As I viewed this, this video has 54,092 views, with 14 thumbs down. It is discouraging to know that there are 14 individuals who could be so stupid. Brian is incredibly knowledgable and helpful, and his presentation is professional and highly skilled. Thank you Brian for sharing your insights and knowledge with us. It is truly appreciated.
WOW! I honestly did not know it had that many views or thumbs down. I try to give the best concise information that I can. I focus on helping people and those thumbs down mean nothing at all to me. Comments like yours are what I pay attention to! Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your support!
Totally agree Brad. Been reviewing all in one systems for months now, and Brian's reviews by far are the most honest, concise, and well thought out. Ive subscribed and will continue to learn from Brian on my path to developing my skills for brewing. Too bad there isnt more thumbs up out of the 54k views, but on a positive note haters gonna hate. But only 14 negatives out of 54K views is like an ant compared to a mountain. You're doing a great job. Keep the great work!
Man this electric brewing is so much more dialed in and easier than what we do...loved this video Brian. Now i have to figure out (how to afford) a way to make the switch one day! lol Geat video as always!
I just ordered an Anvil Foundry from my local brew supply. I cant wait. I think it's a bit much for what I need right now, but if I make something I really enjoy, I'd like to make enough to enjoy with my friends and family.
Great video! I am getting back into the hobby after 15 years and I'm not interested in using my old converted keg boiler on a cajun cooker and igloo system anymore. It looks very straight forward and simple. This could be my next purchase !
Know what, you sold me. I’m downsizing from 5-6 gallons to 2.5-3 and already have the 4g Anvil bucket fermenter and this looks like it will go a long way to clearing out my excess brewing equipment for not a ton of cash.
This system is genius. I'm very tempted to sell all of my all grain equipment and put an order in for one of these. It'll pay for itself in the amount of propane i won't be using.
Yeah that's a huge plus with electric. I used propane prior to going electric. It was a pain having to go fill the bottles all the time. Not to mention in the winter the garage was COLD!! You won't regret it!! 👍🍻
thanks Brian, your videos are well informed and a cheer to watch, being an electrician and noob brewer I appreciate your attention to detail = excellent channel!
This video helped a ton getting started. First run today. Sprung for the Anvil Foundry. Really like it one batch in. Lots of baked in simplicity and easier cleanup. I only had one issue. Brewing a NE-ish-style IPA with a 13/5 pound grain bill - including 2 pounds rice hull to lessen any stuck mash. Kettle set for 159 with a 153 target when mashed in. Slowly stir in the grains .... No change in temp! Hangs at 159 all in. I had to paddle stir grains getting some of the bottom hot zones up to top. Slow temp changes this way. Added 1/2 gallon cold water to the mad stir. Took about 10-12 minutes aggressive stirrring to hit 153. The few videos I have watched they portray it as much faster. And was my experience my old methods - 3 tier using converted kegs. Note, that was 15 yrs ago - just getting back into it ;D
You have to realize that the temp on the screen is a reading from the bottom. UNDER the malt pipe. Sounds like you have good knowledge of brewing trust your instincts and mash in calculations. I image the middle of the mash was the correct temp.
Hmmm. I may want to get one of these, but I already have the Grainfather. Doesn’t make much sense having two 5 gallon all in one systems. However, I may talk Chad into getting one. Good video, BTW.
My wife is buying me one for Christmas. Been trying to do research on which one. Northern Brewer has this one 20% off this weekend. With the cooler and pump $300 sounds like a hell of a deal.
Do it Doug! Today was my first day using it. I wish I would have bought it months ago! However, waiting did allow me to get one with the controls on top! Haha, brew on my friend and cheers!
Brewed today for the first time on the foundry unit. I loved it, have zero complaints. Also thank you for this video and many others like it. I watched this one several times to prepare for foundry Brew Day!
I have the Brewzilla 3.1.1 system. The intake for the recirculation pump can become blocked with sediment. You may be able to clear the blockage by squeezing the bulb of a turkey baster and Inserting the tip into the intake port. When you release the bulb there may be enough suction to remove the blockage. If that doesn't work, remove the recirculation arm, open the valve and direct a pressured stream of water from a carboy / bottle pressure washer in. You're going to get wet. Working the turkey baster at the intake port and the pressure stream down from where the armature for your recirculation pump was, should eventually clear your obstruction.
