Category Archives: Reviews

Hands on Review: BrewZilla Gen 4 All Grain Brewing System

Updated: September 18, 2024

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.

Hands on Review BrewZilla Gen4

I’ve brewed on several different all-in-one units. Like any brew system, they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. I did a hands-on review of the Robobrew when it first came out in late 2016. It has since changed its name to BrewZilla and is on the 4th generation of the brew unit. As you’d expect with repeated generations, they’ve been able to focus on fixing deficiencies in their previous models and also introduce new features.


New Article: BrewZilla Tips and Tricks!

BrewZilla Gen 4 Temperature Control and Programming Tips and Tricks


The basic premise of an all-in-one brewing system is that your mash and boil kettle are in the

same vessel. So just like Brew In A Bag, after mashing, you pull the grains out and the wort stays behind to be boiled. They use electricity for heat, so they can be used outdoors where you can reach power or indoors where you have a venting system that can take care of all the steam you make during your boil.

BrewZilla Without Jacket

Stamped Volume Markings

Here are some basic stats on the Gen4 BrewZilla. It’s available in a 35-Liter form (for 5-6 gallon batches) with either a 110V setup, or 220V. There is also a larger 65-Liter that is only 220V (targeted to 10-12 gallon batches). The 35L unit holds 9.25 gallons, the mash basket can hold up to 23.5 lbs. of grain, and its electric heating elements can output up to 1500W of power (110V system) or 2400W of power (220V system). The 65L unit holds 17.1 gallons, the mash basket holds 41.5 lbs. of grain, and 3500W of heating power. All the Gen4 units have a pump bolted into the base. The pump can be used not only for wort recirculation during the mash, but also to pump beer through your wort chiller apparatus (should you choose to not use the immersion chiller coil included with the BrewZilla). The pump is more modular and accessible than previous Gen models. To protect the pump from clogging with hop debris during the boil or whirlpool, there is a filter screen (a perforated stainless disc that sits at the bottom of the unit) that sits at the bottom of the kettle. The small magnetic drive pump has a pump head rating of 1.5 – 2.1 m (4.9 – 6.9 ft) and a max flow rate of 11-12 L/min (2.9 – 3.2 gal/min).

Control Panel Notification During Mash Profile

One of the key upgraded features of the Gen4 BrewZilla is the controller. RAPT Is Kegland’s line of wireless connected brewing devices. The BrewZilla now has a RAPT controller so it adds a lot of features that can be monitored and controlled over Wi-Fi. This includes basic things like monitoring temperature from your laptop/cell phone, but also allows you to program complex mash programs online and then download to your BrewZilla. You can also adjust control parameters on the fly such as pump output duty cycle and heater output level. If you get the optional Bluetooth thermometer, you can stick the temperature probe into the middle of your grain bed, and then have the controller use that as its control signal in combination with the built-in temperature sensor that sits on the floor of the unit.

Bluetooth Temp Probe in Middle of Mash

Although All-in-One units are essentially BIAB, they use a stainless steel basket with holes in the bottom of it instead of a bag, and call it a “malt pipe”. These provide functional improvements over a nylon bag. The obvious one is they are way easier to clean. But they also allow you to ensure you get full flow through your grain bed by having holes only on the bottom. This means recirculating wort has no sneak paths out the side. The other benefit is malt pipes have simple brackets/feet welded onto the outside that allow you to lift your wet grains up and prop the malt pipe on the brew rig to drain or sparge. The BrewZilla has 2 sets of feet for this. One set is halfway up, allowing you to do the deadlift of grain & wort halfway and then let the liquid level drain down. Then when you lift it the full height, it’s not as heavy. It’s simple, but makes the process much better.

Welded-on Carry Handle (top) and Tip Handle (bottom)

There is a cool feature in the BrewZilla which normally only comes on much higher end systems, and that’s the central drain. With a concave bottom with a drain at the lowest point in the center, you don’t have to leave wort behind or goof around with tilting it to get the last drops of wort out at the end. This also enables the malt pipe to extend down lower and thus you can hold more grain (30% more than their Gen3). If you compared to other All-in-one units in the “5 gallon batch” size range, the 23.5 lbs. grain capacity is 30 – 50% more. This of course only matters if you’re trying to make high gravity brews. The drain in the floor is plumbed to the inlet of the pump below, and then you can direct pump output either to an external spigot for fast/easy transfer of wort out after brewing, or up the recirculation pipe for wort to get directed down on top of the mash.

