Counter Pressure Bottle Filler Boel iTap Details & Review For Homebrewers
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 30 июл 2024
- This video gives full details and impressions after a good and fair period in time of using the Boel iTap counter pressure bottle fillers.
The manufacturers website can be found here:- boel.company
Duotight used:-
Two of Duotight - 8mm (5/16) x 9.5mm (3/8)
Two of Duotight - 8mm(5/16) x FFL
One of Duotight 8 mm (5/16”) tee piece
Channel links:-
groups/Brewbeer
www.teespring.com/stores/davi...
Introduction music:- Drink Beer (Till The Day That I Die) by Dazie Mae 
Хобби
The best review I have seen of this product by far. I have been considering it but I do not bottle very often.
Many thanks Alan.
Just got mine yesterday! Planning to use it this week!!
Great, enjoy :)
This is exactly what I needed!! Thank you so very much! Just ordered the single version right away.
Great, Hope you enjoy it!
@@DavidHeathHomebrew I received it yesterday, hopefully I can give some feedback this weekend
@@DavidHeathHomebrew OK, this is crazy simple to use and to set up! Thank you so much for your suggestion! I guess tomorrow is Farmhouse Ale bottling day 😉
Great, enjoy :)
Yes, it sure is :)
very useful video David
Great to hear, thanks Ken
This looked very interesting,
Yes, nice product for sure :)
Hi David, thanks for answering my previous question so quickly! I have another one for you. How long should you purge? I’ve just watched a dozen of videos and they all have different techniques and times. Some purge wit the valve open, letting the CO2 out directly, others (like you) do it with the valve closed. Some do both. Some purge for second and others for up to 20 seconds. Given you tons of experience, What is your advice?
No problem Terry. No need to use more than a small amount of seconds on purging. Anything longer is not needed.
Thank you David for one more excellent video. How do think this works with Fermzilla? Is it possible to Connect directly?
Also, do you always need to have the T-line of CO2? Or you can just simply add some CO2 to the Keg and the use the direct line to the itap?
Thank you!
Thank you Pedro. Yes, you can connect to a Fermzilla :) You will need the T line if you use just one co2 source.
My iTap arrived this week and I made a rig like yours. The unit is absolutely brilliant. My only grumble is some of the glass bottles I have seem to have a slightly wider neck!!!
Great :)
Yes, best to stick to bottles made for homebrew, rather than repurposed commercial bottles. Safer too due to the thickness of the glass.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew I have alot of Trappist bottles. They are extremely thick. Bonus is you have to buy great beers first! I have a crate from Westvleteren.
Those will be perfect :)
Just some "off-topic" note - I really enjoy those "comics bubbles" you sometimes put in your videos. It makes me laugh ... pls keep on :-)
Great to hear, yes some humour is good where possible :)
Hi David another great video, I've been looking at these for a few weeks and you have answered all my questions apart from one.
I make wine as well as beer and want to carbonate and bottle my wine, will this work with typical prosecco bottles?
Thanks Sam. I am not sure if it will. Best to check with the manufacturer in this case.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew thanks will do, cracking video non the less
@@DavidHeathHomebrew Hi David I contacted the manufacturer and I can confirm that you can use these with prosecco/champagne bottles as long as you you purchase a different clamp (roughly an additional £25)
Great, that is good news then :) Thanks for letting me know.
hi David, Great video! At the moment I am using a Grainfather conical with a pressure transfer kit and Blichmann beer gun. Do you think the iTap would work with the Grainfather conical and pressure tranfer kit? Would it be better than my current setup? Thanks!
Many thanks Terry. Yes, I think it could potentially work but this is not something that I have tested. Perhaps an email to the company would be best.
Hi David, Yes it works! The flow rate is not very strong, but it work’s perfectly. I first had to file of a millimeter of the metal for Vichy bottles to fit the itap, but there were no issues with the Grainfather conical with pressure transfer kit.
Great to hear Terry :)
Hi David, I know its been a year since this review. I am confuse which one do I have to order, the Itap classic or the ItapX? I will use it for my beer, cider and soda water. Thanks. And happy new year.