Brian - In this video it appears that you're fermenting and carbonating in the Blichmann Cornical Unitank, is that accurate? When I go to their website, it appears that they're pushing the Keg & Fermentation Tank Kit. If the beer can be fermented and carbonated in the Unitank, then there's no point in buying the fermentation tank, correct?
First brew day on the Anvil Forge 10.5 with pump kit this weekend - NEIPA. Pressure fermenting in the Fermzilla All Rounder as well! Your videos have helped me make great economical choices on brewing gear. Cant wait!🍺👍🏻🤘🏻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers I’m a huge wrestling and tenacious d fan, definitely a compliment lol. Been watching videos to learn about larger capacity brewing, looking at a commercial setup for a nano brewery as a side hustle.
Great video. I recently bought the same and had some issue when transferring my wort to my fermentation bucket. Just seemed like a lot of trub came through. Did you have the same experience? Should i just do a better job with my whirlpool or does it not matter? Thanks!
In the video you do a manual whirlpool on the flameout hop additions. Can the pump be used to circulate the wort for that job? I always envisioned being able to utilize a pump to get my hops and wort constantly mixing for that 30minutes of “hopstanding”
Awesome review! My friend and I started brewing and filming for the past few months. Last week we did our first 5 gallon batch and my electric stove was struggling to keep temperature for the boil. I’ve been thinking to upgrading to the anvil. This will definitely help in my decision.
Thank you for the video, I myself just picked up the Anvil 10.5 and want to use your approach as much as possible. If possible, can you put together a video to explain your use of the corney keg for pressurized fermentation?
Great review, Brian! Love your Channel. Just completed my first all-grain brew day on the Anvil Foundry. Your honest and in-depth review convinced me that this was the system to purchase. It took awhile to get but it was well worth the wait! There is definitely going to be a learning curve coming from partial mashing to all-grain, but I’m glad I made the jump. The day went well and I hit my numbers, but the clean up!! How I wish I had a brewery like yours! Thankfully the weather has been unseasonably warm because I finally had to finish cleaning the Foundry outside on my deck. The malt pipe was the hardest to clean. Since this is basically a Brew in a Bag system, I just might use a brewing bag the next time I brew again. Any thoughts? Again, thanks for the excellent review! Cheers!🍻
Thanks John!! Glad to hear you had a good experience! A lot of people have been using a 400 micron bag for the malt pipe. You might give that a try. Let me know how it goes! 👍🍻
I’ve been watching your videos (awesome) while I went through the decision making process for an all-in-one electric system. I ended up getting an Anvil Foundry 10.5. In this video, it sounds like you hit your numbers exactly for that kit… However, most of what I read about these systems (particularly the Anvil?) is about a drop in efficiency (e.g. down to 60%)? Maybe that is how the kit recipe was formulated, or maybe you could give me tips for getting that kind of efficiency as I prep to brew my first batch. In my cooler mash system, I hit ~75% efficiency on average without even worrying about anything… I am not really worried about the efficiency loss, but just hoping for less time up front in process/recipe adjustments. No sweat if I don’t hit the numbers - that’s what extract is for (or just ferment it like it is)!
Stir the mash at 15 minute intervals, may need a little finer grind, make sure your pH is correct. All things that contribute to good efficiency in these systems.
Well it kinda depends on what you want to do. If you want to maintain temp and recirculate. Home Depot coolers will have a hard time without some extras. 👍🍻
For shits and giggles you should transcribe one of these videos, and then have David Heath do a voice over in time with your video. It would be epic. Great exercise with this little gem Brian. Good to see you brewing again. Brewery looks good. Cheers.
Also ps i don't have a problem with patron,,,,,, but I'm way to poor to help you guy's.... i have a house thats shot out,,, way to many things to pay for...... ps., and also great video.
thanks for the vid! helped me make my decision on whether to purchase this versus the others out there. I decided on this as the others with pump, the pump was internal, and i would like to utilize the pump for other uses as well. appears to be a good value in comparison to others out there. I'll find out more once i receive it.
