I just picked up the Anvil Foundry a month ago, I’m on my 4th batch, it’s working great so far. I like that it doesn’t have a pipe in the middle, I like the separate pump, I like the 220 heating, etc.
I see a lot of reputable companies selling Brew Monk. What was the reason for this system didn't make it into your buyers guide? Was it temp accuracy? Usability? I'm looking into buying my 1st all in one system and was going to buy the 65l brewzilla but I've heard issues with these systems being used in the UK. The Brew Monk Magnus seemed to be a decent alternative but I wanted to get your opinion 1st. Thanks in advance, you've taught me an awful lot over the last 6 months
Thanks Stephen. The Brewmonk is one of many badges that go onto this common design of brewing system. I've tried a number of these. They look good on the outside but not the inside. Cheap components and electrics that are not very reliable or accurate. The larger versions are pretty underpowered heating wise also. Impossible to recommend sadly.
Hi David, Is the Brewzilla the only system in the budget range that has a mash timer. I'm looking for a system for early brews, something that can heat the strikewater before I get out of bed. something that can brew 42 litres would be perfect. Any thoughts? Thanks, Kevin
Very sorry for the late reply, YT has been very buggy recently so I only just saw this. There are others but nothing that I can really recommend. Most of them have faults that make them either unsuitable for brewing or unreliable.
Hi David. And thank you for your videos! I am new to home brewing and am about to purchase my 1st all in one system. I am thinking of the Brewzilla 35l Gen 3.1.1. Before I go ahead, I wanted to ask you a couple of questions: 1- Since your Best Al Grain All in One Brewing Systems comparative videos (July 2019), have you tried, been shown or heard of new models that could beat the price-performance ratio of the Brewzilla systems? 2- Could you please tell me the name of the Chinese brand (and model) you briefly introduced in your BrauBeviale 2019 video? And what were your impressions when looking at the system? Many thanks. Clement
Hi and thank you :) Here are my answers 1) Nothing has come to my attention yet. So at this point this information is still current. 2) This system is unbranded a present and is not available for sale yet. Ive no idea how good it is either but it did catch my eye. I have asked to be updated on it but so far there has been no news. Quite often such things either stay in China or do not get released due to an issue.
Hi David another fantastic video! I cant find anywhere that stocks the Robobrew in the UK, given the time between putting the video out and now, have you seen anything Europe based that compares with the Robobrew around the same price point? Also what should I look out for when buying second hand? I've found someone selling a grainfather around the £400 mark is it worth it? Also what are your thoughts on the Hopcat mk3?
Many thanks Sam. Yes the Brewzilla has proven to be very popular and since the virus times demand has sky rocketed. I would contact Brew Keg Tap in the UK and ask to reserve one in their next shipment. The problem with second hand is you never know how long it will last and how well (or badly) it has been treated. Once the heating elements die then the system dies with them. Hopcat is a rebrand. There are many types but so far I have not found one that I can recommend. Ive not tested the hopcat though...
Hi David ! i understand that you don't recommend the Klarstein / Brew monk / Royal catering systems, but have you checked the Brewster Beacon system ? It's an upgraded version of the above : better pump, no troublesome tap, low profile false bottom, temperature calibration, standalone external sight glass (not part of the pump reflux line). I would be very grateful if you could voice your opinion on this system.
It has some extras but I know various homebrew stores that have sold it and stopped due to problems with quality, electrics, reliability and general complaints including slow heating. Ive not tested one with this badge but its all the same stuff sadly.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew Thanks a lot for your insight !!! I'll try to get my hands on a Brewzilla then. It's a shame these are so hard to find in Europe...
