I’m a big fan of Nite-Ize Gear. I have… the S-Biner Ahh Caribiner Clip Bottle Opener (standard equipment for me when traveling), KBB9-03-01 KnotBone Adjustable Bungee, SBL-03-11 S-Biner GetLit, Stainless, C9L-02-01 Large Figure 9 Carabiner and Gear Tie Clippable Twist Tie. In my opinion… they make some really well thought out, innovative and quality stuff.
Here’s a look at their DoohicKey Stainless Multi Tool
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.
This review is for being kept for historical purposes. The Thermapen Mk4 is no longer manufactured. It’s been replaced by the Thermapen ONE
Beer brewing is filled with processes that are based on temperature. Some processes achieve acceptable results with general temperature ranges, but others require specific temperatures where a few degrees hotter or cooler make a difference. But perhaps the most important aspect of temperature accuracy is repeatability. You set up a mash or fermentation process based on expert feedback you read in a book, or just anecdotal advice you get from fellow homebrewers. If it works out to your liking, you want to be able to do it the same way again next time.
I picked up Trinity’s EcoStorage Stainless Table toward the end of 2014. I wanted a sturdy, easy to clean table for around the brewery tasks and storage. This table is all stainless construction, NSF certified, has 150 lb capacity per shelf, features adjustable feet levelers and the shelf is fully adjustable. 48″ wide, 35.5″ tall, 24″.
Adventures in Homebrewing was a homebrew store located in Taylor, Michigan in the Detroit area. They offered a wide variety of homebrew supplies and gear including some really unique things at reasonable prices. They also had great customer service. Toward the end up 2021 AIH was bought out by Northern Brewer. Since Adventures in Homebrewing and Austin Homebrew Supply have joined Midwest Supplies in being vanity storefronts of Northern Brewer.
Adventures in Homebrewing produced a line of brand new ball lock kegs. These were AIH’s own design. They are also branded “Old Ale Supply Company”.
It seems that Northern Brewer kept very few of Adventures in Homebrewing’s unique offerings, this keg is one that they kept.
These are Amazon affiliate links. Note that multiple variations of these products may be available, as such a different version may appear at these links
In my opinion, AEB Kegs are the highest quality kegs available. Kegland are just behind AEB
The EcoVessel BOSS Growler boasts stainless steel construction, triple insulation, an infusion basket and a unique cap that gives you two choices and features a plastic strap that attaches to the growler. It has a standard 64 ounce capacity and comes in multiple color options.
Top of the growler. This growler has two openings. A larger one for filling and pouring and a smaller one for drinking. Both have gasketed seals.
A look at the top of the infusion basket
Here’s a look at Anova’s Precision Sous Vide Immersion Circulator. This Anova Precision Immersion Circulator is 1,000 Watts, heats 4 to 6 gallons of water to 99 deg C (nearly boiling), mounts to the side of your kettle with a built in clamp, has a touch screen control for both temp and time (either F or C) and has a built in recirculating pump for keep consistent temps. Everything that goes into the water is stainless steel, and it can be disassembled for cleaning.
Brewing uses could include: getting and keeping strike water at temp, direct use (with a filter bag in a mash tun or BIAB mash), maintaining temperature for sour mashes and getting to a boil more quickly (or helping to maintain a boil) for both all grain and extract batches.
Features:
A look at that Anova and included manual in the box
The Anova Precision Sous Vide Immersion Circulator
Setup and control is easy via the integrated touch screen. This screen is for setting the option heat time.
Setting the temperature
It’s worth noting that although there is a time setting, it is not required.
Installed. This has an integrated mounting clamp that secures the heat stick to the side of the kettle.
You can see the water rippling from the flow of the Anova’s integrated circulator
I completed a quick heating test with about 5 gallons of water in a 6-ish gallon kettle. The water started out at 73 deg F.
The 5 gallons gained about 65 degrees in 51 minutes.
Anova Sous Vide Immersion Circulator – 120V Circulator Cooker (Black) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
A newer version (with different specifications) is also available…
Anova Culinary Precision Cooker/Immersion Circulator (Black) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Anova also has an article on their website about brewing with the Anova One on their blog
Heating up Strike Water
from Twitter Follower Danny – “I have successfully heated up to 9.5G of water to 160F in my MT with this. Highly recommend” – photo on right click to enlarge.
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
pinned amazon
Here’s a look at 50′ size of Camco’s Premium Drinking Water Hose.