If you had to decide between this unit and the mash and boil, what would you choose. Price points are basically the same, and I suppose the anvil does have a slightly larger capacity but in my opinion if your are only doing a 5 gallon batch both still have plenty of extra room. So I guess it comes down temperature precious and quality of the build, which would you choose and why?
First brew in new 10.5 gal. Foundry today and found your video very helpful. I also took your advice on building a GFCI converter cable so I could run at 240V using a 30A unused dryer circuit. One thing I experienced was a very vigorous boil after mash out. I’d turned it up to full power for the boil and found that to be too much. (I had to kill the power just before it boiled over!) I backed down to 85% and that was a much better (still vigorous) boil. Have you experienced this? Another thing that would be helpful are some cleaning tips for the system. I have a deep utility sink but not quite big enough for the tall 10.5 system components.
Yeah I generally turn the power down once boil is reached boil. As far as cleaning goes I usually heat up water and PBW solution and use the pump to recirculate the solution. 👍🍻
I just received my Anvil yesterday, due to COVID thought the pump is back ordered. Since i currently drain to pitcher and pour it back in and 5 minutes or so at each stage, I am not too worried about no pump.
Hi Brian, just watched your video on a diy sparge arm. Would that approach be a good alternative to to the perforated disk application that came with my Anvil Foundry All in One System, considering channeling comments, in general, I have noted while researching sparge arms.? And if so, would the sparge arm be a good alternative during re-circulation as well? Thanks much.
How did you disinfect your pump and lines? Do you run it for 5 minutes why the wort is boiling? Could you not whirlpool with the pump while the chiller is doing its thing?
I didn't show it in the video. I should have mentioned it. The pump is not rated for boiling wort, So shortly after I turned off the element I ran a little bit of hot water through the pump and just let it sit there while chilling to sanitize it. 👍🍻
Hey Brian. Great review. Do you know if Anvil is planning on building a 20 gal system for 5 to 10 gal batches? I live in Canada and the brewzilla 65l isn't available here but the anvil 10.5 is. I have 220V in my garage so the anvil seems like the right choice for me
With regard to sparging, do you think adding the sparge water at a very slow rate vs. pretty much just quickly pouring it in is a better way to go and do you think the outcome will be any different with perforated disk on or off when adding the sparge water. Thanks much.
It's really going to depend on how well your grain bed is draining. If it's draining fast I would say pour slowly if it is draining about average where water will sit on top of the grain you can just pour it all on there. I do like pouring it over the disc because it disperses the liquid more evenly. But if you're able to have liquid standing on top of the grain you don't necessarily have to pour it over the disc. 👍🍻
I've done 5 different brews with the Anvil at 120v. (all turned out great!) Just finished making my 240 gfci 30 amp cord (per your youtube video) so my next one will be using 240v. Is there a "table" to show what % of power I should be using at different steps using 240? I've always left it at 100% using 120.
It varies depending on your elevation. 50% during mash is the general consensus, and 90% during boil is a good place to start. If you think that's too vigorous of a boil you can drop it down. But I would leave it at 100% when coming up to a boil. 👍🍻
It is "inexpensive" yes but it does a fine job. It is the same size and style.of pump the other all in one units have. That said there's no reason you can't use a more premium pump if you want. One thing I do like about the pump is the head is held on by wing nuts so it is easy to clean . 👍🍻
Hey thanks for the informative video. Long time BIAB brewer and actually have this ordered and on the way, after spending the whole summer deciding on which system I'd like to get. My question is regarding your transfer to your fermentation vessel. Aren't you worried about contamination of your wort by using the pump to transfer? If I am getting this right, the pump will roughly pasteurized from the recirculation of the mash, however boiling wort never goes through it (as this would cause damage to the pump). Did you find this to be suitable in preventing contamination?
What are the best cleaning methods for a system like this? Are they just standard cleanup procedures, or is it more involved because there is a pump, tubing, etc...?
It would definitely work. A little overpowered but that's fine. Then you would just need to make up the hose that would do the recirculation. If you are familiar with bruehardware.com they can make small pieces of stainless steel pipe and bend them however you want them. 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers I figured it may be a little overpowered and was concerned with it creating a stuck sparge. I do have valves on the pump to slow its outgoing flow but not sure if that slows the suction. Anvil does have the individual components of the recirculation package available for purchase so I wouldn't need to get anything specialty made, thanks though!