Hi Jose, I have just tried the classic.
Hi David. Great video as always. I like your suggestions on alternative solutions for mounting the gadget. If possible, it could be really great with a video comparing this equipment with e.g. the tapcooler or other alternatives.
Thanks Jens. I have tested other similar equipment but it was not anything that I could really recommend. Hence why just this so far.
Good to know. Thank you for that information.
:)
Hey David, we cannot see the rear of your setup: how did you managed to set the iTap on your tower? I have the same tower but it would be impossible to screw it without drilling.
I have just drilled a hole. Nothing more than that but it works.
How about cleaning the device and lines before/after? Can it just be rinsed or is it a star san job?
I have been running line cleaner through them, then water then star san.
Hi, great video, how often should the line be cleaned,if the bottles are filled 2-3 time a week? Tx.
I suggest using a regular line cleaner via a keg.
I would like to test the beer with, and without counter pressure filling after a given amount of time. Preferably after 6 weeks or so.
Just to have an idea if counter pressure filling indeed makes a difference. I work with instrumentation and automation. And one thing I know. For flow, if pressure upstream and pressure downstream is equal in a vessel, then flow is zero. So where does the air go with this counter pressure? There has to be a way to evacuate the air somewhere. Or did i miss something? Worth asking I think.
Hi Curt, this is a proven method that is used via automation in brewery bottling lines. The bottle is purged with C02 before filling pushing out oxygen.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew There must be a channel somewhere for the air to evacuate. Again, I may have missed that. I don't doubt that it works but it would be great to do a comparison with and without after an extended time. Go ahead, call me anal😉
Yes, the air passes via the waste port.
Thanks for the review David! Do you have any idea why my NEIPA's and IPA's last fresh longer in a counter pressure filled bottles vs closed loop transferred kegs? My NEIPA bottles have stayed fresh more than three months (the longest I've tested) but if I have a keg that's half full usually they start to taste stale after 1,5-2 months time eventhough they should not never come in contact with oxygen.. I've never been able to figure this out and I'm thinking of starting to bottle all my hop forward beers when there is no bigger event or party planned.
When you transfer into your keg is the flow slow enough? Could be the problem.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew usually it takes more than 30 minutes. I don't use external co2 to push it out from the Fermzilla. I just place the fermenter higher than my keg, hook it up to a keg and then reduce some pressure from the keg and then the transfer starts slowly. I don't think it's a problem. Kegs are kept in a fridge.
Sounds right to me. Check out my Oxidisation guide, perhaps something comes along:- ruclips.net/video/cfZ-wHRtDKE/видео.html
@@DavidHeathHomebrew cheers.. I purge the keg via fermentation CO2 from the zilla. I've understood that this is a viable method. Maybe I should try the traditional way of filling the keg with star san and pushing it out with co2.
I think its worth experimenting to track results
If the inner diameter is 6.3 would you not need a guest 3/8 to 5/16 in your case? Guest usually uses outer diameter, no?
I need to order all and I’m on 5/16. Want to make sure :)
I used duotight connectors :)
Does anyone know if this would / could be adapted to work with swingtops?
It would be best to contact to contact the manufacturer on this :)
Did you use Duotight reducer 9.5 mm (3/8”) to 8 mm (5/16”)? I see that 9,5mm EvaBarrier has ID of 6,3mm so that should fit the iTap.
Or did the iTap come with those hoses?
Yes, I used exactly this.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew your idea was great! The capper solution was brilliant!
Thank you, yup it works :)
Sorry for silly question David, but is the splashing a concern as the beer goes into the bottle? With my tapcooler it fills from the bottom so no splashing. I would like to try one of these though.
Hi Lisa, no problem at all.
This is a very well thought out design with full control to avoid splashing.
Thank you, I have managed to source one from a UK website at a decent price.
Great 🍻🍻🍻
Hi David, Is there a reason why you use these Duotight reducers? I was planning to use only 3/8 line size.