Polished Bottom with Center Drain and Built-in Temp Sensor to Side

Bottom Side of Pump Filter Plate

To help with mash efficiency and mash temperature uniformity, they offer a Heat Exchanger Dish, which is just a stainless dish/plate that sits below your malt pipe and above the central drain. Without this dish in place, the flow of recirculating wort tends to go through the center of your grain bed, and straight out the drain. With the dish there, it directs the flow around the full circumference before it gets to the drain, which helps ensure a broader portion of the grist sees the flow.


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Related: BrewZilla Gen 4 Temperature Control and Programming Tips and Tricks

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Hands on Review: Fermentasaurus Conical Fermenter – FermZilla v1

fermzilla conical review

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.

Fermentasaurus is Now FermZilla

Since this review was published this conical has been rebranded to FermZilla. Check product pages for improvements vs the original Fermentasaurus.


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Related: Hands on Review: Kegland Hop Bong


Related Review:

Hands on Review: FermZilla All Rounder Fermenter


Fermzilla Conical Fermenter

There are a lot of different fermenters on the market. Most of us started with the standard 6.5 gallon plastic bucket, and many never looked back. Going against its dinosaur-like name, the Fermzilla attempts to be a vision of the future, and differs from the plastic bucket in material, shape, and features.

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Hands on Review: Brewer’s Edge Mash & Boil Electric Brewery

Updated: 5/3/2024

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.

Brewer’s Edge Mash & Boil

I reviewed a number of electric all-in-one brewing systems a little over a year ago. As a collective group, these systems offer a lot to the homebrewer. They provide the flexibility and control of brewing process of all-grain, and the equipment simplicity of brew-in-a-bag. The fact that they’re electric gives you the ability to brew inside and convenience of not having to chase propane tank fill-ups. The electric systems also have the ability to set a target temperature and control to it, giving you better control of your brew day. All of these combine to create a more streamlined and less stressful brew day.

Each system has its own strengths and they all span a wide price range. The units I tried last year ranged from $470 at the low end to $2,500 at the high end. When I saw the Brewer’s Edge Mash & Boil coming in at $300, I was intrigued to see how this unit would work and if you really could go all-grain with an electric system at such an affordable price point.

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Hands On Review: Stanley Vacuum Insulated Stein

Stanley Vacuum Insulated Stein.  18/8 Stainless steel.  Won’t rust.  Naturally BPA free.  Dishwasher Safe.  Latching lid helps keep beer cold and carbonated.

Available in Hammertone Green and Matte Black

Vacuum insulation helps keep your beer and other beverages cold (or warm) and should also reduce or eliminate condensation on warm days.  Since this is not made of glass it would be handy for the pool, beach and park.

First, I want to say that I’m a big fan of Stanley PMI branded coolers, growlers and such. I have a lot of their gear including multiple vacuum insulated growlers [Hands on Review].  I’ve been impressed by the quality, features and styling of the Stanley products that I own.  Considering all that I snapped up one of these steins shortly after I learned about them.  Here’s a hands on look.

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Hands On Review: Spyderco Stainless Steel ClipiTool Multi Tool w/Bottle Opener

spyderco clipitool review

ClipiTool Multi Tool By Spyderco

I had the pleasure of visiting Spyderco’s facility located in Golden, Colorado while on a family vacation.  I was extremely impressed by the quality of the gear they make and have since purchased several of their products.

The ClipiTool features stainless steel construction and three functions.  A knife blade, a flat screw driver and a bottle opener along with a clip and lanyard hole.

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Hands on Review: Intertap Forward Sealing Faucets and Accessories!

Updated: September 12, 2024

Intertap Faucets are a forward sealing faucet.  The forward sealing design helps prevent sticking.  Intertap Faucets have a unique modular, threaded spout design which can fit a variety of attachments including a growler filler, stout spout and ball lock post.  Additional, related options are available including shanks and a self closing faucet spring.


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Hands On Review: RTIC Soft Pack Coolers

RTIC Soft Pack Coolers (20 Quart, 30 Quart, 40 Quart) by RTIC.  These keep ice up to 5 Days!  No Leak Zipper.  No sweat exterior.  Up to 2″ of foam insulation.  Available in multiple sizes.

Note: This review was conducted on a 2017 model. Features on current versions may be slightly different.


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Hands On: Snapware 17 Cup (4 Liter) Airtight Container – DME and Grain Storage

Snapware Container Review Homebrewing Malt Extract

I picked up the Snapware’s 4 Liter Airtight 17 Cup Airtight Container by Snapware primarily to use for DME storage.  I think it would also work well to store specialty grain, other ingredients or for use as general storage around your brewery.

This container is part of the Snapware MODS Rectangles series.  It is 100-Percent airtight and 100-percent water tight.  It features easy to open and close latches that work together with the silicone seal to keep foods fresh and to prevent liquids from leaking.