Okay great yeah just definitely control the flow out of the pump and you'll be fine. The chugger is an impeller pump so you can throttle it back to a trickle and it won't hurt a thing. 👍🍻
For the sake of water conservation and chill efficiency, I like to run the wort through the chiller while submerged in ice. You ran water through the chiller immersed in the wort - is that purely preference on your part or are there specific concerns/constraints about the Anvil's pump or chiller?
Is this the first generation Anvil Foundry 6.5 gallon system? Is it wired for both 120 & 240, and which you use is just a matter of plugging one or the other in?
It is the first gen 10.5 they are all 120/240 you have to flip a switch for the voltage change and either replace the plug for 240 or make my inline GFCI extension cord to use it safely on 240v 👍🍻
Hey Brian I did a brown ale and got a stuck mash with this system I crushed my grain to .035 what do you crush your grain to??? Also what’s your efficiency at
Anvil recommendation is to mill at 1.2mm or approximately. . 050 beyond that if you want to use rice hulls that will help. I got 70% mash efficiency on my first batch. 👍🍻
The malt pipe in the Foundry looks much better than the pipe in my Robobrew. The multiple parts and overflow tube in the center drives me nuts. Would you agree? Also, is it the same basic size as the Robo pipe? (If so, it could be a nice little Robo hack/upgrade.)
You had some boil hops, did they clog your spigot at all or you whirlpooled to avoid that? Aside from the hops, was the wort pretty clear, i.e. little grain matter?
As you can see in the video the wort was very clear. I did not see hardly any bits of grain in the wort after pulling the malt pipe out. There were some little bits of grain but no husks or anything like that. Thanks for the question Tinyee! Cheers! 👍🍻
Brian, Did my first brew on the Anvil 10.5 and loved it...almost. I had one bad incident I'm making you and others aware of. When I pulled up the grain basket I was able to avoid bumping the ring and having it fall into the wort (others complaining about that), however something worse happened. The basket will not sit securely on all four basket rest spots...if you bump the basket to one side it sits on three securely but will move so that it's barely sitting on the opposite side rest. What happened is that the basket fell into the hot wort and splashed me and lost a bit. I've emailed Anvil to see what they recommend. Have you experienced this? As the basket fell in cockeyed it slightly dented the basket a bit. I was able to pull it out mostly. Love the system...hate the basket so far.
There is a upgrade I believe that has hooks to attach to the basket so it will hook onto the vessel rather than sit on the ring. If you don't get a response from email try their Facebook page. 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers yes, I just talked with Anvil and there's a $15 upgrade where you drill some holes in the basket and install two clips on two of the adjacent clips and throw out the ring. The basket just sits on top of the kettle rim from two points. I'm ordering one for sure!
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Great customer service! They are shipping me a new ring and the retro fix kit. This is what everyone should get. After installing 2 new clips to the outside of the basket it will just hang on the side of the kettle by two hooks and you can get rid of the ring that's caused so many issues with people. This will fix all the issues. Thanks Anvil!
Hey. Thanks for the great video. Question for after the chill and before transferring to the fermentor. Did you do anything to sanitize the pump or tubing that wasn't shown? Is this necessary? How about cleaning the pump after the brew day? IS that pretty straight forward? Any tips?
I should have shown it in my video but what I do is at the end of the boil briefly run a little bit of boiling water through the pump and just let it sit there until the chilling is done and the pump will be sanitized. 👍🍻
Hey Brian, I finally received my Anvil Foundry 10.5. Do you have a good equipment profile to use. I use BeerSmith and Brewers Friend. Can you share your efficiency and losses during the brew day?
I saw the notification and thought FINALLY! aaand it's not B80. I hope it's coming out soon. I'd love to see it in action. I have few concerns about its design and there's just not enough on the web about it. I'll have to get used to disappointment ;)
Thanks for your informative videos! I just brewed on mine for the first time last night and it went pretty well. One thing I noticed was that there was a lot of grain material in the boil. I think I had a normal crush. Have you noticed this? Did you do any kind of Vorlauf to move any grain that might have inevitably slipped thru the mash filter/false bottom out of the boil? I recirced throughout the mash and mash out but I guess that wasn’t sufficient.