Yes, its so that I can connect to my ball lock connectors, which accept a different sizing.
Hi David, what pressure would you recommemnd on the C02? I think I have used to less pressure because even with frozen bottles I get to much foam.
I use 10 PSI :)
@@DavidHeathHomebrew I did a bottleling since I pop my question and I tried between 0,5 to 0,8 bar, but still I get to much foam (I lose about 1/3 of the beer to teh drain) and despite how much I try It's very difficult to get the last 5 -7 cm filled in the bottle because it just foams over in the drain without rising the beer level in the bottle. Any ideas? Beer is about 0 degrees and bootles comes from the fridge.
Are the lines you use cleaned each time after using? Seems odd that you have foaming considering your numbers. Are you lines long and you are doing this in a warm area?
@@DavidHeathHomebrew the line is outher dia 8, clean and sanitizer, about 2m long (the kit that was delivered from Ölbryggninh with the iTap) I have about 18 degrees in the room.
Try tweaking the flow rate for a slower fill rate.
I’m new to homebrewing and haven’t found a good solution for bottle filling. This sounds interesting... I assume I could connect something like this to my Grainfather FV instead of a keg like in this video to get the same result 🤔
There would be little benefit in using this attached to a GF fv. It is designed to be used as shown for the benefits mentioned in the video :)
@@DavidHeathHomebrew thanks for the quick feedback/ and the videos!
Happy brewing Mark :)
Hi David, how did you put the hole through the bottle capper? Did you need a special drill bit?
Yes, I used a drill bit for cutting holes into metal :)
@@DavidHeathHomebrew one of those step cutting drill bits? Sorry for being a pedant...
Yes :)
I tried your setup, but had a problem with space to fit the last part tight enough. The part where you connect the beer line. Missing 3-4mm ish. Did you do any modifications to the black plastic nut to make space or is your stand just the perfect width for all parts to fit?
Hey Simen, No mods at all, my stand is good fit thankfully.
@@DavidHeathHomebrewOh how lucky! I'm considering splitting the nut in half. Or just build my own stand in wood. Thank you for all the videos =)
The company also sell stands but if you can make your own then that would naturally be cheaper.
So if you want to use this as a tap as well, won't there be a lot of foam? You won't have the counter pressure prohibiting the foam then.
There will be more foam compared to using it for bottling.
Can i use this as a regular tap whit out the G-connector?
I have not tested it in this way but I am told you can.
What adapter do you use for the sodastream to connect to the gauge?
These are sold in various markets as a sodastream adapter for regulators. You should be able to find them from Homebrew stores in your country.
The daunting thing about this one is how many pieces it has. Looking at the manual I wouldn't want to take it apart. I also wonder if it's all stainless steel to the bottle, or if there are plastic pieces that make contact. I also dislike that there's no tube to bottom fill. Even though there's a purge, there will still be plenty of oxygen throughout the bottle. I also worry about foaming because of no bottom fill. I really liked the idea of this simply for not having to hold the bottle, but now that TapCooler has a bottle holder attachment I think I will stick with that one for now. I have seen some create a bottle holder out of PVC for the MoreBeer filler. I would go that direction if I had to choose again.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Timothy.
Hi Timothy!
The bottleneck is sealed to a food grad silicone o-ring, so the bottleneck doesn't contact any metal or plastic pieces.
iTap is quite unique because the beer goes on the sides of the bottle. That's why there's no need to add a tube. As you can see from the video, there's no foam while bottling. There is a little foam in the end, and that is necessary to prevent any contact with oxygen until the bottle is capped.
After you purge the bottle with CO2, you're supposed to open the valve on the right and release the air from the bottle via the drainage tube. You can do it just once if you're going to drink the beer within a few days. And if you want to store it for months, it's better to purge and release the air 2-3 times. This way there will be no oxygen left in the bottle.
