As for the cold crash not getting below 40f, I think I can live with that. And for lagering, I will lager in my keg in the fridge.

 

[brewpharm Hill]

I managed to get my flex + down to 38 F. I dont have the neoprene insulation on it, but I think that it would probably help. I'm not upset with a 38F cold crash before kegging and throwing in my kegerator. Can you lager at at 36-40? I've read its best to have closer to 32.

 

[hootowl]

Lagers are 45-50F and yes the jacket should make a difference.

 

[birzzz]

Lagers are 45-50F and yes the jacket should make a difference.

I think he was referring to the lagering phase of a lager, not the fermenting. Lagering should indeed be done near freezing.

 

[hootowl]

Well I darn sure aren't going to tie up my fermenters for another month. The beer can sit in a keg in the fridge. I use my Spike fermenters mainly to ferment beer. 2 weeks and the beer goes in the keg. I bought the Stasis only to control fermentation for 2 weeks. Then into the keg and into the fridge. That simple.

 

[hootowl]

Doing a mod to my Spike Flex fermenters. I purchased the spike thermowells to put in the extra triclamp port. That's where I put the Stasis thermocouple. Unfortunately outside ambient air can effect the reading. I don't see much fluctuation but I want a sealed thermocouple. So I purchased a 1/2 x 1/4MFL fitting to put into the end of the thermowell. The hole in the 1/4MFL is a hair small for the TC to fit through so I'll drill it out just big enough to slide it in and probably silicone the hole with the wire coming out.

 

[SoulToast]

I'm about to put beer #2 through this thing, and I'll report back.

(After I test the new thermocouple with water first...)

 

[Nate R]

Doing a mod to my Spike Flex fermenters. I purchased the spike thermowells to put in the extra triclamp port. That's where I put the Stasis thermocouple. Unfortunately outside ambient air can effect the reading. I don't see much fluctuation but I want a sealed thermocouple. So I purchased a 1/2 x 1/4MFL fitting to put into the end of the thermowell. The hole in the 1/4MFL is a hair small for the TC to fit through so I'll drill it out just big enough to slide it in and probably silicone the hole with the wire coming out.

Fwiw... i have a spike cf5 with spike thermowell. I use an inkbird temp probe.

I shove a piece of waded up paper towel down the shaft. Seems to work ok for me.
I have also read this super professional technique is done by others here as well

 

[Jethrow44]

Craft a Brew posted an update around the vibration on the kickstarter page. I'm pasting it here for transparency.

"We had a few units experience an oscillation or vibration which is the result of the plastic top plate vibrating against the metal casing. Generally this noise will stop if you put pressure on the upper back side of the metal casing. We have confirmed this is coming from the top plate and is nothing mechanical making that sound because if the top plate is removed the sound stops immediately. We have a few solutions being worked out by our engineers with different vibrating dampening materials now. If your unit is having this vibration/oscillation issue please email [email protected] and we will get you on a list to get the fix as soon as we are able."

I emailed support and they added me to the list for the fix. I tried applying pressure to the "upper back side" and found it did not help the vibration.

Support got back to me. Here's what they said:

"Our team's been working on solutions for the noise this week and has provided the following:

While the dampening material didn't seem to eliminate the noise, a much simpler solution did. The 2 screws on the far left of the unit (see photo attached) can be very lightly loosened. We recommend using a Philips head screwdriver to turn the screw a 1/4 turn to loosen the top, then a 1/4 turn to loosen the bottom - 1/4 turn at a time until the sound goes away. We found the metal plate on the inside of the unit, which these screws are connected to, is the source of the vibration and rattling.

NOTE: Only the two screws in the picture need to be loosened. We suggest loosening one 1/4 turn, then the other 1/4 turn as the unit is running so you can hear the sound as you go."

I tried this and it only reduced the vibration. Plus, having loose screws is somewhat unsettling.

I tightened the screws back up needless to say

 

[Nate R]

Support got back to me. Here's what they said:

"Our team's been working on solutions for the noise this week and has provided the following:

While the dampening material didn't seem to eliminate the noise, a much simpler solution did. The 2 screws on the far left of the unit (see photo attached) can be very lightly loosened. We recommend using a Philips head screwdriver to turn the screw a 1/4 turn to loosen the top, then a 1/4 turn to loosen the bottom - 1/4 turn at a time until the sound goes away. We found the metal plate on the inside of the unit, which these screws are connected to, is the source of the vibration and rattling.