Short Circuited Brewers thanks for the reply! I am on that group on fb. I’ll check it out. Do you avoid grain in the boil this way or just have a smaller crush?
Isn't using a bag in these systems kinda defeating the object? Or is this a daft question! I'm very new and on the hunt for one of these all-in one systems. Thanks, Jimmy.
Not necessarily. Most of these systems don't have a fine mesh so if you mill your grains too fine you will wind up with particulate in your boil. I think quite a few people are using bags in them so that they can do a finer crushed to help with efficiency and also have a clear wort. 👍🍻
What are your thoughts on this system vs the RoboBrew. I've been a propane brewer for years AND this will be my first all grain system. Up to this point it's been all partial mash and extract brews. I don't really want to jump up to the grainfather, so I'm looking at these 2 systems instead.
There are some advantages that the Anvil has. The ability to power with 240v is a big one for me. 120v is pretty slow to hear up. Especially if you are coming from a sizable burner with propane. I do think the external pump is a plus as well. Easy to clean if it gets clogged as opposed to trying to blow the clog out of the RB. The latest model of the Foundry has controls at the tip of the unit which is nice on the back!! Both systems make great beer. If you are able to use 240 I would lean toward the Anvil system. 👍🍻
I'm loving the Anvil system, and am about to make the purchase. My only question is in regards to longevity. What do you think about a system like this, with no replaceable heating element, vs taking the extra time and focus to put together a similar DIY system where I can replace those parts later down the road if I need to?
That is a con. All I can say is the service from John Blichmann and company are top notch. You never really can tell the longevity of components are. My DIY HERMS. I've had to replace 3 PIDS in 5 years.. so nothing lasts forever. For the price and convenience of say go for it. No way you can build a DIY for the price point.👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers That's a good point. I haven't tried pricing out all the parts I would need to do something comparable, so I'll try that out. If it's roughly the same (or more expensive!) then I'll stick with the Anvil.
About to brew on this and have a q. Instructions say not to pump boiling wort, so if using the pump to transfer to fermenter, do you sanitize with starsan or just run hot wort a few minutes at end of boil? Love the vids!
waiting on mine and cant wait to get started! im actually moving from a buddy's 3 pot system to this but curious on a few things... 1- i plan on sparging all my beers, so are all sparges one gallon per the instruction manual or do you follow the recipe youre using? 2- do you boil the time per your recipe, to the amount youre looking for, etc? do people stick to the anvil directions, brew recipes or a combination? thanks in advance!
I saw you exact question on the Facebook page. Lots of good advice from everyone there. It's situational based on how much grain etc. You can do a traditional mash and sparge. Just make sure you have enough water for the grain to be saturated. If you are recirculating, you have to be more careful to make sure the bottom doesn't become exposed and cause scorching due to not enough wort in the bottom. 👍🍻
Thanks for your video. It really made my first brew day go really well. Quick question, you mentioned after adding the grain, let it sit for 10 minutes before starting the sacch. rest. Is this just to be sure the grain is saturated before starting, or is it a type of protein rest? Thanks again.
According to Anvil, that cooler insert allows you to go down to a 4 gallon batch. This appeals to me but I’m considering the 6.5 Foundry for 2.5 - 3 G batches.
Great video Brian. Could you explain more about dialing in the recalculation pump? I can't seem to get the correct flow. Either I'm getting a stuck mash or I'm clamping down the hose and eventually getting very little recurculation. Thank you.
A lot of it's going to depend on what your grain bill is and how much it flows. I generally would say to start with a clamp down to just a trickle and then if that is going well you can start to open it up as you go through the mash period. One thing that's really important is waiting that 10 minutes before you start the recirculation It helps the starches break down a little bit and gets you past the gelatinization stage.
