I am weighing the pros and cons of two different solutions to getting a 2bbl kettle up and running for my planned 30 seat brewpub.
Option 1:
The first is a brand new unit available from NABs, designed by Allied Tank and made in China. Specs look ok for the price ($4960). Only downside really is the cost (which is great really) and the requirement for 3-phase power. Assuming getting 3-phase to my desired location is prohibitive/impossible, I'd need to buy a 15KW phase converter for an additional $1800.
Total cost: $8000 assuming a hefty freight charge for the oversized item.
Option 2:
The second system is the overgrown homebrew system, consisting of:
2x 55 gallon blichmann boil kettles (two simultaneous 1bbl brews)
2x 1-phase immersion heating coils of adequate size,
1x welded frame to hold above said contents, plus custom welding to fit bulk head fittings for the heaters to the pots.
Cost: About $3000
That $5000 savings can buy me two 4bbl open fermenters.
My worry with the cheap route is mainly over the hacked on immersion coils aggravating a code inspector down the line, and myself in the event of a boil over. I would probably have some sort of flashing welded on over the electronic enclosure sticking out of the pot, in addition to being hooked up to a GFI circuit.
I could go with gas burners, but I'm trying to stick with electric equipment to make it easier to go 100% solar powered at some point after profitability.
I have also looked into standard restaurant stock pot ranges, both electric and gas, but the cost brings the whole contraption nearer to the NABS kettle and thus is a wash.
Other drawbacks of the cheap system: not insulated, harder to whirlpool. more net floorspace taken up.
I'd be interested to hear other thoughts on which they'd pick. If anyone can speak to my concerns about code inspectors and custom equipment, that'd also be helpful.
Cheers,
Morgan
Option 1:
The first is a brand new unit available from NABs, designed by Allied Tank and made in China. Specs look ok for the price ($4960). Only downside really is the cost (which is great really) and the requirement for 3-phase power. Assuming getting 3-phase to my desired location is prohibitive/impossible, I'd need to buy a 15KW phase converter for an additional $1800.
Total cost: $8000 assuming a hefty freight charge for the oversized item.
Option 2:
The second system is the overgrown homebrew system, consisting of:
2x 55 gallon blichmann boil kettles (two simultaneous 1bbl brews)
2x 1-phase immersion heating coils of adequate size,
1x welded frame to hold above said contents, plus custom welding to fit bulk head fittings for the heaters to the pots.
Cost: About $3000
That $5000 savings can buy me two 4bbl open fermenters.
My worry with the cheap route is mainly over the hacked on immersion coils aggravating a code inspector down the line, and myself in the event of a boil over. I would probably have some sort of flashing welded on over the electronic enclosure sticking out of the pot, in addition to being hooked up to a GFI circuit.
I could go with gas burners, but I'm trying to stick with electric equipment to make it easier to go 100% solar powered at some point after profitability.
I have also looked into standard restaurant stock pot ranges, both electric and gas, but the cost brings the whole contraption nearer to the NABS kettle and thus is a wash.
Other drawbacks of the cheap system: not insulated, harder to whirlpool. more net floorspace taken up.
I'd be interested to hear other thoughts on which they'd pick. If anyone can speak to my concerns about code inspectors and custom equipment, that'd also be helpful.
Cheers,
Morgan
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