Thank you for this informative review. The main drawback appears to be the spilling issue when disconnecting the recirculation hose. I was wondering if the flow-meter assembly could be mounted on/near the pump instead of on the kettle. In that way, the recirculation hose would be connected to the top of the kettle, and disconnecting it would be much easier.
That is really cool as I'd never seen that before. It is very close to a perfect solution, especially with the sampling port. I'd still need shut off for the liquid going to the therminator but that would be an easy fix. Very cool and thinks for finding that and letting me know about it.
Thanks for the video. Based on your BH efficiency of 75%, it doesn’t appear that wort channeling is a big issue. I have a custom built BIAB and recirculate through the lid on my BK. After seeing this system, I’ve inserted a piece of 3/8” Pex tubing (with holes drilled in a similar fashion as the BE) that extends down into the mash. Haven’t tried it yet but hoping it helps in maintaining a more constant temperature throughout the entire mash. Perhaps your stirring helped break up any channeling that may have occurred.
Sounds cool and I'm happy it helped inspire you on your system. As for the 75, keep in mind that was on my first try, as I was impressed that I hit those numbers while still learning the system.
You're killing me Smalls. Guess I'm going to have to add on to the house to fit all the equipment. Went from cooler brew to mash and boil then the foundry. Now this.
😂😎😂😎I fully feel you pain! I'm moving and will soon have a 430 sq ft brewing space dedicated to brewing. And to think most people, including myself started with pot and a BIAB or colander doing 1 gallon brews.
I'm all about balls to the wall on the boil (I used to use 120v systems so boil was a struggle) but you are 100% right. I need to simply back the power percentage down a bit to a nice rolling boil which would have a huge impact on the boil off. Thank you for the video suggestion... I can run some tests to see what the boil off is at different power percentages as I feel other brewers could use that information as a guideline (Their mileage might very due to altitude and other environmental conditions.)
Have you used the Clawhammer system in the past? If so how would you rate the easy compact vs the clawhammer 120v system? I was thinking about saving up for one of the BrewEasy Compacts but not if it is not at-least 2x better than what I currently have. Also I wonder have you tried the controller with the hellfire burner at all? Wondering if temperature control would work like the electric where the controller determines how large the flame would be. If it would work like that then I may save up for the gas version because it would be faster boil times etc since I do not have 240 in my apartment and getting the landlord to allow me to install one would be the wrong thing to ask when he probably doesn't know I even brew :D
Sorry for the delay, I've been moving and still have all of my brew equipment to move next weekend when the garage will be fully ready for my equipment. As for the landlord, first see if he like beer a LOT and if not...don't say anything. For over 1.5 years I was using an adapted plug the plugged into my dryer socket and ran about 25 ft to where I was brewing. I could run 2 Anvil Foundries on it at 240 or 1 BrewEasy Compact (probably 2 but didn't have the equipment to test.) Personally both the Clawhammer and the BrewEasy Compact have a lot of parts and differences to compare. Sadly I haven't used the Clawhammer system yet or had the chance to see one in use. I could spend an hour discussing this but here is what I would do if I was in your shoes: First go to each website and do a full breakdown of how you would like to configure their system is you were buying it. Put that info in a Excel Spreadsheet with the price (you can include optional upgrades in a separate row as nice to haves but not required.) This will allow you to see every single system out there while narrowing down what works best for you. Then go watch as many review videos including those from the manufactures to see what you do and don't like and possibly pros or cons called out by the review (take some of those with a grain of salt.) Hands down if you are using an Anvil Foundry or like system at the moment, I would wait until you can use a 240 v otherwise I don't feel you will get the best value for your money in regards to long term enjoyment. (240v in my opinion is so much better than 120v in heat up and performance.) The Hell Fire is an ingenious system which I would expect probably does a nice job during the mash but I don't know personally. As for the Hell Fire for the boil, that would do an amazing job! Here are a few slightly older videos that give some insight: ua-cam.com/video/2TpGwBblazs/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/T6FoJ5j5e8E/v-deo.html I know you will probably look at other comparable systems like Brau Supply but I would also take a look at SVBS All in One to use a comparison. I personally wouldn't buy the Ss Brewtech system yet as it is only "pre-order" and it is version 1.0. Nothing personal but I almost never buy anything when it is first released. (Why my Anvil Foundries have the control system at the top.) Also I am pretty sure the BrewEasy Compact and the ClawHammer Supply unit have gotten lots of great reviews on temperature accuracy during the mash which is something to remember.
The two kettle system with all the bells and whistles runs about $2,600 and the Compact system with the same is about $2k. You are right about the dual 3 way valves as I was thinking the almost the same thing. Thank you.