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Hey Brian, I was able to dial in the pump flow, but I'm still getting only about 65% efficiency and over the last 3 brews have been able to get to the OG by putting 1 lb of DME in the boil the last 15 minutes. Maybe that is just the efficiency that the Anvil is able to produce (seems like that is what Brewers Friend profile says). It's just tough not to get to the gravity the recipe kit calls for. Have you found that you need to run the milled grain from the kits once more? Or because I don't mess with PH it's making it difficult to get to gravity number that is called for?
A few questions. Do you feel this system is adequate for step mashing? Two, have you noticed a difference with your efficiency rate with this system? Third, can I use a hop spider with the unit? Lastly, has the company said anything about possibly selling the unit for larger batches to compete with systems like the Grainfather or BrewTools? Thanks for the video. Cheers!
You can step mash just like any other system you would just need to do it manually. Some users alhave reported up to 80%+ efficiency and some have reported 60ish% most. If the time you have to figure out the nuances of the system and it takes a few batches to get it dialed in. You can use a hop spider, not sure it's necessary. But you can. 👍🍻 I am pressing them to make a bigger one. If there is enough demand they will do it.. 👍
Thanks for this great video. I currently brew induction in my small condo kitchen (5 g in an 8g kettle) and use a BIAB in my 10 gallon Igloo cooler. Is their any reason I couldn’t use that bag in the Anvil’s grain pipe? Too close to the heat source?
It helps maintain the temperature, and it clarifies the wort..If you don't have a pump you can stir every so often, and vorlauf before draining the mash. 👍🍻
Sorry if this has already been asked but did you check the accuracy of the temp on the display vs a hand held thermometer? I have the Mash and Boil and its @ 5 degrees off.
Yes it is correct. The mash and boil is notorious for that differential. Anvil uses a much more accurate control system than the mash and boil as well. It does not have the temperature swings during mash either. 👍🍻
Is this kit "plug and play" for people that don't have special outlets? I'm wondering if I'll have to do any home modifications to have the appropriate voltage for the system or if a normal outlet will work
It will work fine on 120v. If you want to change it to. 240 there are things that need to be done. Out of the box 120 you're good to go! You do need to plug into a GFCI outlet. Like what's in a bathroom or kitchen. Most garages have GFCI outlets too. 👍🍻
Do you do any cleaning/sanitizing of the pump system before you use it to transfer to the fermenter? I'd think it would get sticky in there after the mash recirculating and sitting out for several hours during the boil/chilling process. Great video too!
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers thanks for the quick response! went ahead and got my Anvil ordered today - can't wait to brew indoors again, as I've been on a propane burner outdoor rig for years!
120v is definitely slower than most propane flame systems. Maybe double the time to bring to a boil. The preheat function is great for mash in though set it the night before and it will be ready to go once you are ready to brew. 👍🍻
What system would you reccomend between the three? Anvil 10.5, robobrew 3.1 or the mash and boil w/pump. Believe they are similar in price. Looking for best bang for the buck between the three. Suggestions?
The anvil. Several reasons. 1 more accurate temps due to the controller design. 2 you can use it with 120v or 240v. I do like the pump being external for cleaning. If you get the Anvil kit the pump head is super easy to clean. The second choice would be the brewzilla. 👍🍻
I thank you very much for your suggestion. Great vids, very informative. Especially for a guy that's going to get into all grain shortly. Thanks again!!
Hello Brian. I’m sorry if you had already answered this question. How do you use the pump to transfer to the conical? Also, how would you use the pump for a whirlpool? Thank you.
To transfer to a fermenter I chill down to about 180 degrees then circulate wart through the pump to sanitize it. then once it's chilled down the rest of the way you can transfer to your fermenter. whirlpooling is pretty much the same way but it cool down to about 180 then you can start your whirlpool with the pump. 👍🍻
Hello! In one of your videos you talked about hot side aeration and how it wasnt good for the beer. Isnt ciruclating wort like this an example of hot side aeration?
Since I received my Anvil Foundry 6.5 three weeks ago. I’ve done 2 batches, a straight IPA and a Pale Ale. But on both brew days I have noticed it’s taking a little longer than expected to chill the wort. Both times has taken almost 45 minutes to cool down to 72 degrees
Hello Brian, thank you for all your great videos with the very helpful information. One question: Does the lid of the Anvil 7.5 bucket fermenter fit the 10.5 gallon Foundry? Thank you, -Wolfgang
No the fermenter is smaller but I think I know where you're going with this if you unscrew the handle on the lid on the kettle the hole is the same size as the hole in the fermenter lid.👍🍻
How tall is the 10.5 gal system with grain basket raised? Looks tall. Would like to put system on bench but worried how high malt pipe would be. Also a video showing the guts of the system would be nice. I would love to buy this system and mod it with the SmartPID.