Hi David, Paul from Angel Homebrew here. Just looking at this, and the comments, and the replies. Not wanting to cause any undue drama at all :) ..but.... hope you don't mind me saying I find it a little misleading. I know we have recently talked recently about the BrewDevil and Guten range of machines, and how these have improved and evolving and you have mentioned you should really take another look at these. You know yourself the early robobrew had issues which are being addressed as the machines evolve through generations. As far as I am aware you have not ever had a BrewDevil or other Guten latest machines, yet find replies to comments made here are bit unclear regarding not recommending them. Maybe should make it more apparent where your non recommendation is because you are unable to because you haven't tried it, or because you have tried and don't recommend. Also the video to my mind really comes across as excluding every machine in this price range except in the one in the video and then a bucket of reasons why these machines didnt make the grade. Dont feel this is really appropriate as by doing this you are including machines you have not tried. I think you only have the robobrew your selling at www.olbrygging.no/ but we are now offering both BrewDevil and Robobrew so really am able to compare these machines Just my opinion and really hope doesn't cause any offence, not my intention at all
Thanks Paul. The thing is I can only test brewing systems that are available in this market or if I am sent them for evaluation or review consideration. I have tried the vast majority though as stated. Neither of these systems are available here and I have not encountered them yet. Just like the Clawhammer for example that is sold just in the US. If there are systems that are just available in the viewers country (or very limited countries) then they should bear this in mind also.I did cover this in my intro wording to this effect. I would be surprised if anyone can make a worldwide guide, after all.
@UCKstVhYXaiF-AX5NHxqWqxA I did say the vast majority though in my video...not all. I think this is fair. Also , I would be more than happy to evaluate and consider reviewing any equipment. My policy is that if I think it is worth recommending then it gets a video. I do get sent quite a lot and certainly more than I make a video for. This works beyond what the company that I work for sells also. You will note the Brewtools for example, is not sold by the company I work for. They also sell other brewing systems that did not get a mention in these videos nor other videos on my channel. My channel is my private channel. Always has been and always will be. My position is clear in my UA-cam profile.
Hi, very informative videos. I have a question, just in your opinion what do you think of the 40l guten all grain brewing system? It's sold in Australia, not sure if you have had the opportunity to test this. It's main competitor is the 35l brewzilla in price.
Hi David thanks for another great video! Love your channel. Do you have any experience with the Hopcat Mk3? To me looks like a good deal with quite a few accessories that don't come with other units I've seen.
Thanks William :) I have no tested the hopcat but it is a rebadged system of a type that I have tested that I cannot recommend. Maybe the hopcat is better, hard to say without a test :)
@@johansmalberger2285 I have only put one brew through mine so far. The only issue I seem to have had was it over shot it’s temp by some margin. Didn’t matter as it was just heating strike water. The temperature is accurate when I tested it. I think I just had the power setting too high. It was very easy to use and I got a good extraction, quick to come to boil. Time will tell on quality but it looks and feels like it’s well made. What I will say is that I got my equipment quickly after order. They seem to have their stocking issues sorted.
Thanks for another helpful video! I'm looking for even more of a budget system with a pump :). Do you have any opinions on the Anvil system or the Brewers Edge Mash and Boil?
Not sure if you still looking but I have used a mash and boil for a couple years now and am pretty happy with it. It was sold to me as a robo brew without a pump. I added a pump to mine (one of the kegking ones). The mash and boil + pump is the same setup the owner of the homebrew shop uses as well, and anyone coming in for a robo brew or grainfather he tries to steer towards that setup as it is about $150 less then the robo brew is. While I have not personally compared them, the fact the owner could sell someone a more expensive setup and tries not to says a lot to me about how they compare.
Great content, as always. Love your unbiased way of looking at these systems, feels very legit for me as end user! Will look into Brewtools upon my next purchase :) keep it up David, videos one longs for to be uploaded!
I am wondering where the Anvil Foundry would fit in this review. I don’t know about their European distribution. All the website says is to create an account and then they will let you know if they ship to you. I have bought other items from them and found the quality to be of good value.
Thanks James. I have actually been in contact with Anvil. The problem is making it work with a 230v power supply. I can only test equipment that will work with this. Shame, as it looks very promising for sure.
Dear David, I'm looking for an all in one system for about a month and I was considering Robobrew, Brew Monk and Klarstein's Brauheld (basically in dilemma between Robobrew and Brauheld, as I thought that Brew Monk is a premium Robobrew). I'm interested only for small batch brewing as I downgrade from 3V. Brauheld offers a 15l model which is the perfect size but I have still doubts about controller's accuracy. How well does Robobrew handle smaller batches? Is there another system to consider? I know there is Anvil's Foundry 6.5 gallons but I can not find it in Europe... Thank you very much, Stelios
Robobrew is now Brewzilla and it has improved greatly. It is the one I would recommend above the systems you mention , except the Anvil system because I have not tried this as it is not available in Europe. Brewmonk is really a step down, not up.
Hey David, what should I do if my system doesn't have a pump ? Should I keep stirring or pick some wort from the bottom tap and pour it manually or nothing at all?