Close up on the center portion of the packaging. Premium – 20% Thicker – Machined Fittings – Strain Relief Ends – HD Reinforced
Bottom side of the packaging. Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose. 5/8″ Internatl Diameter. 50 ft, 15.2 meters.
Close up on the UPC label. Made in the USA.
Close up on the female end
Close up on the mail end
Side view
This is a heavy duty, high quality hose. It feels much more heavy duty vs the one that I am replacing (recently burst – fortunately I was close by).
This is available in 10, 25, 35 and 50 ft sizes.
Camco 22853 Premium Drinking Water Hose (5/8″ID x 50′) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Camco 22843 Premium Drinking Water Hose (5/8″ID x 35′) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Camco 22833 Premium Drinking Water Hose (5/8″ID x 25′) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Camco 22823 Premium Drinking Water Hose (5/8″ID x 10′) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
pinned
amazon
15 Quart Marine Cooler by Igloo. Features – Ultratherm insulated body, Stain and odor resistant liner, UV Inhibitors to protect against sun damage, Reinforced comfort grip handles, Dimensions 20in L x 12in W x 14in H.
I picked up Igloo’s 25 Quart Marine Cooler after I saw someone with one at an event and I really like the size and the looks of it. I got this primarily for carrying and keeping beer and other items cold. I’m not suggesting this as a good cooler to use as a mash tun (no drain). I’m suggesting it’s a good cooler to use as a… cooler.
Close up of the right hand side logo – Igloo Marine Ultra
The left hand side label – click to zoom. UV Inhibitors Guard Against Sun Damage. Long Lasting Hinges. Stainless Steel Lid Strap. Comfort Handles. Made in the USA. 25 Quarts/23 Liters. 36 Can Capacity.
The lid
Handle close up
This holds both larger/taller German Style bottles and 22 oz bottles.
The 22 oz bottles come very close to poking up over the top of the cooler, however, the lid has an indentation and closes fine with 22 oz bottles.
You can stack two 12 ounce cans, you can also stack a 16 oz can and a 12 oz can. Two 16 oz cans are too tall.
Of course standard and standard-ish (like these Anchor Porter) beer bottles work just fine.
Loading it up
More beer
Without a lot of thought while packing… this cooler held all of this beer.
I’ve owned this since early 2015. I really like it’s build quality and size. It’s well made. It’s compact, but can still hold quite a bit including the ability to carry larger 22 oz bottles.
Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler (White, 25-Quart)
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
pinned
amazonreview:igloo25marine
Here’s at the ITC-1000. First, some background… The STC-1000 is a very popular homebrewing temperature controller. One caveat of the STC-1000 (for some) is that the vast majority (maybe all?) display in Celsius only. Yes you can do some firmware re-flashing and such things, but as far as off the shelf units, the vast majority read in Celsius,
Enter the Inkbird ITC-1000… It’s 110 V, Dual Stage (can control both heating and cooling output), has an alarm to indicate sensor failure or high temperature and… it displays in Fahrenheit… finally! It’s also said to be more user friendly than the STC-1000.
The STC-1000 was already a great controller, arguably the best value in temperature controllers. These improvements seem to make a great thing even better.
The Inkbird ITC-1000 box
Box opened. You get the dual stage controller, temperature probe and manual.
Front of the ITC-1000
Side view
The top of the controller displays a wiring diagram.
Back of the controller. This removable plate partially shields the wire connections.
Temperature probe.
For size comparison next to the Lifeline 7508 Stainless Growler – Review.
For size comparison next to… a banana. Yes, I ate this banana. It was pretty tasty.
Inkbird All-Purpose Digital Temperature Controller Fahrenheit &Centigrade Thermostat w Sensor 2 Relays – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
PDF Manual:
Note – These are the current versions, as of this posting, however, software versions and manuals change over time. – ITC-1000F
Build Instructions:
ITC-1000 Step by Step Build – AHA guide, intended for the STC-1000 but compatible with the ITC-1000
Also Consider: Inkbird Pre-Wired Dual Stage Temp Controller
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
pinned
amazon
The ThermoWorks TimeStick has been around for quite some time. I’ve owned two and used them extensively. If you’re not familiar with ThermoWorks, they are the makers of the nearly universally lauded Thermapen – Review and along those lines produce quality equipment.
ThermoWorks has released the TimeStick Trio. That unit features three independent timers and is available to order as of this posting.
ThermoWorks kindly provided me with a pre-release unit and to prove that they are fans of homebrewing they have also lifted the media embargo just for Homebrew Finds. That means you’re hearing it here first. Their official announcement, along with other website’s coverage will come later.
