Blichmann BrewEasy

[cpa4ny]

It's official! BrauMeister finally has some viable competition.

Blichmann has just started selling it's BrewEasy unit @ MoreBeer:

http://morebeer.com/category/blichmann-breweasy.html

It comes in 5, 10 & 20 gallon versions, ranging from USD 2k to about USD 2.5k.

Actually - I am quite surprised that it took so long for another brewing equipment-maker to get into this "compact" brewing system market segment.

Really looks like a nice set-up.

Any turn-downs? It is gas-fired - so for the apartment dwellers like yours truly, such a system is a no-go.

I bet it is a matter of time though before they come up with an electrical version of that set-up.

[Dicko]

It's official! BrauMeister finally has some viable competition.

Blichmann has just started selling it's BrewEasy unit @ MoreBeer:

http://morebeer.com/category/blichmann-breweasy.html

It comes in 5, 10 & 20 gallon versions, ranging from USD 2k to about USD 2.5k.

Actually - I am quite surprised that it took so long for another brewing equipment-maker to get into this "compact" brewing system market segment.

Really looks like a nice set-up.

Any turn-downs? It is gas-fired - so for the apartment dwellers like yours truly, such a system is a no-go.

I bet it is a matter of time though before they come up with an electrical version of that set-up.

They have that "home made look" about them.

One of the reasons I got the BM was to get away from a gas fired kettle. They are expensive to run and not very predictable boil wise.

If they do electrify the kettle then it would be to suit their domestic market at 110 volts so I may assume it will not suit the "rest of the world"

Then there is hoses to unhook and the inevitable wort leaking everywhere...............

Nah! I'll stick to the BM

[cpa4ny]

Nah! I'll stick to the BM

Same here

[niels]

You can download the manual on the Blichmann website, but I attached it for your convenience.

The manual gives a better understanding of the usage, but it seems more complicated than a Braumeister. I see one main advantage over de BM: brewing bigger beers. But with a lot of material to clean I rather stick to my BM.

Niels

[Cervantes]

Looks to be a bit more cleaning involved, but a nice system all the same.

Also a lot more stainless steel for your money.

It will be interesting to see how Speidel react price wise to a bit of competition.

Adjustable flow rate is something that the BM doesn't have. Not sure of the benefits, but it might be nice to have the option.

Is it on Youtube yet?

[niels]

Is it on Youtube yet?

I've searched but failed to find anything...

Niels

[martinj]

They actually have electric option also, i really like how modular all their items are.

Check this video where they demo their electric stuff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5mtSpVAuh8

[Cervantes]

Just skimmed through the manual and noticed the following.............

"Important: Stir (rake) the top 1/3 of the mash bed about every 15 minutes to break up any channels in the mash
bed that may have formed. Do NOT disturb the bottom 2/3’s of the bed as this is acting as the filter in the
system. Periodically raking the mash will increase your efficiency and ensure an even temperature throughout
the mash bed for more repeatable results."

So it doesn't look like the mashing process is a "Set & Forget" process like the BM.

The last page also lists the electric version options.

[cpa4ny]

You can download the manual on the Blichmann website, but I attached it for your convenience.

The manual gives a better understanding of the usage, but it seems more complicated than a Braumeister. I see one main advantage over de BM: brewing bigger beers. But with a lot of material to clean I rather stick to my BM.

Niels

Thank you for posting the manual Niels - got some nice brewing tips there.

[Batz]

I have been told by a Home Brew shop owner, that a Chinese made BM knock-off will be in the Australian stores later this year. Apparently a whole lot cheaper.

[niels]

I have been told by a Home Brew shop owner, that a BM Chinese made knock-off will be in Australian stores later this year. Apparently a whole lot cheaper.

Yeah, it will be called Blaumeistel and doesn't need rice hulls when you use a lot of wheat malt.

Niels

[Cervantes]

Could this be it?

http://beercooler.en.alibaba.com/product/514778542-213105112/homebrew_craft_beer_equipments.html

I've seen it mentioned on a couple of forums as a Chinese version of the BM.

Looks pretty ugly to me.

Can't find out much more about it though.

[Dicko]

Just had a read through of the Breweasy manual and in my opinion it is as clunky as a 3v system.
There is apparently a deadspace in the mash tun and as I had said in my post above the hoses that are linking the pump to the mash can only be left full of wort and will have the potential to make a mess when disconnected.
This would be a problem when using this system inside your home or as many use the BM, on the balcony or patio, as would be the voltage in any country bar the USA .
As someone else has said, it is also not a "set and forget" operation.
The system does offer a small footprint as opposed to most 3v systems and it appears it may have the ability to brew bigger beers. It also offers a pump that is universally used with many brewing systems, although the text quotes a March 815 but the pic indicates it may be an 809??
Of course, if this was a forum dedicated to the Blichman Breweasy, from now on known as the BBE then we would be all stating its praises.

The BM has some areas which could be improved on, in particular the inability to brew a really big beer without a bit of mucking around. Maybe Speidel will address this issue when their competition hits the market I can imagine that China will release "The Great Wall" brewery.

Until then I think I'll stick to my BM (insert a love heart here)