Brian- So I know you try not to make recommendations for products, rather you try and give honest pro/con reviews. I want to kick up my lager game, so want to be able to do step mashing - this looks like an easier process for robobrew. Robobrew is on 3.1 (vs 3.0 in another video), but cant see if they made improvements in the step mashing software. What other units should I at least consider for lager step-mashing? (Unibrau V3, Braumeister Plus 20L?, ClawHammer?) There are almost too many options on the market now... a good problem.
The software on the Robo brew has not been updated in functionality over then model that I reviewed. Most of the systems lack the ability to "auto step mash" But nothing says you can't do it manually. What is your budget.
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers As said offline (in case others find helpful), I'm in that 1k to $1500 range. But if i spend less on kettle/mash combo, that frees up funds for temp control. Thanks in advance!!! Want to make sure I've considered the variety of systems available...
When chilling your wort after the boil, do you get an accurate temperature reading on the Foundry’s thermostat? I brewed on it last night and after about 20 minutes of chilling, the actual temp had only decreased to 140. I used a sanitized stick thermometer to check and it was actually about 80 degrees. Went ahead and transferred to the fermenter and got a reading of 77 degrees from the temp control on that, so I know the stick thermometer was correct.
One thing you need to know about the foundry is that the temperature probe is on the bottom of the kettle and if you get trub surrounding the temperature probe it will have an insulative quality that will maintain a hotter temperature on the display. So make sure when you're cooling that you stir the bottom up really well so that the temperature sensor reads the accurate temperature and doesn't have trub surrounding it. It is a pretty common question that gets asked, you're not the only one that is experienced this. 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Just wanted to follow up and say that this advice worked great for me when I brewed this past weekend! Whenever the temp drop seemed to stall out, I would give it a good stir and see the temp start dropping again. I got the Foundry reading down into the 70s in no time. Thanks again!
A newbie question, so after the last step you showed what else is required? A fermenter, and place to store bottle beer? Just looking for what else is finally required to get your final product which is not included ? Thanks
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers any recommendations for budget items for the above ? thanks appreciate all your feedback .. i am going to be basing my purchase on your review and feedback
I really enjoy your videos. How does this compare to the grainfather? Ive been spending weeks trying to decide which unit to go with. I like to buy good equipment up front but also don't want to spend twice as much for something if it isn't much difference in quality.
I think it is a way better value proposition with the external pump. Less than half the price and makes great beer. They will be back in stock later this month. 👍🍻
Got my Anvil...waiting for the Crucible to arrive. Quick question...regarding the complaints everyone has about the ring popping off when removing the grain basket. In another channel someone said you had a suggestion about using some clips at the top to prevent the ring popping out when removing the basket. Any suggestions, did you discuss this in a post?
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Would it be able to keep the wort in motion during the boil to prevent it from scorching on the internal surface? Rather than stirring manually
Not necessary. I may have been stirring for the chilling. Manual stirring with a spoon is much more effective that having the pump move the wort. The elements are low wattage density. Scorching has never been an issue. 👍🍻
I use a mash and boil. I noticed you tossed the hop pellets in to the kettle. Did they clog or cause any problems when draining the wort out of the spigot on the foundry?
A couple questions: First, I'm curious what clamp that is you're using to restrict flow on your silicone tube? Second, is there a reason behind not raking past the top third of the mash? Also, I was curious about your "best keg washer", but the link is the same at the hose. Thanks for the consistently well-produced and informative content, and cheers!
