This review is by Homebrew Finds Contributor Brad Probert. Brad is an engineer, expert homebrewer and experienced reviewer. Grab a link to Brad’s website at the end of this review.
Mark II Pump with Steel Head
Let’s face it, pumps aren’t the most exciting piece of homebrew equipment you own. With the exception of the RipTide pump, they don’t have “features” you can impress your friends with. There are a few basic requirements, and once you get those met, you’re just looking for the lowest price. For me, the basic requirements are: 1) Magnetic drive, 2) Ideally a stainless steel head, 3) Temperature & splash protection, and lastly 4) Maximum head.
The MkII’s Magnetic Impeller
Several vendors offer what’s called a “Mark II Pump”. So you need to dig deeper than just the name when comparing pump offerings from different shops. One requirement, which is pretty much standard across beer brewing pumps, is what’s called a magnetic drive. Magnetic drive means you don’t have to worry about grease from shaft bearings getting into your wort. The other advantage is that you can close a valve- partially or completely- on the output side of your pump to reduce flow, and it causes no stress to your pump. Magnetic drive is pretty much standard in beer brewing pumps, but I bring it up because shopping on Amazon or eBay you might get drawn into something that isn’t.
Check Current Price & Availability:
MARK II BEER PUMP via Proflow Dynamics
Limited Time Deal!
PFD is taking 30% off their homebrew category when you use promo code BF30%. Considering their already, generally, great everyday prices, this is an outstanding deal!
ProFlow’s Homebrew Lineup – remember coupon code BF30% to get an additional 20% off
- This works with the MK II Pump!
- Shipping is an additional cost based on your location. Because of minimum shipping costs, it may make sense to place a larger order. Additional items may ship for minimal cost.
MK II Brewing Pump – remember coupon code BF30%
About Pump Features and Specs – What does Pump Head Mean?
Pump heads come in either stainless steel or some kind of plastic/resin. Some resins have a better temperature durability, so after many hours of operation they are less likely to break down and lose pressure/flow capability. Stainless steel doesn’t have this issue, but it also has more durable threads. Most wort pumps come with 1/2″ Male NPT at inlet and outlet so you can screw on hose attachments or ball valves. I’ve had bad luck with stripping threads off a polysulphone pump head even with the most careful attention paid to not cross-threading it.
The next key differentiator between pumps is temperature capability. Some are designed to handle cooler liquids and are maybe only rated to something like 80F or 180F. This simply isn’t good enough for brewing, you want something that can handle boiling wort temperatures (212F or hotter).
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