Feel free to reach us if you have any concerns left!
boel.company
boel.shop@gmail.com
Hi Timothy, I do use the itap now already since July 2019 and so I can say to have experience with it. Had on the beginning also thoughts like yours about it and if it could really work. But yes, it works really great and it keep your brew really good fresh - as long you use it right. The itap do not need something to fill from the bottom. First of all you purge the co2 into the bottle, the O2 goes off the bottle through the drainage valve. Then you close this valve and purge again co2 to set it under pressure. When you open the handle and adjust with the drainage valve the flow rate. There is no foaming cause it's a counter pressure system. If you want to see more videos of that itap system you could check out my channel for it. I made some - of course not so nice and professional like David but do hope it helps people to make their buying decision more easy. Happy brewing, Robert.
Does this system work for filling 26mm euro-type bottles?
Yes, no problem :)
Hello David! Do you have any recommendations for counter pressure bottle fillers? I’m in the market. I would use it to bottle periodically for friends...
I personally recommend the iTap at this point. I only make videos about products I recommend.
How does the two tap version avoid cross contamination?
It actually doesn't.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew well then, I’m glad I asked :)
Both kegs are essentially feeding into the same area.
When you switch between the beer lines, there's no beer left in the tubes. So there's no cross contamination: you can pour an IPA from one line and Stout from the other, and there will be no issue.
Also, there're no drainage losses when you're switching the line. And we haven't seen it anywhere else!
@@boelcompany8183 Many thanks for clarifying this :)
Hello David. I just went through the comments and did not find an answer to my question. The iTap is made in Russia and appears to be now distributed through BOEL in Portugal. How is the support as far as parts? I can see certain seals available but not the other plastic parts. I am not sure how long the product has been in service but we know that issues will eventually arise so the support by a Russian company is a concern. Any feedback would be much appreciated before I pull the trigger on the purchase. Thanks, Miro
Hi Miro, the whole operation has been moved out of Russia as I understand it. As for the parts over time that I cannot comment on.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew thank you
@mirosep7403 🍻🍻🍻
What is the dimensions of the itap box? Thanks
Hi Pavel, sorry but I no longer have the box.
what size John Guest will fit to the Itap?
Hi, sorry but I do not know. I used duotight. Perhaps contact the manufacturer, they will likely know.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew What size Duotight is it then? :)
Sorry I should have given you this the first time!
Here is the Doutight parts list:-
Two of Duotight - 8mm (5/16) x 9.5mm (3/8)
Two of Duotight - 8mm(5/16) x FFL
One of Duotight 8 mm (5/16”) tee piece
@@DavidHeathHomebrew hi David, is this provided with the kit or is that your own parts list? Thanks in advance mate.
Hi Liam, this is my parts list. It could be that some retailers sell it complete but it is not sold this way by Boel.
Would it not be better to fill the bottles from the bottom?
This works well the way it operates :)
Awesome review David! I think this device ssems sooo handy....but I've got the counter pressure filler from Pilsnerkokarens that really do work great too!
It certainly is a nice device and handy if you need something of this type :)
It is expensive!
Is there any coupon I can't afford paying 130€
Here's a coupon code: youtube735
valid until January, 31
Great, that will certainly help. Though I believe that for the normal price this is good value.
What material is it made of? What kind of plastic is this? What will happen to your body when the bottle explodes?
I mentioned this in the video. It is a flexible ABS plastic that was chosen to be very tough and impact resistant. Ive no experience of anything exploding, so its hard to say but If you follow the products instructions for use then all will be good.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew The question is, is this plastic safe for our health?
You never know when a bottle is likely to explode. It may be slightly damaged. Where there is pressure, there must be safeguards.
I agree that health and safety is very important. I suggest that you discuss this with Boel. I am sure they can give you the full details.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew I'm just surprised that none of the reviewers of this device have no similar doubts and questions.
I guess we simply have faith :) Ive been using it for a fair period now without issues but if it concerns you then you should not buy one.
Ordering direct from Boel if you're in the UK is problematic. It seems that shipping direct from Russia is not possible, and the product has to be forwarded via one of their EU dealerships. I couldn't find a supplier of the iTap (for glass) in the UK, so ordered direct at end of Jan - still waiting. Have since discovered that The Malt Miller in the UK is now stocking this model.