Check it out – Here
Also Consider – Thermapen Open Box Sale
On to the review…
In the box. It reads – 3 Timers in One, Easy to Set, Start & Stop, Backlit Display, Neck Lanyard
Back of the box
Top of the back of the box. It reads…
“TimeStick Trio is the easiest-to-use triple timer in the world. Each of the three timers has its own display with its own Set and Start/Stop buttons. No confusion on how to set a timer, how much time is left, which one is sounding or how to stop any of the three.
Directly set your times on the rubberized and sealed numeric keypad. All the operations can be done in one hand. No Up/Down buttons that over-run your settings. When you set a Count-Down time, the Start button starts the timer. When the alarm sounds, a Count-Up starts so you know how long since the alarm sounded. Pause and continue any timer at any time. Each alarm has a distinct beep pattern so you can tell which alarm is sounding.
To use as a Count-Up Timer, simply start at 00:00:00 and hit Start. It’s like having three separate stopwatches in one.
Use Trio in the dark with the bright backlight. Hang Trio from your neck, slip it in a pocket or mount it to a magnetic surface. Rugged commercial construction and splash proof seals protect Trio from messy kitchens, sports or pool side use. The keypad can be locked to prevent accidentally disrupting a timer operation. Durability and super-simplicity make TimeStick Trio a solid value.”
Bottom of the back of the box
Unboxed. To the right you can see the included CR2032 Lithium Battery.
Back of the TimeStick Trio. A built in magnet can be seen on the top third along with the battery door to the bottom. The battery door features an oring for water resistance. The TimeStick Trio is splash proof but directions say not to submerge the unit.
Front of the TimeStick Trio
Each of the three timers have corresponding set buttons on the side
In addition to separate set buttons for each timer, the other side features independent Start/Stop buttons. ThermoWorks set out to make an easy to use three timer device. That’s really one of the areas where this shines. The corresponding buttons make it easy to quickly set, start and stop the three timers individually.
Backlit display
For size comparison, next to the original TimeStick
Multiple timers set
Multiple timers going. Note that each timer plays a distinct sound pattern so you can tell what’s what.
Timers can be either up or down. To set a down timer just hit the set button, key in the time on the number pad and hit set. To set an up timer just set the time to zero and hit the start button. You can easily tell if a timer is up or down on the display. Notice the middle timer in this picture reads up with the top and bottom timers read down.
Resetting the timers is also easy. Hitting the set button once resets the corresponding timer to the last set time. Hitting zero, clears the timer.
Here are the included instructions.
The included magnet makes it handy. Here is the Trio stuck to my fermentation deep freeze.
I haven’t had the TimeStick Trio long, but first impressions are that this thing is classic ThermoWorks – well designed and thought out and well built. The multiple timers make it a huge win for homebrewers. Thank you to ThermoWorks for providing an evaluation unit and for choosing to make this initial announcement to… homebrewers. Kudos to ThermoWorks.
Check sale or product page for current availability & pricing
Check it out – Here
pinned
This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
greatdeals
Homebrewers are generally weighing things in two categories. Moderately large amounts of things – like grain – and smaller amounts of things – like hops and water salts. Although weighing both types of things involve a scale, they are really wildly different activities.
An accurate gram scale is great for weighing smaller amounts of things like hops, water salts and smaller amounts of other ingredients.
This scale has 1/100th gram resolution making it great for accurately weighing hops, small amounts of specialty grains and water salts. It has a 100 gram (3.52 ounce) capacity.
The front of the box. Reads: Hundredth of a gram accuracy (0.01 g), 100g Maximum Capacity, Flip-Open Protective Cover, Includes two AAA, 10 Year Warranty.
Note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at these links
ZChillers are made in the US, double tube counter flow wort chillers. The interior tubing is a Spiral Star Design. This spiraling increases the surface area of copper that’s in contact with your wort. It also increases turbulence. More movement across more surface area means your wort chills quickly.
A top down look a the large ZChiller
Slightly different angle.
A top down look at the coils
The coils measure about 5″
A close up to measure individual coils. I’d call it 3/4″.
The Large ZChiller
Here is performance data for the Large ZChiller. Chilling performance graphs for all models are available on ZChillers Website in the News Section.
Three Models Are Available…
Standard ZChiller – 9″ diameter, 3.5″ tall, made from 102″ of copper tubing. Our original design created with small-batch homebrewers in mind. Compact, efficient, and recommended for batches of 7.5 gallons or less.