Front view

This container carries a lifetime warranty

Click for a larger photo.  This container is made in the USA, Dishwasher Safe, Microwave Safe, Freezer Safe, Airtight, Leakproof, Stackable and BPA free.  It has a capacity of 17 cups or 4 liters.

The label easily peels off to reveal care and use directions.  No residue.  This is a pet peeve of mine.  Why do manufacturers make labels that don’t come off easily?  It’s not like we don’t have the technology!  We’ve put a man on the moon!  Or have we??

Lid with Gasket

Gasket is removable for easy cleaning

This holds right at 5 lbs of this particular grain.  The weight of the container itself is excluded from this reading because I used the tare feature on my Escali Primo Scale.

This is going to define a new rule of thumb for me when evaluating containers with a known volume for grain storage.  1.25 lbs/liter.

You can see that the lid easily closes with 5 lbs of grain in the container.  I think this is a good size for storing specialty grains.  Obviously, this isn’t going to be dandy for storing a sack of base grain.  You’re probably not going to want to buy 10 of these containers.

Here’s the container holding 3 lbs, 13 ounces of DME.  That’s all the DME I had on hand.  I estimate that this can hold a total of 4.57 lbs of DME.  See the next picture for the math on that.

This container is about 6 1/2″ tall without the lid.  This is all the DME I had on hand.  If there are 5″ of DME in the container that figures out to about .7625 lbs of DME per inch.  Let’s say there is another 1″ of usable space.  3.1825 (measured weight) + .7625 (estimate for additional inch of DME) = 4.575 lbs.  That gives you a spare 1/2″ to easily close the lid.

img_purchasedateThis is a great container.  I purchased this back in April of 2013 and as of this edit (September of 2015) it’s still working great for me and in use as my primary DME Container.

Snapware MODS Medium Rectangle Storage Container 17 Cups

Also available in a two pack…
Snapware MODS Medium Rectangle Storage Container 17 Cups (Set Of 2)

Also: Storage Options – Base Grain, Specialty Grain and DME

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!

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Hands on Review: Bouncer Inline Beer Filter!

bouncer inline filter review

Special Thanks to Jerry at AdventuresInHomebrewing.Beer for this Hands on Review

Hands on Review Bouncer Inline Beer Filter

Have you ever paid attention to any of those” suggested posts” on Facebook? More often than not, I just swing right by. One did catch my attention though, it was for the Bouncer. I am glad I took the time to really check it out, and contact Tim and Doug about what looked to be a really cool product. Homebrewing is filled with gadgets, and guys find really cool ways to to fix problems we run into. The Bouncer and the Bouncer MD solve all sorts of floating issues! It is two different beer inline filters that accomplish great things! So here is my product review of the Bouncer and Bouncer MD home brew beer inline filters. If you want the cliff notes, the answer is yes….go buy it….you won’t be disappointed. Oh wait, you want more details? Read those below.


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Bouncer Replacement Parts

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Hands On Review: Stanley Classic Vacuum Insulated Growler! – Includes Temperature Trials

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Stanley’s Stainless Steel vacuum insulated growler features vacuum insulated body and foam insulated lid to keep beer cold for 16 hours.  Made of 18/8 stainless steel and BPA free.  The heavy duty handle makes it easy to carry and allows you to pour smoothly with one hand.  Steel inner lid means no plastic is in contact with your beer.

It’s available in multiple colors and sizes, both 64 ounce/2 Quart/Half Gallon capacity as well as in a smaller 32 oz size.  It’s also part of a Gift Pack Set that includes the growler along with stacking pints.  Stanley makes a non-insulated version version as well.


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Note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at these links

Since this review was published, additional models have become available.  Search Amazon for “stanley vacuum insulated growler” to see what may be available.  Note that specifications and colors may vary from the model reviewed in this post.

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Hands On Review: Chapman Brewing Equipment SteelTank Fermenter + Kettle

chapman univessel

About Chapman SteelTank Fermenters

Chapman Brewing Equipment’s SteelTank line of stainless steel fermenters are available in 7 and 14 gallon sizes in both ported and unported versions.  The SteelTank features stainless steel construction, gasketed lid, pressed volume markers and an available port option.  The fermenters offer advantages over buckets and glass carboys since they resist breaking and scratching.


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What is a UniVessel?

A UniVessel is a single vessel that accomplishes multiple tasks.  There are two primary types of UniVessels in homebrewing.  A fermenter that also acts as a serving keg.  Examples: FermZilla with a pressure kit and WilliamsWarn BrewKeg.  The second type of UniVessel is a boil kettle that also acts as a fermenter.  Chapman SteelTanks are Boil Kettle/Fermenter types of UniVessels.