Hmm that is surprising to hear. Have you emailed them?
@@DavidHeathHomebrew yes emailed Marina Nikolaeva at Boel and she informed me that the product had to be shipped via an EU dealer.
Ok, this I did not know about
Despite shipping issues, I still think its a great product for a bottling station with the ability to change the "bottle holder" to accommodate PET, Crown cap or Flip-top. So hopefully won't be too long before arrival.
It sure is yes :)
how is the cleaning ?
Personally I add cleaner into a handpumped bottle and clean this way. Cheap and effective. Here is a video showing this product:- ruclips.net/video/eV5v2HpWQ-s/видео.html
@@DavidHeathHomebrew thank you. Do you think that this kind of filler is better than the stainless steel ones made in China and sold by many brands (kegland included)?
I really like the iTap personally. However there are various other solutions that also work. In the end it is a question of how you intend to use such an item and look at which mounting option works for you best vs the price.
I was thinking of buying a beergun in the future, but this looks much more convient!
This is certainly going to be more protective than the average beergun.
I was also thinking of buying a beegun, but my local homebrew group said it's probably not so a great idea. This on the other hand seems pretty good. It's not dirt cheap as some of the aliexpress counter pressure fillers but I'm allways cautious of cheap stuff^^
Yes, some of those are really not great solutions.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew I guess it can work, but it can also spray beer around your kitchen. And I'm not sure my girlfirend will tolerate another beer explosion in her kitchen^^
Haha, yes this can make life difficult for sure :p
Not sure if the brown bottle fill was water, but using water does not accurately represent filling performance.
The brown bottle was beer. I used a clear bottle and water to show how it works more clearly. I am not going to put beer in a clear bottle though and film it, that would send out the wrong message.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew Thanks for the clarification, looks like the counter pressure does a good job suppressing foam. To be fair, beer in the clear bottle would give the best visualization of the filling process. You can typically see the CO2 atmosphere during purging and aside from oxygen uptake, foaming is one of the most critical measurements of filling performance.
Thanks Chris and I totally agree. These handle foam very well, though naturally you do need to have cold enough beer to achieve this.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew how cold would it need to be? What would be the consequence of about 10-12 C? Thank you. Also I have seen that the bottle neck needs to be a certain size or you need a new silicone seal, but doesn’t mention anywhere the size that is considered short. Do you know?
The iTap comes supplied with a choice of seals that covered all my bottles that are in various volumes. To use this effectively you will need to store the beer in a keg in a fridge. 5C is ideal. I hope this helps.
Experience does not come cheaply...
Thanks for using products before you give your opinions.
Many thanks. I just can't see why some do it any other way to be honest.
ONLY ORDER FROM THEM IF YOU ARE PATIENT. ITS BEEN OVER 3 WEEKS SO FAR. I HOPE NOTHING BREAKS FOR URGENT REPAIRS.
Sorry to hear that. These are busy times though and shipping has been getting slower also.
@@DavidHeathHomebrew their answer to my unhappy email; We warn our customers that the shipping is quite long due to the pandemic. We ship from Russia, so it takes time.
Anyway, your package is already in XXXXX and will be delivered to you in a few days.
The long shipping is the major disadvantage of iTap, so we're solving it by working with local dealers.
Ok, not long to wait now then thankfully :)
Haha, i ordered a few 3 months ago and still haven't received them (Australia)
That is odd. Have you emailed them?!
How long till Apple sue them and force a name change? 🍎🙄
Haha, that remains to be seen I guess! :p
Not a master of the world homebrew market 😂😂😂😂
lol. Well, you know how it is Bradley! Before you know it 30 people want to know how much it costs in Brazil, New Zealand, USA, Finland, Norway, Spain, Denmark, England, Sri Lanka and more and expect me to know :P
@@DavidHeathHomebrew I can only imagine my friend 🍻
It can get really crazy!
He is not the Jedi we are looking for.
Haha, probably not :p