What is included with the Therminator? On Blichmann’s site it says cooling & transfer kit. Im just wondering what I get that I would not get if I buy a plate chiller separately. Thanks
You may need to send me the link (URL) you are looking at, but no matter where you order it, it should include 2 - 1/2" male NPT fittings for wort side hose attachments and the large metal plate that allows you to connect it to either wood or a metal bracket to help hold it in place. I know for about another $30, Blichmann offers the ThruMometer, which connects inline with the tubing to show the temperature of the wort in the hose which seems a little high it is very useful.
The add on option for the BrewEasy Compact is $314 for Tri-clamp Therminator Cooling and Transfer kit + But If you purchase a Therminator alone its $240ish though
@@robaguirre6281 Rob, that is really confusing, and beyond the temp prob, I can't explain it. I will reach out to my Blichmann and ask what the difference is to ensure you get more details as I'm actually very interested too now. Thank You,
@@robaguirre6281 Sorry for the delay, but I got the answer from Blichmann. The Terminator is $240, and the transfer kit is $75, but together they are $315. The transfer kit includes: 3 quick connects ($14 each usually), 5 plastic clamps for hoses, 3 o-rings for the quick connects, 6 feet of 1/2" ID x 3/4" OD hose, and 1 Thrumometer (about $29 usually), so it makes sense once you realize what it comes with. I'm at that point where I need to order hose replacements for my older Anvil Foundry as I got some off of another site, and it just isn't the same (leaks and is too rigid).
I will use the new system a lot but I still am much more comfortable with the Anvil Foundry. I'm moving at the moment and will have 2 x 240 volt - 50 amp connections. Basically I can run 2 Anvil Foundries and the Blichmann EasyBrew Compact all at the exact same time. I prefer to brew 2 or more brews at the same time so I'm excited to brew with both. My biggest thing is to experiment and do comparisons so this is just one more item to compare.
I agree that they can be a pain to clean. I made a huge mistake and tried to chill wort with powdered phantasm powder in it from the whirlpool. What a nightmare it was to flush that stuff out, just imagine tiny hard bits like tiny pebbles. Took forever to flush it all out. Great system for quick chilling if you tap water is cool and your wort is clear.
Thank you for this informative review.
The main drawback appears to be the spilling issue when disconnecting the recirculation hose. I was wondering if the flow-meter assembly could be mounted on/near the pump instead of on the kettle. In that way, the recirculation hose would be connected to the top of the kettle, and disconnecting it would be much easier.
Sadly you can't attach it to the pump as it must be facing in an upward fashion to get an accurate reading.
Have you looked at the Ss Brewtech Portable Valve Tree? It looks like the perfect solution to the spilling issue.
That is really cool as I'd never seen that before. It is very close to a perfect solution, especially with the sampling port. I'd still need shut off for the liquid going to the therminator but that would be an easy fix. Very cool and thinks for finding that and letting me know about it.
Thanks for the video. Based on your BH efficiency of 75%, it doesn’t appear that wort channeling is a big issue. I have a custom built BIAB and recirculate through the lid on my BK. After seeing this system, I’ve inserted a piece of 3/8” Pex tubing (with holes drilled in a similar fashion as the BE) that extends down into the mash. Haven’t tried it yet but hoping it helps in maintaining a more constant temperature throughout the entire mash. Perhaps your stirring helped break up any channeling that may have occurred.
Sounds cool and I'm happy it helped inspire you on your system. As for the 75, keep in mind that was on my first try, as I was impressed that I hit those numbers while still learning the system.
It's a great filter for whole cone hops I bet!
Oh, I'm not in the market for another system, but this is a really interesting system. Thx for the info.
I was thinking the same thing and fresh aka whole cone hops would probably be fine. Using dry pellet hops is not recommended after what I experienced.
You're killing me Smalls. Guess I'm going to have to add on to the house to fit all the equipment. Went from cooler brew to mash and boil then the foundry. Now this.
😂😎😂😎I fully feel you pain! I'm moving and will soon have a 430 sq ft brewing space dedicated to brewing. And to think most people, including myself started with pot and a BIAB or colander doing 1 gallon brews.
Hopefully we get a video of the new space
What power are you using during the boil? Dial back the power percentage to reduce your boil-off rate. It’s adjustable in 1% increments.
I'm all about balls to the wall on the boil (I used to use 120v systems so boil was a struggle) but you are 100% right. I need to simply back the power percentage down a bit to a nice rolling boil which would have a huge impact on the boil off. Thank you for the video suggestion... I can run some tests to see what the boil off is at different power percentages as I feel other brewers could use that information as a guideline (Their mileage might very due to altitude and other environmental conditions.)