Large ZChiller – 9″ diameter, 5.125″ tall, made from 154″ of copper tubing. Our most versatile chiller, the Large ZChiller can handle much larger batches that require a higher degree of cooling while at the same time retaining the ability to be used for small batches as well. If you want flexibility and true brewing freedom, this is the chiller for you.
Square ZChiller – 8.75″ side length, 7.25″ tall, made from 134″ of copper tubing. Distinctive design delivers cooling rates comparable to the Large ZChiller with a brand new look to spice up your brewing rig. If you’re looking for a unique chiller with a bit of flash that can handle a variety of batch sizes, look no further.
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
pinned
aih
Blichmann Engineering’s Linear Flow Valve was first introduced as part of their BoilerMaker G2 Kettle. It is a ball lock valve replacement. Since that kettle was released the Liner Flow Valve has been released as a separate product.
Blichmann Engineering’s G2 Kettle is available in 7.5 through 55 gallon sizes. The BoilerMaker G2 is designed and manufactured in the US. It includes a Sight Glass w/Laser Etched Volume Markers, Adjustable Angle BrewMometer Thermometer, Linear Flow Valve and tool-less dip tube. The G2 also features a 1.2 height to diameter ratio.
Updated: September 2, 2024
The Mark II Keg and Carboy Washer is designed to help you easily clean and sanitize kegs, carboys and more.
The Brew Bag is a high quality purpose designed Brew in a Bag/BIAB bag.
It has four loops for lifting the bag out of your kettle, every seam is reinforced for long life and it is available in a number of sizes for kettles, keggles, coolers and more. If they don’t carry the size you want, The Brew Bag will custom make it for you.
Coupon code FET8AD1SDR4S takes 10% off your entire purchase. Promo code via: Brew In a Bag – Bag Material – Does it Matter?
Also: Search The Brew Bag at Amazon, offerings vary
Updated: September 8, 2024
German Made, Speidel Fermenters are available in a range of sizes 3.2 gallons all the way up to… 132 gallons. Check out the full lineup including accessories and replacement gaskets.
I’ve owned a 5.3 gallon Speidel fermenter since October of 2011. I use it for small batch BIAB beers. I’ve been very impressed with that fermenter. More recently, I picked up the 7.9 gallon version so that I can ferment full 5 gallon batches with all the same advantages. This is a hands on review of both fermenters.
Since their introduction NorCal Brewing Solutions has introduced a number of accessories to extend and enhance Speidel Fermenters
I received a recent More Beer order yesterday afternoon. That order included the all grain version of More Beer’s newer M-80 IPA. That recipe features American Pale Malt, Crystal 15, Columbus for bittering, followed by Simcoe, more Columbus, more Simcoe and a generous dose of Centennial for dry hopping. I’m using WLP-001. More Beer’s recipes also come with Priming Sugar, and a Whirlfloc tablet.
The directions call for three medium sizes oranges to be added a couple of days into fermentation. That’s both the zest and the fruit (discarding as much of the pith as possible). Sounds delicious to me.
From the beer description: “… Because of the similarity of hops, one MoreBeer! staffer dubbed it a mini “Pliny The Elder... but with orange”. High praise indeed.”
M-80 was designed by fellow homebrewer Carlos Musquez. Carlos is also a graphic designer and designed matching labels to go along with M-80.
M-80 is available in both All Grain and Extract Versions
pinned
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
morebeerInitially, I was very happy with this mill, but I did end up having problems with the rollers. I have tried many adjustments but have a hard time getting the rollers to engage. For what I paid for it, I feel like it should have lasted much longer. My Barley Crusher continues to work after years and years and it cost much less. Others have commented on this review along those same lines. I like a lot of things about this mill, but would love to see them address the quality issues related to the rollers.
This post still has some very interesting crush and mash test results that make a great case for taking control of your brew day by crushing your own grain.
Check Current Pricing and Availability, Review, Crush & Mash Tests Continue Below:
Captain Crush Grain Mill for All Grain Home Brewing – Malt Crusher on Amazon
Here is a Hands on Review of Northern Brewer’s Captain Crush, 3 Roller Grain Mill. It includes thoughts about the mill, photos of the mill in action and a crush/mash trial.
The Captain Crush Grain Mill
The box. It’s large.
Not only is it large, it’s heavy. My Ultraship 55 (usually my grain scale – Review) shows a whopping 21 lbs 7 ounces.
Over half of that weight is the roller mill assembly itself.
Top of the mill
Bottom of the mill
Base. The circular pieces in the middle are designed to fit nicely on a bucket.
Assembled. This mill is huge and it looks cool.
