Brewzilla query....

[jambop]

So for my input summary if it is about cost get the system that best suits your budget but if you can afford it get the BZ4 it has good advantages over the V3. However I would say if you do want to make bigger say 35L batches the S40 is in the frame. It is quirky when it comes to amshing temperature control but when you learn about the system you can control the mashing temperature on the fly. The vessel is double skinned so thermal stability is better than with the BZ so you can actually step mash quite well with a good 15 min 65C beta rest before moving up the temp to the alpha for the rest of the mashing period and get very good efficiency.

 

[Sozzled Sab]

I think any of these AIO systems will give very acceptable results IF you have the ability to learn to use them. Brewing even at the very basic level of an AIO is an acquired skill nobody gets it right straight off.

How right you are. As an ex picnic box brewer I bought a v3 a couple of years ago and it's taken me long time to get the hang of it. Happy with it now though but I'm still learning with each brew.

 

[MashBag]

I find this thinking strange. I like to brew the beer I choose, not what the machine will cope with.

 

[jambop]

I find this thinking strange. I like to brew the beer I choose, not what the machine will cope with.

Yes me too and I don't have a problem with that at all.... now you I find strange!

 

[gavp1979]

I find this thinking strange. I like to brew the beer I choose, not what the machine will cope with.

Surely there are limits to what all machines will cope with so I am not really sure what you are getting at

 

[jambop]

Surely there are limits to what all machines will cope with so I am not really sure what you are getting at

Think total volume mash brewing with an expensive piece of kit... it is the only brewing method worth persuing according to hacky sack

 

[Nottsbeer]

Thanks all for your input/experience. I've been watching quite a few reviews etc as well....sometimes too much info out there. Some of the features of the BZ4 sound and look good so may take the plunge on that. I have found the last few years good fun playing and problem solving issues that have arisen with my evolving kit, and think tinkering to get a new system working how I will like it is a nice challenge.

 

[RoomWithABrew]

Thanks. I'm trawling through a lot of pages on these....v3 seems good, struggling to see if v4 gives any benefits I may use.

A 4 would get you typing and reading a lot of woes on the forums.

 

[MashBag]

Yeah far too much info sometimes.

All machines have there limits, volume being a good example. The issue is some are on the label when you buy it, some are 'unexpected' features.

 

[tondy79]

I'm happy with my Brewzilla v4 paired with the RAPT thermometer. I think it hits a good middle ground between the cheaper all-in-one machines of this type (e.g. Klarstein Mundschenk), and the more expensive (e.g. Grainfather G40), which is what you would expect at the price point.

If you like the idea of having more information available, lots of configurable options, and you are comfortable using apps and menus, then I would say it is a good choice. If you think that you might find the idea of having lots of information (some of which may appear to be conflicting/confusing) stressful, then maybe go with a simpler and cheaper unit (or indeed a more expensive, more autonomous unit).

I brew with a friend who has a Klarstein, and we have great brew days, make (mostly) good beer, and we have got better using the Klarstein as time has gone on. I sometimes worry that the mashing temperature is really quite a bit lower than the reading from the bottom of the kettle is telling us, but I rarely find that it has any easily identifiable impact on the finished product.

My friend brews with me on my Brewzilla G4, and we have great brew days, make (mostly) good beer, and we have got better using the Brewzilla as time has gone on. I sometimes worry that we might get a stuck mash, or slow recirculation/sparge, but it rarely occurs. Maybe once in 30 brew days.

 

[The Drunken Spaniel]

I have used both. I bought the 4 after the 3 died and, personally, prefer the 4. They are both good units and I had modified the 3 so I could raise the control panel to an easier height and I removed the centre pipe. Things I prefer about the 4 are - the malt pipe - the xtra perforations up the side give me a better flow. I also like the 2 stage lift for sparging (I’m not getting any younger!). The better flow makes the sparge quicker too.The Bluetooth thermometer is also great. Now I have done a few brews I think I have the settings about right as the mash temps are really near what I set and steady. This means my efficiency is up and I’m always over the predicted OG. (I will be adjusting the recipes to suit but at the moment my “session” ales are pretty powerful, shortening the sessions somewhat). With the centre drain there is no mash tun loss and cleaning is so much easier. Again there is no need to lift it to empty completely as I had to with the 3. I don’t use the internet to control it although I will be looking at the possibility of remote control or pre programming. On the 3 it was straight forward to set it up it would turn itself on and be up to mash in temp when I got up . Only you can decide if it’s worth the extra for you. I doubt that it makes my beer taste any better but it does make my brew days more enjoyable and, for me, that is a large part of the fun of home brewing.

Cheers

 

[The Baron]

The Drunken Spaniel another user who fathomed out that it does take some adaption of method from previous AIO's or methods.
There are people out there who rubbish stuff without ever giving them a chance. It did have problems for most brewers until they adapted their style just like I did when I got my first AIO and went from BIAB all was not well until I had done 3 or 4 brews.
It is a good machine I like it

 

[Rodcx500z]

i am not going to slate the v4 as i have never seen one or used one but i am certain v4 owners will be along shortly

Which is why i said this

 

[Davegase]

The Drunken Spaniel another user who fathomed out that it does take some adaption of method from previous AIO's or methods.
There are people out there who rubbish stuff without ever giving them a chance. It did have problems for most brewers until they adapted their style just like I did when I got my first AIO and went from BIAB all was not well until I had done 3 or 4 brews.
It is a good machine I like it

Possibly the main problem with the G4 is that it gives the user more control options than they can cope with.
I've been delighted with mine. Using the brewfarther app my main problem was over efficiency, having to dilute to get down to my target og.

 

[jambop]

Possibly the main problem with the G4 is that it gives the user more control options than they can cope with.
I've been delighted with mine. Using the brewfarther app my main problem was over efficiency, having to dilute to get down to my target og.

And this is the reason for many users not getting good results when first using the system. They start off complex instead of learning to use it in the simplest way before then trying to use extra features to possible advantage. I have to say I am not a set and leave brewer I want to be seeing what is going on while I am brewing. Checking wort garvity while the mashing process is ongoing and getting ready for the sparge then the boil wieghing hops etc making cups of tea while I am at it. Its a hobby and I want to be part of the process.

 

[The Baron]

It is called serving your apprenticeship, i.e that is learning how to brew. There are many modern brewers who read up then ditch in with the latest equipment to do AG, reading is not a replacement for doing it may help with understanding the process but actual brewing is where the true learning process starts.
I remember my driving instructor saying to me when I passed my test "Now you start to learn how to drive".

 

[jambop]

What many brewers do not understand is that every time they mash their grains they are doing a biochemical reactions experiment. They are trying to get the best peossible set of conditions to make those reactions have the best outcome... unfortunately it is impossible to achieve those conditions for the expert brewers working with the best possible equipment to hand. The home brewer have very little chance of doing it at all with any AIO system containing say 30 - 50L of mashing ingredients .

 

[Sozzled Sab]

It is called serving your apprenticeship, i.e that is learning how to brew. There are many modern brewers who read up then ditch in with the latest equipment to do AG, reading is not a replacement for doing it may help with understanding the process but actual brewing is where the true learning process starts.
I remember my driving instructor saying to me when I passed my test "Now you start to learn how to drive".

And no matter how long you do it you never stop learning.