V1 vs V2 vs V3

[Gareth Davies]

Quick question - I have a brewZilla its been great but now looking to move up a gear. Whats the advantage of an all in system like a GrainFather compared to either a V2 system / RIMS or V3 system. I would love to hear peoples views?

 

[Covrich]

Isn't a brewzilla an all in one systen like grain father anyway?

 

[Covrich]

I would ask yourself what is it you want to achieve or alter? or why are you wanting to upgrade now.

 

[Clint]

I use pots and a cooler...unless my cooker arrangements change I wouldn't see changing anything as stepping up...but I would think most would see the next step up would be an all in one system...

 

[Gareth Davies]

It would be great to be able to brew 50L batches. But this is my question - what are the benefits or say buying a V3 system? Does it mean the process is closer to the brewery, better results more tech/flexibility, control?

 

[Gerryjo]

It would be great to be able to brew 50L batches. But this is my question - what are the benefits or say buying a V3 system? Does it mean the process is closer to the brewery, better results more tech/flexibility, control?

You can get a 65l BrewZilla and bear in mind that getting closer to a brewery may not be what you expect as there are some cr@p beer on the shelves with some exceptions.

 

[Benfleet Brewery]

You can get a 65l BrewZilla and bear in mind that getting closer to a brewery may not be what you expect as there are some cr@p beer on the shelves with some exceptions.

I don’t think the 65l Brewzilla can run off a normal 3a plug socket so be aware and check that before splashing out.

I agree with @Gerryjo, I moved to a 35l Brewzilla from a Peco and BIAB a few months ago really just to treat myself following a work bonus. Having used it a few times now, am I brewing better Beer? No, not at all. For my £350+ it seems I’ve probably just made my clean up a bit simpler and quicker.

 

[Covrich]

Yeah I wouldn;t expect you are going to leap into something much better as such, but maybe a cleaner and better process.. you are using an all in one now.. so other than adding volume I am not sure what you would gain as such from say a grain father

 

[Gareth Davies]

When looking at V3 kit you are talking £1000+ with digital temp control etc. so it it simple a volume advantage.

 

[Richard_H]

My current setup is a 25L kettle with a ball valve and thermometer with the BIAB method, it serves me well but I now feel another vessel would make my life easier and have been researching the pros and cons to both.

For me the main advantages of an all in one seems to be the obvious far smaller foot print and room taken up, generally cheaper, you have everything you need including a pump, software/timer and in some cases a chiller, there are plenty to choose from and they appear to be improved with now models so the quality is very good.

The plus points to going to 3V is that the setup may be more durable with thicker stainless steel and better components such as the pump and the use of tri clamps. You can replace/upgrade each vessel as and when is needed rather than having to replace the whole unit with an all in one. I suspect if you had an issue with a vessel you could just go down to 2 if need be to get you through a brew day, where as if the pump failed on a Grain father which has no tap during a brew you could be in trouble.

 

[Gareth Davies]

My current setup is a 25L kettle with a ball valve and thermometer with the BIAB method, it serves me well but I now feel another vessel would make my life easier and have been researching the pros and cons to both.

For me the main advantages of an all in one seems to be the obvious far smaller foot print and room taken up, generally cheaper, you have everything you need including a pump, software/timer and in some cases a chiller, there are plenty to choose from and they appear to be improved with now models so the quality is very good.

The plus points to going to 3V is that the setup may be more durable with thicker stainless steel and better components such as the pump and the use of tri clamps. You can replace/upgrade each vessel as and when is needed rather than having to replace the whole unit with an all in one. I suspect if you had an issue with a vessel you could just go down to 2 if need be to get you through a brew day, where as if the pump failed on a Grain father which has no tap during a brew you could be in trouble.

Similar thoughts to me - I guess you have the flexibility of upgrading/changing components - which would scratch my geeky side.

 

[Clint]

When looking at V3 kit you are talking £1000+ with digital temp control etc. so it it simple a volume advantage.

What do you have in mind when you say V3?

 

[Gareth Davies]

Well i was initially looking into the SS brewtech but that is £££s then i thought i would build my own similar to this but incorporate a temperature controller somehow.

 

[Clint]

Well that lots gonna cost! What could be done DIY?

 

[Richard_H]

Check out this company, much cheaper than SS Brewtech but the quality is supposed to be very good.
https://www.brewbuilder.co.uk/

 

[Clint]

Also look at Powell Brewing.

 

[Gerryjo]

I don’t think the 65l Brewzilla can run off a normal 3a plug socket so be aware and check that before splashing out.

I agree with @Gerryjo, I moved to a 35l Brewzilla from a Peco and BIAB a few months ago really just to treat myself following a work bonus. Having used it a few times now, am I brewing better Beer? No, not at all. For my £350+ it seems I’ve probably just made my clean up a bit simpler and quicker.

Yes you are right it's a 15amp supply required for a 3.5kw consisting of 3 elements 2kw,1kw and 500w though there is a 10amp convertor that will reduce power. Now that being said for those who have a dedicated supply available this can be done without issue providing the supply cable is adequate to supply the current required.with a 230v supply your nominal rating is 16A as full power this is drawing 15.2A.