Have you used the Clawhammer system in the past? If so how would you rate the easy compact vs the clawhammer 120v system? I was thinking about saving up for one of the BrewEasy Compacts but not if it is not at-least 2x better than what I currently have. Also I wonder have you tried the controller with the hellfire burner at all? Wondering if temperature control would work like the electric where the controller determines how large the flame would be. If it would work like that then I may save up for the gas version because it would be faster boil times etc since I do not have 240 in my apartment and getting the landlord to allow me to install one would be the wrong thing to ask when he probably doesn't know I even brew :D
Sorry for the delay, I've been moving and still have all of my brew equipment to move next weekend when the garage will be fully ready for my equipment. As for the landlord, first see if he like beer a LOT and if not...don't say anything. For over 1.5 years I was using an adapted plug the plugged into my dryer socket and ran about 25 ft to where I was brewing. I could run 2 Anvil Foundries on it at 240 or 1 BrewEasy Compact (probably 2 but didn't have the equipment to test.) Personally both the Clawhammer and the BrewEasy Compact have a lot of parts and differences to compare. Sadly I haven't used the Clawhammer system yet or had the chance to see one in use. I could spend an hour discussing this but here is what I would do if I was in your shoes: First go to each website and do a full breakdown of how you would like to configure their system is you were buying it. Put that info in a Excel Spreadsheet with the price (you can include optional upgrades in a separate row as nice to haves but not required.) This will allow you to see every single system out there while narrowing down what works best for you. Then go watch as many review videos including those from the manufactures to see what you do and don't like and possibly pros or cons called out by the review (take some of those with a grain of salt.)
Hands down if you are using an Anvil Foundry or like system at the moment, I would wait until you can use a 240 v otherwise I don't feel you will get the best value for your money in regards to long term enjoyment. (240v in my opinion is so much better than 120v in heat up and performance.) The Hell Fire is an ingenious system which I would expect probably does a nice job during the mash but I don't know personally. As for the Hell Fire for the boil, that would do an amazing job! Here are a few slightly older videos that give some insight: ua-cam.com/video/2TpGwBblazs/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/T6FoJ5j5e8E/v-deo.html
I know you will probably look at other comparable systems like Brau Supply but I would also take a look at SVBS All in One to use a comparison. I personally wouldn't buy the Ss Brewtech system yet as it is only "pre-order" and it is version 1.0. Nothing personal but I almost never buy anything when it is first released. (Why my Anvil Foundries have the control system at the top.) Also I am pretty sure the BrewEasy Compact and the ClawHammer Supply unit have gotten lots of great reviews on temperature accuracy during the mash which is something to remember.
What's something like this cost ? Maybe using two of those Three way valves could get you a sample port.
The two kettle system with all the bells and whistles runs about $2,600 and the Compact system with the same is about $2k. You are right about the dual 3 way valves as I was thinking the almost the same thing. Thank you.
What is included with the Therminator? On Blichmann’s site it says cooling & transfer kit. Im just wondering what I get that I would not get if I buy a plate chiller separately. Thanks
You may need to send me the link (URL) you are looking at, but no matter where you order it, it should include 2 - 1/2" male NPT fittings for wort side hose attachments and the large metal plate that allows you to connect it to either wood or a metal bracket to help hold it in place. I know for about another $30, Blichmann offers the ThruMometer, which connects inline with the tubing to show the temperature of the wort in the hose which seems a little high it is very useful.
The add on option for the BrewEasy Compact is $314 for Tri-clamp Therminator Cooling and Transfer kit +
But If you purchase a Therminator alone its $240ish though
@@robaguirre6281 Rob, that is really confusing, and beyond the temp prob, I can't explain it. I will reach out to my Blichmann and ask what the difference is to ensure you get more details as I'm actually very interested too now. Thank You,
@@robaguirre6281 Sorry for the delay, but I got the answer from Blichmann. The Terminator is $240, and the transfer kit is $75, but together they are $315. The transfer kit includes: 3 quick connects ($14 each usually), 5 plastic clamps for hoses, 3 o-rings for the quick connects, 6 feet of 1/2" ID x 3/4" OD hose, and 1 Thrumometer (about $29 usually), so it makes sense once you realize what it comes with. I'm at that point where I need to order hose replacements for my older Anvil Foundry as I got some off of another site, and it just isn't the same (leaks and is too rigid).
@@BitterRealityBrewing no problem. Thanks so much for the info. Sounds like its really worth getting the kit then.
Will you use this piece now as your main brewing System - and your Anvil as Sparge Water Heater? I mean how many systems do 1 man need? Crazy :D
I will use the new system a lot but I still am much more comfortable with the Anvil Foundry. I'm moving at the moment and will have 2 x 240 volt - 50 amp connections. Basically I can run 2 Anvil Foundries and the Blichmann EasyBrew Compact all at the exact same time. I prefer to brew 2 or more brews at the same time so I'm excited to brew with both. My biggest thing is to experiment and do comparisons so this is just one more item to compare.
Plate chillers are such a pain as you can’t clean them fully.
I agree that they can be a pain to clean. I made a huge mistake and tried to chill wort with powdered phantasm powder in it from the whirlpool. What a nightmare it was to flush that stuff out, just imagine tiny hard bits like tiny pebbles. Took forever to flush it all out. Great system for quick chilling if you tap water is cool and your wort is clear.