Profile view
One of the nice things about the Captain Crush are the easy adjustment knobs. You can change settings quickly and without tools. The current setting is NB’s recommended “optimal setting”. Also notice the drill connection shaft toward the top left of the mill body.
Installed on a bucket.
The base fits perfectly inside this 5 gallon bucket.
Front view
For size comparison side by side vs my Barley Crusher Grain Mill
Profile view compared with the Barley Crusher. As you can see the Captain Crush Mill is considerably larger.
Top down view vs Barley Crusher
The official size of Captain Crush’s Hopper is 11 lbs. I’ve found that it can hold at least that much. This picture shows the vast majority of the malt bill for 1 Hour IPA – continuously hopped IPA. The malt bill for that is 13 lbs. The hopper is holding just under 12 lbs… 11 lbs 14 oz.
Front View
A picture of the crush
These are side by side mash tests using the Captain Crush Mill on “optimal” setting vs store crushed grain. The Rahr 2 Row both milled and unmilled were sourced at a reputable local homebrew shop. Note that it did not come from Northern Brewer. To produce as consistent results as possible, I measured everything (water and grain) in grams to the nearest single gram.
Procedure:
Each test used 906 grams (1.997 lbs) of grain
Each Test used 2,715 grams of strike water (.717 gallons). For some reason I didn’t use the tare feature when I weighed the water. The pitcher ways 547 grams. That makes the water 2,715 grams.
This 2 Gallon Rubbermaid Cooler Served as a Mash Tun. I used a paint straining bag to contain the grain. This process worked pretty well. This would be good equipment and technique to use for small batch all grain brews. For consistency, I pre-heated the cooler prior to placing grain and strike water into it.
A 5 gallon paint straining bag contained the grain.
My Thermapen reading mash temperature. The temperatures of each trial mash were close but not identical. One read 151.5 deg F, the other read 152 deg F. I consider that to be within the limits of what I can test and produce in my kitchen.
Results Store Milled:
Store Milled Grain
Collected Wort. With the help of an on-screen ruler, I’m going to estimate this at .859 gallons collected. That means that .355 gallons were absorbed. Making the absorption rate for this grain and crush .177 gallons/lb.
My Atago Pal-1 Digital Refractometer reads 10 Brix. That’s on OG of 1.040. Rahr 2 Row should provide 37 points per lb. That means there are a total of 74 points in the two lbs of grain I used. .859 gallons of 1.040 wort comes out to a total of 34.375 points or an efficiency of 46.4%. That’s low. Although, the point of this particular experiment is to compare two grinds, not to measure the efficiency of one technique vs another.
Results Captain Crush Milled:
Milled Grain
Collected Wort. I’m going to estimate this at .875 gallons collected. That means that .339 gallons were absorbed. Making the absorption rate for this grain and crush .170 gallons/lb.
My Atago Pal-1 Digital Refractometer reads 13.2 Brix. That’s on OG of 1.053. Rahr 2 Row should provide 37 points per lb. That means there are a total of 74 points in the two lbs of grain I used. .875 gallons of 1.053 wort comes out to a total of 46.375 points or an efficiency of 62.6%. Again, the point of this particular experiment is to compare two grinds, not to measure the effectiveness of a particular set of equipment or technique.
Store Milled Grain (left) vs Captain Crush Mill using “optimal” setting (right). Click to zoom.
Initially, I was very happy with this mill, but I did end up having problems with the rollers. I have tried many adjustments but have a hard time getting the rollers to engage. For what I paid for it, I feel like it should have lasted much longer. My Barley Crusher continues to work after years and years and it cost much less. Others have commented on this review along those same lines. I like a lot of things about this mill, but would love to see them address the quality issues related to the rollers.
Captain Crush Grain Mill for All Grain Home Brewing – Malt Crusher on Amazon
Adventures in Homebrewing discounts seasonal homebrew beer recipe kits by 20%. Selections include both all grain and extract options.
20% Off Seasonal All Grain Kits | 20% Off Seasonal Extract Kits
Our resource post on all grain is the source for everything all grain!
Special Thanks to Monster Brewing Hardware for providing the unit used for evaluation in this review.
pinned
This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
greatdealsMake sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions. review:captaincrushmill tag:tpr
The DrinkTanks Growler is a Stainless, Double Wall, Vacuum Insulated Growler. It has an optional Keg Cap that converts the growler into a mini draft keg. This is a look at the 64 oz size, but it’s also available in a larger 128 ounce/1 gallon version. Additional colors and handle styles are also available.
