Thinking about switching to e-BIAB with Brew-Boss

[m00ps]

I am looking at getting a 10gal brew boss system for 5 gal batches. I am currently deciding between the regular and the deluxe COFI system. The COFI looks cool, I've been fine with using a mesh bag, but I like the idea that it can kind of squeeze the grain bag.

The only thing that gets me is all the COFI systems seem to have cam-lock fittings at the top kettle accessory port and bottom kettle valve. The regular ones are barbed, which I prefer. I use a transfer hose connected to the kettle valve to get my cooled wort out of the kettle. Does anyone that has the COFI systems have a method of hooking up a transfer hose to the camlock fitting? Like is there some sort of fitting I could buy? Couldnt find anything on their site...

 

[Rock_Toy]

I am looking at getting a 10gal brew boss system for 5 gal batches. I am currently deciding between the regular and the deluxe COFI system. The COFI looks cool, I've been fine with using a mesh bag, but I like the idea that it can kind of squeeze the grain bag.

The only thing that gets me is all the COFI systems seem to have cam-lock fittings at the top kettle accessory port and bottom kettle valve. The regular ones are barbed, which I prefer. I use a transfer hose connected to the kettle valve to get my cooled wort out of the kettle. Does anyone that has the COFI systems have a method of hooking up a transfer hose to the camlock fitting? Like is there some sort of fitting I could buy? Couldn't find anything on their site...

You can either buy the fittings on their site under accessories OR you can just ask Darin to sell you the kit with a barbed fitting instead. And I would recommend the 15 gallon system in case you decide to drew high gravity beers. Need as much space as possible.

 

[m00ps]

Ok, thanks for the tip. I think I'll just get the 10gal because I want to be able to use the swirl boss accessory. It says it wouldnt work too well if you kettle size is more than 5gal than your batch size. Not long enough

I have a 9gal kettle right now and I've managed to brew beers up to 1.090-1.095 alright. Its a tight fit and a thick mash, but most of my high OG beers have sugars added so that helps cut down the amount of grain space needed.

 

[MerlinWerks]

You should double check with Darin, but I'd be really surprised if the swirl-boss wouldn't work properly with a 15 gal kettle/5 gal batch. The 15 gal system really gives some nice headroom with 5 gal batches, no worries with boil over, etc., plenty of capacity for high gravity, less babysitting and stress.

The camlocks are very nice as well, depending on your fermenter you should be able to transfer straight to it from the kettle using the pump. If you have a wide mouth fermenter, i.e. Spiedel, Big Mouth Bubbler or bucket, after recirculating with 10 min left in the boil and chilling, you could simply disconnect the hose from the accessory port and run it straight to the fermenter. If your fermenter has a narrow neck, i.e. glass carboy, Better Bottle you could make a racking arm with some copper pipe and widely available camlock fittings.

In most "normal" setups I cannot think of any compelling reasons to use the barbed fittings, the ones that came with my Value system are in a box unused since I already had a camlock setup with my previous system...

 

[Snicklefritz]

I agree with all of what MerlinWerks said this. I have the 15 gallon kettle and do mostly 5G beers. It allows me to do some really high SG beers that I probably couldn't do in the 10G kettle. If in doubt, always go bigger. You won't regret it.

I can't remember if I had the camlocks on my system when you came and saw it in action, Paul, but they definitely make things a LOT easier. It doesn't seem like you need to move the hoses around all that much in a brew session but its more than you think.

How are you settling into your system, MerlinWerks?

 

[MerlinWerks]

Hey Jason,

I've got about six batches on this system now, still making some process adjustments, but overall I've been very pleased. Main issue is trying to use a Wilser bag with the new false bottom while trying to recirculate. As we discussed before, the Wilser is much finer than the stock bag and while I've never had it get completely stuck to the point of no flow, it can pull a serious vacuum and requires some babysitting. There is definitely less fine trub/flour in the BK post boil with the Wilser bag, but I'm not sure if that is a real issue.

My buddy Ryan brews about 10 gal every week with the stock bag and I haven't heard any complaints from him

Here's some pics:

 

[m00ps]

Hey so how easy is using the Brew Boss interface? I'm guessing it's pretty intuitive like building a recipe on a website and you just hit go?