There are many thoughts out there on how to do this. Some stir every 5 mins , some dont stir at all and everything inbetween. If you can recirculate then this will help efficiency in the same way that stirring will. You could add a pump yourself though for recirculation.
Bloody hell ! After two months of searching on budget all in one system, I have made the decision to buy Klarstein Brauheld. Nowadays I am waiting to find a good offer from any local store. After watching your video, I am totaly lost. Do you now Brauheld all in one? I is quite popular in my country, and it seems to me to be a good choice. What do you think about it, David? Your opinion is so important to me. Thank you for your videos
Hi Marc. Those Klarstein systems are a rebadge of a design that is sold in many markets under different names. I really cannot recommend them. I would suggest a Brewzilla for its better qaulity and accuracy.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew Was referring to this also in my other comments relating to evolved machines, robobrew, guten etc and making non recommendations on machines never tested
@@angel-homebrew Yes but Paul I cannot recommend things I have not tested. I also made it clear that I have not tested every single brewing system on the market, just the vast majority. This was very clear at the start of the series.
I just picked up the Anvil Foundry a month ago, I’m on my 4th batch, it’s working great so far. I like that it doesn’t have a pipe in the middle, I like the separate pump, I like the 220 heating, etc.
James Kiffmeyer Great to hear James, I would love to try one myself :)
I have the Clawhammer 240 volt it is my second one from them my first one was the 120 volt.... it is by far the best system you can buy in the USA
Sadly not available in my part of the world.
I see a lot of reputable companies selling Brew Monk. What was the reason for this system didn't make it into your buyers guide? Was it temp accuracy? Usability?
I'm looking into buying my 1st all in one system and was going to buy the 65l brewzilla but I've heard issues with these systems being used in the UK. The Brew Monk Magnus seemed to be a decent alternative but I wanted to get your opinion 1st. Thanks in advance, you've taught me an awful lot over the last 6 months
Thanks Stephen. The Brewmonk is one of many badges that go onto this common design of brewing system. I've tried a number of these. They look good on the outside but not the inside. Cheap components and electrics that are not very reliable or accurate. The larger versions are pretty underpowered heating wise also. Impossible to recommend sadly.
Hi David, Is the Brewzilla the only system in the budget range that has a mash timer. I'm looking for a system for early brews, something that can heat the strikewater before I get out of bed. something that can brew 42 litres would be perfect. Any thoughts? Thanks, Kevin
Very sorry for the late reply, YT has been very buggy recently so I only just saw this. There are others but nothing that I can really recommend. Most of them have faults that make them either unsuitable for brewing or unreliable.
Hi David. And thank you for your videos!
I am new to home brewing and am about to purchase my 1st all in one system. I am thinking of the Brewzilla 35l Gen 3.1.1. Before I go ahead, I wanted to ask you a couple of questions:
1- Since your Best Al Grain All in One Brewing Systems comparative videos (July 2019), have you tried, been shown or heard of new models that could beat the price-performance ratio of the Brewzilla systems?
2- Could you please tell me the name of the Chinese brand (and model) you briefly introduced in your BrauBeviale 2019 video? And what were your impressions when looking at the system?
Many thanks. Clement
Hi and thank you :) Here are my answers 1) Nothing has come to my attention yet. So at this point this information is still current. 2) This system is unbranded a present and is not available for sale yet. Ive no idea how good it is either but it did catch my eye. I have asked to be updated on it but so far there has been no news. Quite often such things either stay in China or do not get released due to an issue.
Hi David another fantastic video! I cant find anywhere that stocks the Robobrew in the UK, given the time between putting the video out and now, have you seen anything Europe based that compares with the Robobrew around the same price point?
Also what should I look out for when buying second hand? I've found someone selling a grainfather around the £400 mark is it worth it?
Also what are your thoughts on the Hopcat mk3?
Many thanks Sam. Yes the Brewzilla has proven to be very popular and since the virus times demand has sky rocketed. I would contact Brew Keg Tap in the UK and ask to reserve one in their next shipment. The problem with second hand is you never know how long it will last and how well (or badly) it has been treated. Once the heating elements die then the system dies with them.
Hopcat is a rebrand. There are many types but so far I have not found one that I can recommend. Ive not tested the hopcat though...