NOTE: Only the two screws in the picture need to be loosened. We suggest loosening one 1/4 turn, then the other 1/4 turn as the unit is running so you can hear the sound as you go."

I tried this and it only reduced the vibration. Plus, having loose screws is somewhat unsettling.

I tightened the screws back up needless to say

So... does that mean that all the other users who do NOT currently have the noise have units with non-tightened screws from the factory??

lol- J/K. At least they are working right now AND giving feedback! A lot of companies might hide behind this whole covid stuff

 

[birzzz]

So... does that mean that all the other users who do NOT currently have the noise have units with non-tightened screws from the factory??

lol- J/K. At least they are working right now AND giving feedback! A lot of companies might hide behind this whole covid stuff

I had the same message and tried to loosen the 2 screws as explained, 1/4 turn at a time, but it didn't do much. I tried several configurations and the vibration/oosciallating noise never went away. Anyway, I contacted them again and will asking if they know the exact point of vibration to see if we can fit some noise abserbant material in it. Furthermore, even if the vibration/oscillation noise is fixed, the unit is still really loud in itself. I'm wondering if we could use some computer case noise reduction foam inside the unit. There is plenty of room for it on the top plate and front panel. I will wait for support to contact me first before messing around with the unit anyway.

 

[hootowl]

I had the same message and tried to loosen the 2 screws as explained, 1/4 turn at a time, but it didn't do much. I tried several configurations and the vibration/oosciallating noise never went away. Anyway, I contacted them again and will asking if they know the exact point of vibration to see if we can fit some noise abserbant material in it. Furthermore, even if the vibration/oscillation noise is fixed, the unit is still really loud in itself. I'm wondering if we could use some computer case noise reduction foam inside the unit. There is plenty of room for it on the top plate and front panel. I will wait for support to contact me first before messing around with the unit anyway.

Ask yourself this question in the context of you being the people and the company that developed this product. It has just been released. Every sale is important. Then a customer ******* online about things that aren't right on a prominant website. All of a sudden their sales drop while they are doing the best they can to resolve the issue. My point is.. take it off line and give them a chance. I've been buying beer stuff from Craft a Brew for years. They are a good company and stand by their products. When you resolve your issue then let us know. Give them a break.

 

[birzzz]

Ask yourself this question in the context of you being the people and the company that developed this product. It has just been released. Every sale is important. Then a customer ******* online about things that aren't right on a prominant website. All of a sudden their sales drop while they are doing the best they can to resolve the issue. My point is.. take it off line and give them a chance.

I am bitching?

Wow! that's a strong statement.

I am only stating the facts here and trying to share my experience in all transparency. You want me to hide things up? I don't think it will help anyone, craft a brew folks included.

I don't think we have the same definition for bitching..

Relax and enjoy a beer my friend.

 

[hootowl]

Yep bitching. There is etiquette. No reason to dis a product that just came out. Give them a chance OFFLINE

 

[CodeSection]

Ask yourself this question in the context of you being the people and the company that developed this product. It has just been released. Every sale is important. Then a customer ******* online about things that aren't right on a prominant website. All of a sudden their sales drop while they are doing the best they can to resolve the issue. My point is.. take it off line and give them a chance. I've been buying beer stuff from Craft a Brew for years. They are a good company and stand by their products. When you resolve your issue then let us know. Give them a break.

That was a really unnecessary comment (interesting that you later edited the above quote). The company knew of this problem before the order went in. See July 16, 2019 review https://beerandbrewing.com/gear-test-small-scale-chillers/.

The lack of communication and transparency by the company as established many times from posters to this thread speak volumes about the company. People deserve to have their orders filled timely with a working product that delivers on the marketing and promises by the company. Many feel that a four month delay in promised delivery went way beyond being reasonable.

So, while you are happy with the loudness in which you initially denied, and you are happy with the performance and "So far the Stasis is doing what I want", you should not be critical of others that do not share your opinions on the product.