Hey All
Long time lurker, first time poster.
I currently run a 1 BBL brewhouse (Stout direct fire 3 tier with grant tank) and I'm looking for a semi-automated system to run as a pilot to the 1 BBL system (as funny as that sounds). I'd like to do batches on the pilot system while also doing batches on the 1 BBL, so the more automation the better. I've looked into the different systems listed in the Title, and searched these forums, but couldn't find a lot of professional experiences.
Picobrew: I like that it's highly repeatable and has high automation, but I don't like that it doesn't boil. Although, is this much of a concern? Everything I've learned tells me yes, but I know very large systems use external calandrias - isn't this the same thing? I'm concerned that it requires a large amount of Fermcap. I want to experiment with things like first wort and whirlpool hopping and I don't know if this unit can do that. The small 2.5 gal batches don't bother me.
Grainfather: seems like it would work very well and uses a classic process, similar to our 3 tier, so the recipes should be easy to scale up. the 110 volt might mean it's slow to heat and boil. not sure of the max OG it can handle.
Braumeister: i like that it's 220v, which probably makes it faster than the Grainfather. can these units sparge? what's the max OG possible? I'm experimenting with both low-OG beers (sessions, berlinerweiss, etc) and high OG. can the unique setup of the Braumeister handle that? if the volumes change to make different OG beers, I don't care. I just want to make good beer without needing DME. i also want to experiment with step mashes and possibly decoction.
small 3 tier: to get the level of automation we have on our 3 tier Stout would probably make this the most expensive route, so i'd like to avoid it if possible.
any experience or suggestions greatly appreciated
thanks!
e
Long time lurker, first time poster.
I currently run a 1 BBL brewhouse (Stout direct fire 3 tier with grant tank) and I'm looking for a semi-automated system to run as a pilot to the 1 BBL system (as funny as that sounds). I'd like to do batches on the pilot system while also doing batches on the 1 BBL, so the more automation the better. I've looked into the different systems listed in the Title, and searched these forums, but couldn't find a lot of professional experiences.
Picobrew: I like that it's highly repeatable and has high automation, but I don't like that it doesn't boil. Although, is this much of a concern? Everything I've learned tells me yes, but I know very large systems use external calandrias - isn't this the same thing? I'm concerned that it requires a large amount of Fermcap. I want to experiment with things like first wort and whirlpool hopping and I don't know if this unit can do that. The small 2.5 gal batches don't bother me.
Grainfather: seems like it would work very well and uses a classic process, similar to our 3 tier, so the recipes should be easy to scale up. the 110 volt might mean it's slow to heat and boil. not sure of the max OG it can handle.
Braumeister: i like that it's 220v, which probably makes it faster than the Grainfather. can these units sparge? what's the max OG possible? I'm experimenting with both low-OG beers (sessions, berlinerweiss, etc) and high OG. can the unique setup of the Braumeister handle that? if the volumes change to make different OG beers, I don't care. I just want to make good beer without needing DME. i also want to experiment with step mashes and possibly decoction.
small 3 tier: to get the level of automation we have on our 3 tier Stout would probably make this the most expensive route, so i'd like to avoid it if possible.
any experience or suggestions greatly appreciated
thanks!
e
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