Hi David ! i understand that you don't recommend the Klarstein / Brew monk / Royal catering systems, but have you checked the Brewster Beacon system ?
It's an upgraded version of the above : better pump, no troublesome tap, low profile false bottom, temperature calibration, standalone external sight glass (not part of the pump reflux line).
I would be very grateful if you could voice your opinion on this system.
It has some extras but I know various homebrew stores that have sold it and stopped due to problems with quality, electrics, reliability and general complaints including slow heating. Ive not tested one with this badge but its all the same stuff sadly.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew Thanks a lot for your insight !!!
I'll try to get my hands on a Brewzilla then. It's a shame these are so hard to find in Europe...
They are very popular and things are not so easy in these times as what with covid many new people started homebrewing.
Hi David, Paul from Angel Homebrew here.
Just looking at this, and the comments, and the replies.
Not wanting to cause any undue drama at all :) ..but.... hope you don't mind me saying I find it a little misleading.
I know we have recently talked recently about the BrewDevil and Guten range of machines, and how these have improved and evolving and you have mentioned you should really take another look at these.
You know yourself the early robobrew had issues which are being addressed as the machines evolve through generations. As far as I am aware you have not ever had a BrewDevil or other Guten latest machines, yet find replies to comments made here are bit unclear regarding not recommending them. Maybe should make it more apparent where your non recommendation is because you are unable to because you haven't tried it, or because you have tried and don't recommend.
Also the video to my mind really comes across as excluding every machine in this price range except in the one in the video and then a bucket of reasons why these machines didnt make the grade. Dont feel this is really appropriate as by doing this you are including machines you have not tried.
I think you only have the robobrew your selling at www.olbrygging.no/ but we are now offering both BrewDevil and Robobrew so really am able to compare these machines
Just my opinion and really hope doesn't cause any offence, not my intention at all
Thanks Paul. The thing is I can only test brewing systems that are available in this market or if I am sent them for evaluation or review consideration. I have tried the vast majority though as stated. Neither of these systems are available here and I have not encountered them yet. Just like the Clawhammer for example that is sold just in the US. If there are systems that are just available in the viewers country (or very limited countries) then they should bear this in mind also.I did cover this in my intro wording to this effect. I would be surprised if anyone can make a worldwide guide, after all.
@UCKstVhYXaiF-AX5NHxqWqxA I did say the vast majority though in my video...not all. I think this is fair. Also , I would be more than happy to evaluate and consider reviewing any equipment. My policy is that if I think it is worth recommending then it gets a video. I do get sent quite a lot and certainly more than I make a video for. This works beyond what the company that I work for sells also. You will note the Brewtools for example, is not sold by the company I work for. They also sell other brewing systems that did not get a mention in these videos nor other videos on my channel. My channel is my private channel. Always has been and always will be. My position is clear in my UA-cam profile.
Hi, very informative videos. I have a question, just in your opinion what do you think of the 40l guten all grain brewing system? It's sold in Australia, not sure if you have had the opportunity to test this. It's main competitor is the 35l brewzilla in price.
Hi Wayne, thank you. Ive never tried the Guten, so tricky to advise sadly as its not available here. Maybe see AU forums?
Any update for 2023? Budget version
Its in the works :)
Hi David thanks for another great video! Love your channel. Do you have any experience with the Hopcat Mk3? To me looks like a good deal with quite a few accessories that don't come with other units I've seen.
Thanks William :) I have no tested the hopcat but it is a rebadged system of a type that I have tested that I cannot recommend. Maybe the hopcat is better, hard to say without a test :)
@@DavidHeathHomebrew this is true of the mk1 and mk2. The mk3 is a complete redesign.
Okay, thanks for the information :)
@@petestewart7116 Hi Pete, would you recommend the mk3?
@@johansmalberger2285 I have only put one brew through mine so far. The only issue I seem to have had was it over shot it’s temp by some margin. Didn’t matter as it was just heating strike water. The temperature is accurate when I tested it. I think I just had the power setting too high. It was very easy to use and I got a good extraction, quick to come to boil. Time will tell on quality but it looks and feels like it’s well made. What I will say is that I got my equipment quickly after order. They seem to have their stocking issues sorted.
Thanks for another helpful video! I'm looking for even more of a budget system with a pump :). Do you have any opinions on the Anvil system or the Brewers Edge Mash and Boil?
