Blichmann brew easy v Braumeister

[alix101]

Ok I don't have a confrontational question as the title suggests.
I would like some opinions from users of either product.
I'm looking to upgrade my beer kit for something that we'll works.
I've been down the building route and enjoyed it but this time I'm looking to get a quality piece of equipment that doesn't take up loads of space and is easily maintained.
I've seen Normski s braumeister and I was suprised at the quality, I've also bought many blichmann bits and bobs over the years and I'm always impressed.
The trouble with blichmann I can't actually figure out what I'd need for a ready to go electric system and the cost ....ive assumed it's slightly more than the braumister system but not by much but I've only gone off USA forums.

[Normski]

Hi Mate
Anytime you get a few hours spare, Pop up to me and brew with my Bm.
It might help with the decision.
Norm

[alix101]

Thanks norm I certainly will ... I was looking through options you have me food for thought when I was up last time the blichmann kit looks good to but it's difficult to work out what you actually need and the cost.

[aamcle]

Have a look at http://www.frankenbrew.co.uk/brewfather/ its a simple system to setup.
Assuming your going to do 40 bottles you want say a 40 litre boiler and a 25 litre or so mash tun. I did it as a GF mash pipe rather than use a float valve.
The top filter is PP and SS mesh.

Atb. Aamcle

[alix101]

Nice blog looks like you've created a good system...if I go down another brewery build I don't think the wife would speak to me again....This time it's open the box and brew I'm looking for.But enjoyed reading the blog.

[aamcle]

I reused the Blichmann type for parts and went back to a recirculating BIAB .

Aamcle

[alix101]

A brew in a bag works great if it's not broken

[Rhodesy]

I think the problem with the Blichmann system should you go down that road is the amount of parts you are relying on as well as import costs, sourcing certain spares etc. It is a 2 vessel system with their 'tower of power' control panel. You would be reliant on this as well as their 'boil coil' elements. All of these fittings would be US voltage and above the 10 gallon system you would be drawing more than 13amps I believe (I am no expert). It is more flexible that said should you wish to upscale as it goes up to 20 US gallons. It also requires you to still adjust the auto sparge and control all pumps and temperature manually. Some people like it more hands on but for that price it just looks like a fancy RIMS.

I am not knocking it but think for the RIMS system it is you could build something much cheaper yourself and practice a no sparge (if you desire) model.

With the BM you have one vessel so less space required, less cleaning, programmable recipes (10 on the 2015 model), timed boil etc. You can also overnight mash if you are looking to cut brew day time. The BM is still a significant outlay and the extras ramp up the cost however since purchasing one in November last year I have done 8 brews which would not have been possible on my old RIMS set up. I am becoming a bit of a fan boy but I love it. I practice the no sparge method with no deterioration of efficiency and it makes my day so much easier, overnight mashing I have also done 5 times with great success.


With both manufacturers you get great quality however if it were down to me choosing and I may be biased I would go for the BM. It takes up less space, it is readily available in Europe as well as replacement parts etc. It is also fully automated in terms of mashing and for the boil should you choose. You still have to intervene at times but the days tend to go smooth and you are not looking for leaks and in most cases looking to add further mods or upgrade.

[edonald774]

I can only comment on the BM as I haven't used any of the other systems but I'm really happy I switched.
The BM is a really good quality build and I'm happy that I got my money's worth (I don't have the time or skills to build my own kit).

Using it is really stress free and my beers are as good quality as they were before some have been better but I can't say that's down to the BM rather than me learning.

I have a friend who has the grainfather and he loves it. The build does feel considerably cheaper than the BM but to be fair it is a hell of a lot cheaper. Both are dead simple to use and don't take up much space for either storing or using. I brew in the kitchen and my wife cooks lunch etc around me as I brew.

Any chance you could have a brew day with some forum friends to try different kits out?

[alix101]

Thanks both quality posts and I think I'm coin round to the BM as for the reasons stated above I'll have to work out a brew time with normski to get a hands on prospective but certainly the one vessel and size seems to be pushing me towards it.
I'm sure the hop and grape could source the blichmann I'll have to ask them to give me a price this might be the game changer but the price in the us is very similar given exchange rates.

[Rhodesy]

Thanks both quality posts and I think I'm coin round to the BM as for the reasons stated above I'll have to work out a brew time with normski to get a hands on prospective but certainly the one vessel and size seems to be pushing me towards it.
I'm sure the hop and grape could source the blichmann I'll have to ask them to give me a price this might be the game changer but the price in the us is very similar given exchange rates.

The electrical stuff they advised me in the past they could not facilitate as it has not passed EU safety regs, could have changed though. I do recommend looking at the BM in action.

[alix101]

It's a good point about the electricity but i could use a step down transformer although it's just something else to go wrong.

[themadhippy]

its not just the voltage that maybe a problem,the yanks like 60hz electrickery whilst us brits like 50hz,this will affect the speed of any pumps and any timing functions derived from the mains.Also the transformer is going to be a big bugger as it will need a 100% duty cycle,most building site tranies only have a 25%-50% duty cycle

[aamcle]

You don't need the tower, the pump runs non stop during mashing, the flow is controlled by the float valve.
So any build doesn't need anything much more complex than a PID/SSR combo.
Buying another matter it might run into all the issues mentioned.
I built one because my 1st proper setup was a Counter Top Brutus 20 a BE is just a recirculating version of it.
It could be good and it seems to be well liked in the US.

Aamcle

[Rhodesy]

Just my opinion but I think if you are going to the hassle of fitting your own elements and doing the Blichmann build you could build a more customised set up either yourself or through angel homebrew/brewbuilder etc and then set up with your own pumps, PID etc. The Blichmann auto sparge is readily available should you wish to use that as I did with my RIMS set up. The Blichmann pots are top notch but £700 odd at current prices for 2 x 38L pots before you go to the trouble of cutting holes etc is a tad expensive.

I suppose it depends on budget, how much interaction you want on Brewday, space available, volumes required and if you want to future proof. Everyone is obviously different and not knocking it only I think there are alternatives to the Blichmann/Braumeister options where RIMS is concerned.