For anyone that uses it, would you recommend using the MANUAL mode the first time, or does it work pretty well on AUTO without prior experience?

 

[bembel]

Hi MerlinWerks

FANTASTIC use of the wire shelving cart for your system, I want to copy that, can you give me some more details on the fan / vent and the other control box?

Do you have a hoist for the bag too?

 

[FreddyMar3]

As far as the grain capacity of the various sized systems goes, it's discussed pretty thoroughly in the last 40 posts or so of this other brew-boss thread:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=475360

That was a sticking point for me, personally.

 

[MerlinWerks]

Hi MerlinWerks

FANTASTIC use of the wire shelving cart for your system, I want to copy that, can you give me some more details on the fan / vent and the other control box?

Do you have a hoist for the bag too?

Thanks! I am very pleased with the setup, doubles as my coffee roasting station as well and just rolls out of the way when not in use.

There are some other pics HERE when I had it set up with an induction plate. The Brew-Boss system is significantly more powerful and controllable.

The rack is 18"x 36" by Trinity, it comes with one of the accessory rails and you can order additional rails for about $10 each, delivered. Those are what I have the controller and basket shelf mounted to. I got the original rack through Amazon and the extra rails direct from Trinity.

Ventilator is a Ventech 440 cfm/6" also from Amazon. The elbow w/dovetails and semi-rigid duct I got from Lowes, the other end of the duct has a 6">4" reducer (Lowes) and I just disconnect my dryer vent and connect that when I brew/roast. The vent hood is a Sterlite storage box from Walmart. Some steam still escapes but not enough to worry about, the humidity in my basement actually goes down when the ventilator is running. There is some condensation that seeps from from the ventilator housing during use so I removed the naugahyde cover that comes on the ventilator and wrap a small towel around the base, I also periodically wipe condensation from inside the hood/ducting during the boil, making sure I have a firm grip on the towel when around the duct

I use the ratcheted pulley setup I got from WilserBrewer when I bought my original bags, the pulley setup is available on Amazon as well.

I built the control box for my original induction setup with parts mostly from Auber Instruments and Automation Direct, probably not totally necessary for use with the BB but I already had it and it was easily adaptable. I connect it to a 50A spa panel (Home Depot) for GFCI protection only, main overcurrent is provided by the 30A breaker in my main service panel. Inside the control box are are supplementary breakers, one 30A 2-pole for the controller and two 2A single pole breakers, one for the pump and one for the ventilator. FWIW, the IronBox retailer on Ebay is a good source for reasonably priced and high quality twist-lok connectors.

Feel free to PM me if you have any additional questions...

 

[SweetStout]

I agree with all of what MerlinWerks said this. I have the 15 gallon kettle and do mostly 5G beers. It allows me to do some really high SG beers that I probably couldn't do in the 10G kettle.

I'd be interested in hearing more about how high a gravity you push this system to. I do like to brew a few big beers every year and it seems like brewing 5 gallon batches on the 15 gal system is promising.

 

[Snicklefritz]

The highest gravity I've done so far was a 1.103 barley wine. I've also done a ris at like 1.095

My typical double ipas usually end up in the 1.075 - 1.085 range as well.

 

[MerlinWerks]

Hey so how easy is using the Brew Boss interface? I'm guessing it's pretty intuitive like building a recipe on a website and you just hit go?

For anyone that uses it, would you recommend using the MANUAL mode the first time, or does it work pretty well on AUTO without prior experience?

I would say overall it's easy to use, once you have spent the time reading the manual to understand how everything goes together, there is no getting around that requirement. The manual has an excellent walk-through and explanation of the different types of programming steps. You can use the included "wet-run" to test things out and get familiar with it and use the included full brew day steps as templates to modify to fit your specific brew without having to totally reinvent the wheel. Did I mention you should read the manual?

The system works well in "Auto" mode, I have yet to use "Manual" mode, although I have read the "manual"

I also find that a BlueTooth keyboard is very helpful when creating/editing. It prevents the on-screen keyboard from popping up and obscuring what you're trying to edit.