Hands on Review Chapman Brewing Equipment SteelTank Fermenter

cln_img_1534A look at the fully assembled 7 gallon fermenter.  Dimensions from Chapman Equipment are… 12″ inner diameter, 16″ height.  14″ diameter at widest point and 20″ height (including ball valve and airlock),  Note that this is billed as a This is a UniVessel because it can double as a kettle.  You can boil and ferment in the same vessel.

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Hands On Review: 5 Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter by Reverse Osmosis Revolution – Dial in Your Home Brewing Water!

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Why Use a Reverse Osmosis Filter for Homebrewing?

Using RO (Reverse Osmosis) or DI (Deionized) water allows you to start with a clean slate of sorts and build your water profile from the ground up using water salts.  That allows you to take control of an important aspect of your brewing, especially if you’re an all grain brewer and create exactly the water profile you’re looking for.

Water by John Palmer and Colin Kaminski, part of the Brewing Elements Series, is a great read to learn lots more about brewing water and water adjustments


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Hands On Review

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Hands On Review: FoodSaver V2244 Vacuum Sealer

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Here’s a hands on look at the Model V2244 Vacuum Sealing System by FoodSaver.  Features: Compact Size, Removable dishwasher safe drip tray,  Includes Accessory port and hose.

First, Why would you want a FoodSaver for homebrewing?  Vacuum sealers are indispensable for storing hops [See: 5 Recent Hop Finds].  You can save money by getting in on bulk hop buys.  Use your vacuum sealer to break these up and to preserve freshness.  You can also store specialty grains in vacuum bags or using the mason jar attachment.  Other uses include: storing base grains, partial dry yeast packs and storing and preserving other beer ingredients.

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Hands On Review: Inkbird ITC-308 Dual Stage Temperature Controller +WiFi Version

Updated: November 8, 2024

Inkbird’s ITC-308 Digital Dual Stage Temperature Controller is a dual stage, pre-wired Digital Temperature Controller

The ITC-308 comes in the original version as well as an updated Wi-Fi enabled model.  This review covers both editions of this controller.

Why a Temp Controller?

Temperature controllers, sometimes referred to as over-riding thermostats, can control devices like refrigerators, freezers and fermentation heating devices to provide a consistent temperature for your kegerator, fermentation chamber or brew system. They do this by monitoring the temperature and cycling on and off the device in question. Generally, you will set the device to full cooling or heating power and the temperature controller takes over from there.


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Alternate Listings:

Different listings or combos for the ITC-308 may be available – search Amazon for “Inkbird Digital Temperature Controller”  – to see what variations may be available

Canada:

At MoreBeer:


Our ITC-308 Deal Pages:

These pages show our most recent deals for these great controllers

Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Dual Stage Temp Controller [Kegerator or Fermentation]

Inkbird ITC-308 WiFi Digital Dual Stage Temp Controller


Dual vs Single Stage

Dual stage means that the ITC-308 can control both a heating and cooling device.  Alternatively, it can control a heating or a cooling device.  This controller displays in Fahrenheit and Centigrade.  Dual Display shows both measured and set temperature.

Hands on Review Inkbird’s ITC-308 Temp Controller

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Hands On Review: Anvil Brewing Equipment Grain Scale

anvil grain scale review

The Anvil line of products, is… “a premier line ofanvil-brewing-equipment-palmer-approved-sm brewing equipment, designed and built by the geniuses at Blichmann Engineering, with help and inspiration from John Palmer! The entire suite of products work in unison to provide a perfect brewing experience from day one, and at a great value to you the homebrewer. You can rest comfortably knowing that Anvil equipment is backed by two of the biggest names in the homebrew industry. Anvil Brewing Equipment: Inspired by Palmer, Built by Blichmann, and Made for You!”

The lineup includes kettles, propane burners, false bottoms, scales, thermometers and more.

Hands on Review Anvil Large Grain Scale

cln_img_0719Front of the box.  Reads High Capacity Digital Grain Scale and Palmer Brewing Solutions Approved.cln_img_0720Side of the box.  Reads 65 lbs x .02 lbs (30 kg x .01 kg) Capacity, Selectable lb, kg units.  Remote display with 6 ft cable (2m) allows use of over-size weighing container.  Extra-large 12″ x 11.75″ (300 mm x 315 mm) brushed stainless steel weighing surface.  4 AA batteries and AC power adapter included.