Thanks Danny. Unfortunately neither of these systems are available outside of the US, so I am unable to test them.
Not sure if you still looking but I have used a mash and boil for a couple years now and am pretty happy with it. It was sold to me as a robo brew without a pump. I added a pump to mine (one of the kegking ones). The mash and boil + pump is the same setup the owner of the homebrew shop uses as well, and anyone coming in for a robo brew or grainfather he tries to steer towards that setup as it is about $150 less then the robo brew is. While I have not personally compared them, the fact the owner could sell someone a more expensive setup and tries not to says a lot to me about how they compare.
:)
Great series David going onto part two now.
A first class job sir!👍👍👍
Many thanks, much appreciated. This was a huge project for sure.
Great content, as always. Love your unbiased way of looking at these systems, feels very legit for me as end user! Will look into Brewtools upon my next purchase :) keep it up David, videos one longs for to be uploaded!
Many thanks Martin, much appreciated :)
I am wondering where the Anvil Foundry would fit in this review. I don’t know about their European distribution. All the website says is to create an account and then they will let you know if they ship to you. I have bought other items from them and found the quality to be of good value.
Thanks James. I have actually been in contact with Anvil. The problem is making it work with a 230v power supply. I can only test equipment that will work with this. Shame, as it looks very promising for sure.
Dear David,
I'm looking for an all in one system for about a month and I was considering Robobrew, Brew Monk and Klarstein's Brauheld (basically in dilemma between Robobrew and Brauheld, as I thought that Brew Monk is a premium Robobrew).
I'm interested only for small batch brewing as I downgrade from 3V. Brauheld offers a 15l model which is the perfect size but I have still doubts about controller's accuracy. How well does Robobrew handle smaller batches?
Is there another system to consider? I know there is Anvil's Foundry 6.5 gallons but I can not find it in Europe...
Thank you very much,
Stelios
Robobrew is now Brewzilla and it has improved greatly. It is the one I would recommend above the systems you mention , except the Anvil system because I have not tried this as it is not available in Europe.
Brewmonk is really a step down, not up.
Thank you very much for your quick response! I'll go for the Brewzilla then! Also great channel, keep up the good work!
Hey David great video. I just bought a Robobrew 3.0 and I was wondering if it has comparable accuracy to the 3.1 that you talk about in this video.
Also I was wondering why you didn’t mention the mash and boil as it seems to have very similar features to the Robobrew.
Many thanks. As I understand it yes but I have not tested the 3.0 so I cannot verify this.
The Brewers Edge mash and boil is only available in the US and requires a US power supply to use. I can only test systems that support 220-240v.
Thanks for letting me know!
David video notification. Press like, take nap, watch video. Weekend saved.
Haha, thank you. Hope you enjoy this series :)
Hey David, what should I do if my system doesn't have a pump ?
Should I keep stirring or pick some wort from the bottom tap and pour it manually or nothing at all?
There are many thoughts out there on how to do this. Some stir every 5 mins , some dont stir at all and everything inbetween. If you can recirculate then this will help efficiency in the same way that stirring will. You could add a pump yourself though for recirculation.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew yeah I just needed a way to do it while I wait to get the money for that
Thanks a lot
Just got a Brewzilla 35l 3.1 this week and brewed yesterday. Its a rippa
Great to hear Scott :)
Bloody hell ! After two months of searching on budget all in one system, I have made the decision to buy Klarstein Brauheld. Nowadays I am waiting to find a good offer from any local store.
After watching your video, I am totaly lost. Do you now Brauheld all in one? I is quite popular in my country, and it seems to me to be a good choice. What do you think about it, David? Your opinion is so important to me.
Thank you for your videos
Hi Marc. Those Klarstein systems are a rebadge of a design that is sold in many markets under different names. I really cannot recommend them. I would suggest a Brewzilla for its better qaulity and accuracy.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew Thanks for your response. Really appreciate
I have a klarstein and it works flawlessly..
@@DavidHeathHomebrew Was referring to this also in my other comments relating to evolved machines, robobrew, guten etc and making non recommendations on machines never tested
@@angel-homebrew Yes but Paul I cannot recommend things I have not tested. I also made it clear that I have not tested every single brewing system on the market, just the vast majority. This was very clear at the start of the series.
Is the content available in text/article form? Video is not useful in aa variety of situations.
Sorry but I only make content for video at this point. I have been considering other options though.