 

[m00ps]

I would say overall it's easy to use, once you have spent the time reading the manual to understand how everything goes together, there is no getting around that requirement. The manual has an excellent walk-through and explanation of the different types of programming steps. You can use the included "wet-run" to test things out and get familiar with it and use the included full brew day steps as templates to modify to fit your specific brew without having to totally reinvent the wheel. Did I mention you should read the manual?

The system works well in "Auto" mode, I have yet to use "Manual" mode, although I have read the "manual"

I also find that a BlueTooth keyboard is very helpful when creating/editing. It prevents the on-screen keyboard from popping up and obscuring what you're trying to edit.

blah, I dont know the last time I read a manual. I honestly dont think I have the attention span...I may seriously be illiterate by now...

But I did watch the entire 43min video on youtube of the whole brewing process so hopefully I'll have a good grasp of it by the time I set it up. How easy is the cleaning? I do 5gal BIAB right now and I'm thinking it shouldnt be much more work. Do you just circulate hot water through the pump, chiller, and other hoses to clean it?

 

[Snicklefritz]

blah, I dont know the last time I read a manual. I honestly dont think I have the attention span...I may seriously be illiterate by now...

But I did watch the entire 43min video on youtube of the whole brewing process so hopefully I'll have a good grasp of it by the time I set it up. How easy is the cleaning? I do 5gal BIAB right now and I'm thinking it shouldnt be much more work. Do you just circulate hot water through the pump, chiller, and other hoses to clean it?

Read the manual

 

[SeeMont]

Really, you need to read the Brew Boss manual. You need to understand the program a little.

Cleaning: I first rinse all the trub out, as much as possible. I have saved about 4 to 5 gallons of hot water from my chiller and I add it to the kettle. Add Cleaner. I will know scrub the heating element and the inside. Run pump to circulate, about 5 minutes You can also heat the solution if you want. I circulate through my CF chiller, 5 minutes. Drain Add clean water and repeat. I will then pull heater and clean, Pull valve system apart, clean and rinse. pull temp probe and clean and rinse. Wipe all parts dry. Reassemble.

 

[ibrewmyown]

Read the manual

No getting around reading the manual with this system if you want to edit the parameters to brew the way you want. Once read it's pretty simple to make even a very complex mash profile if needed.



Just did my first brew on the 20 gallon COFI deluxe system and all I can say is I love this system! It worked flawlessly on the auto mode. It was the fastest most relaxed brew day I've ever had in over 10 years. Using my 3 tier tippy dump, I thought It was a fairly quick and relaxed brew day till I tried the Brew Boss. I brewed a 12 gallon batch including clean up in just under 4 1/2 hours.



My two cents: If you're looking at these systems, get the deluxe. The COFI is simple to use and clean and the cam locks make changing connections a breeze. Also if you're thinking about the 15 gallon system, for $75 more you can jump to 20 gallon and give yourself more options if you want to brew some high gravity high volume beers or if you want bump to 15 gallon batches of "normal" gravity beers like I'm doing. It takes very little extra time and you end up with another cornie full of beer from the same brew day.

I'll be selling my tippy dump clone.......

View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1433654200.961374.jpg

 

[Rhumbline]

Ok, you guys have just about sold me on this, it looks like the thing for me.

A couple questions, if you don't mind. I like to brew some high gravity beers, so I think the 15 gallon would be the minimum because of grain capacity in the COFI. I'd like to know how small a batch you could brew with it. Although I typically brew 5 gallon batches it would be nice to maybe do some smaller batches as tests.

It looks like the 20 gallon version isn't suitable for brewing a 5 gallon batch, so that wouldn't work for me.

Second question, this looks like it might be great for cheese making, using the BB with a pot inside as a double boiler to give excellent temperature control, something I struggle with. Is there any reason that I couldn't run a program that just ramped up the temp according to a set profile without all the pumping etc. seems like it should be easy.

Thanks again for starting this thread, I had no idea this kind of stuff was out there.

 

[ibrewmyown]

You can program as many or as few steps as you like. I don't believe you'd be able to brew 5 gallon or smaller on the 20 gallon system I have but I can't speak for the 15. Email Darin from Brew Boss and ask him. His responses are quick and will answer any questions you have. He's great to deal with.