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Hands On Review: Anvil Brewing Equipment Brew Kettle

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The Anvil line of products, is… “a premier line ofanvil-brewing-equipment-palmer-approved-sm brewing equipment, designed and built by the geniuses at Blichmann Engineering, with help and inspiration from John Palmer! The entire suite of products work in unison to provide a perfect brewing experience from day one, and at a great value to you the homebrewer. You can rest comfortably knowing that Anvil equipment is backed by two of the biggest names in the homebrew industry. Anvil Brewing Equipment: Inspired by Palmer, Built by Blichmann, and Made for You!”

The lineup includes kettles, propane burners, false bottoms, scales, thermometers and more.

Hands on Review Anvil Brewing Equipment Kettle

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Hands On Review: MoreBeer’s Expandable CO2 Manifold System

morebeer co2 manifold review

Updated: 5/17/2024

Hands on Review MoreBeer CO2 Manifold System

MoreBeer’s gas CO2 manifold system comes in a variety of sizes including 2, 3, 4 and 6 way variants.  An add-on is also available that allows you to add more runs to the manifold as you have need.

I have long extolled the virtues of this system.  This is one of a few things in homebrewing that can actually grow with you.  Example – I could not add 4 gallons to my 6 gallon extract kettle.  I had to replace it.  This system actually grows with you.  Here is a hands on look.

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Brewing Great Fermentations “Big Little Guy” Session IPA

great fermentations big little guy ipa

Great Fermentations Big Little Guy Session IPA is inspired by Founders Brewing Company’s All Day IPA.  I brewed the extract version of this recipe.  It features Crystal 20L, Crystal 60L, Dark Wheat Malt, Flaked Oats, 2 Row, and Light Dried Malt Extract.  For hops it features Amarillo, Simcoe and Crystal.  All hops are added at the 15 minute mark or later.

About Session IPAs.  Session IPAs are lower gravity versions (Big LIttle Guy has a projected ABV of under 5%) of IPAs with the same level of hopping.  Great if you love hops and hop flavor but want an easier drinking beer that you can have a couple more of.

This recipe is available in both all grain and extract versions.

cln_img_9787A look at the recipe, excluding the hop additions.  A grain bag is included.cln_img_9793For this one, I left my Blichmann TopTier sitting alone by itself, awkwardly in the corner.  I used my newer KAB4 for this brew.  I did use my Blichmann G2 Kettle.  I’m filling up the brew kettle here.cln_img_9789Here’s a look at the boil hop additions in order.  Crystal, Amarillo, and Simcoe are all joining the festivities.  One once each of Amarillo and Simcoe (not pictured) are used for dry hopping.cln_img_9797Just starting to heat up.cln_img_9798Steeping grains are, well… steeping.  This recipe only calls for a 20 minute boil.  All the hops are late additions, so a full 60 minutes isn’t required.  That time savings offsets the 30 minutes used for steeping grains.  The recipe includes both Oats and 2 Row.  That means this is essentially a mini mash kit.cln_img_9801This is after the steeping/mini mash is done.  I put the grain bag in a strainer to let most of the wort drip off.

cln_img_9805That’s a boil guys!

Brewing this beer was straightforward.  As mentioned previously this has a shortened boil along with a mini mash making this about the same as a regular extract boil.  The mini mash is easy and explained in the directions.  Fermentation calls for the chico strain.  I used US-05.  Yeast options also include WLP01, Wyeast 1056 and… A07 Flagship one of the new Imperial Organic Canned Yeast Strains.cln_img_9851Kegging

cln_img_0248Pouring a Big Little Guy Session IPA from my kegeratorcln_img_0263The finished beer in a Spiegelau IPA Glasscln_img_0258A closer look.  After a week or two in the keg, this beer has good clarity.  This picture is with a bit of condensation on the glass.

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This is an apt tribute to All Day IPA.  Easy to brew and easy to drink.  Great hop flavor and an easy to drink lower ABV.  This was one of those beers that I was afraid I’d run out of before getting the in-the-glass picture.  This recipe makes a great beer.

Check it out: Big LIttle Guy IPA – Extract and Big LIttle Guy IPA – All Grain

AlsoBrewing “1 Hour” IPABrain Eater Pale Ale | Recipe Kits at Great Fermentations

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Hands On Review: Chemical Guys Chemical Resistant Heavy Duty Bottle & Sprayer + Star San Tips & Tricks

Chemical Guys Spray Bottle

The Spray Bottle Method of Sanitizing With Star San

I’ve long been an advocate of the Spray Bottle Method of sanitizing with Star San. This technique is easy, effective and stretches Star San out so that one bottle lasts for many batches.

See My Star San Tips and Tricks for lots more about this great technique.

I purchased this bottle in 2015 to help me sanitize homebrew equipment using the Spray Bottle Method.


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