 

[Rhumbline]

I have to echo the praise for Darin.

I emailed him the above question re batch size and he responded within three minutes, on a Sunday.

He said the 10 gal would do a 2.53 gal batch depending on grain bill, and he recommended going with the BIAB version if I intended to do smaller batches.

I'm pretty sure I'll go with the 15 gallon setup, I can always split a batch and experiment with different yeasts and fermentation profiles.

Looks like an excellent product.

 

[Snicklefritz]

Not only is it a great product but the support is phenomenal, as I'm sure you'll soon find out.

 

[SeeMont]

I was thinking about the 20 gallon system but chose the 15 instead. I have brewed two high gravity, 20 lbs plus grain bill, six gallon batches with no problems. I am still getting ready to brew another and then try doing a parti gyle second running. Later

 

[Rhumbline]

Thanks all,

I'm running out of reasons not to buy one.

 

[cooper]

I keep jumping back and forth between the Brew-Boss and the system from High Gravity

http://www.highgravitybrew.com/store/pc/BIAB-Electric-Brewing-System-240V-p3987.htm

The cost difference is somewhere around $600 bucks if you go with the deluxe COFI system for Brew-Boss.

I really like the automation aspect you get from Brew-Boss and you can always switch over to manual mode if need be.

Anyone have experience on both of these?

 

[bembel]

Anyone have thoughts on the use of direct heat for the mash vs. a indirect method? Does it make a difference? Would be great to somehow dual use an immersion chiller with this system for indirect mash temp control and then chilling later with a whirlpool

 

[molson]

I keep jumping back and forth between the Brew-Boss and the system from High Gravity

http://www.highgravitybrew.com/store/pc/BIAB-Electric-Brewing-System-240V-p3987.htm

The cost difference is somewhere around $600 bucks if you go with the deluxe COFI system for Brew-Boss.

I really like the automation aspect you get from Brew-Boss and you can always switch over to manual mode if need be.

Anyone have experience on both of these?

I keep jumping back and forth between this and the system from Colorado brewing systems
http://www.cobrewingsystems.com/col...ucts/single-vessel-electric-brew-system-ebiab

The difference is about $500 between the two. I do like the complete automation with the brew boss but can't decide it it's worth the extra money. Anyone using the Colorado system?

 

[ibrewmyown]

The automation is what sold me and until you use it, you really can't believe how fast and easy you can brew. There's no lag time. Steps happen one after the other and before you know it, you're done and you look at the clock and can't believe you have so much of the day left. My very first brew took 4 1/2 hours to brew a 13 gallon batch.

I can't think of any step that you can't customize or modify. You can have as many steps in your mash as you like. You can reduce or extend your mash or boil. Set steps to sanitize your chiller. There's no sticking a thermometer in the chilled wort to check it it's right on your tablet.

You don't have to watch a timer. I brew in my garage / bar and I can grab the wireless tablet and go sit on the couch in the house if I want to and still know what's going on with my brew.

 

[flyingpole]

Price wise you need to compare the BIAB version of Brew-Boss with the HG system. Comparing the COFI is apples and orange comparison as the HG system uses a bag. The Brew-Boss system is almost the same price and provides the automation as well

 

[cooper]

As ibrewmyown said: The automation is what definitely sets the Brew-Boss apart from all the others.

You're already investing around $1K in any of the systems so it comes down to is the cost of the COFI (and necessary plate or counter flow chiller) worth the extra money, or do you go with the recirculating standard BIAB method with all the convenience of the automation?

 

[Rhumbline]

As ibrewmyown said: The automation is what definitely sets the Brew-Boss apart from all the others.

You're already investing around $1K in any of the systems so it comes down to is the cost of the COFI (and necessary plate or counter flow chiller) worth the extra money, or do you go with the recirculating standard BIAB method with all the convenience of the automation?

Exactly, the automation and the apparent ease of programming is the real attraction for me. This is what seems to distinguish BB from the others.

I certainly like the small footprint and streamlined process, but there are other systems that offer those as well.