The clamp comes with the recirculation system for the Anvil. The reason not raking the lower portion is disturbing the bottom of the filter bed and reducing it's filtering capability. Sorry for the mix-up on the link. Here is the one I like. www.amazon.com/dp/B00FAYT8IG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_btf_t1_aHMFFbXF6GGWN
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Thanks for the info, and explanation! I'm looking at my first brew on the system within the week, and will have to dig through all the included "goodies", as I don't remember seeing it on unpack (though I may have been too excited to notice... That and maybe a couple brews 😂). Cheers, and thanks again. 🍻
Great video. I've just purchased this system, and waiting for it to arrive. In the meantime I'm working on building a brew table, and want to set shelf/pedestal heights for good ergonomics. I have a few questions: 1. Do you have this sitting on a pedestal of some type, and if so, what is the height of it? 2. Anvil doesn't provide the total height with the basket in the drain position. Could you provide the total height of the kettle with the basket pulled up please? - My best guess by gauging the manufacturer pictures is about 48"
Without is how they are intended. Mine are very close. I would however recommend anyone buying one weigh their water and confirm that the measurements are accurate just to be sure, as they can vary slightly from unit to unit due to the manufacturing process. Water is 8.34 lbs at room temperature. 👍🍻
Quick question. Could you use a hop spider and have it hang on the chiller, or do you recommend the hop bag? I recently purchased a foundery 6.5 system and want to have all the accessories here when it arrives for my initial brew day.
Try to document as much of your process as possible so you can try to improve with each batch. Don't be hard on yourself if everything is not perfect.. Have fun and enjoy the hobby 👍🍻
Im trying to decide between the Anvil 10.5 or the g30. I can purchase the G30 for $760. What do you recommend? If i get the anvil i could also upgrade my fermenter as well. Thanks for the help!
Really it comes down to connectivity. The g30 has connectivity that The Foundry does not. If that's important to you go with the g30 they're both great systems. For me I would go with the Anvil and upgrade my fermenter because I'm not a huge user of the connectivity part of Brewing I like to do everything manually. 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Thanks. That helped me. Anvil it is! One last question. I will have an extra 200-300 left over. Can you recommend a fermenter? Have you used any of the Delta aio or fermenters? You really know your stuff and products so appreciate the help!!
Hi, I've watched this video at least 10 times at this point. The mash out - Did you reach 170 and let it go 10 more minutes or did you just pull it when it reached 170? I'm finding this confusing in my recipe versus the Anvil manual.
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As I viewed this, this video has 54,092 views, with 14 thumbs down. It is discouraging to know that there are 14 individuals who could be so stupid. Brian is incredibly knowledgable and helpful, and his presentation is professional and highly skilled. Thank you Brian for sharing your insights
and knowledge with us. It is truly appreciated.
WOW! I honestly did not know it had that many views or thumbs down. I try to give the best concise information that I can. I focus on helping people and those thumbs down mean nothing at all to me. Comments like yours are what I pay attention to! Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your support!
Totally agree Brad. Been reviewing all in one systems for months now, and Brian's reviews by far are the most honest, concise, and well thought out. Ive subscribed and will continue to learn from Brian on my path to developing my skills for brewing. Too bad there isnt more thumbs up out of the 54k views, but on a positive note haters gonna hate. But only 14 negatives out of 54K views is like an ant compared to a mountain. You're doing a great job. Keep the great work!
Thanks!!
I brew propane but my dad just got an all in one system (vevor). Watching this so I can walk him through it, thank you for this
Welcome!
Man this electric brewing is so much more dialed in and easier than what we do...loved this video Brian. Now i have to figure out (how to afford) a way to make the switch one day! lol Geat video as always!
Lol save them pennies!! Cheers Todd! 👍🍻
I just ordered an Anvil Foundry from my local brew supply. I cant wait. I think it's a bit much for what I need right now, but if I make something I really enjoy, I'd like to make enough to enjoy with my friends and family.
Nice! If you are on Facebook join the group over there. Lots of info and helpful people over there! 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers awesome, thanks and will do.
Great video! I am getting back into the hobby after 15 years and I'm not interested in using my old converted keg boiler on a cajun cooker and igloo system anymore. It looks very straight forward and simple. This could be my next purchase !
It is a really great simple system that makes great beer! 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers How necessary do you think the recirculation pump is? I'm trying to keep things as simple as possible.
@@williammicol872 I think it help with efficiency personally. But it is always something you can add to the system if you want to try without. 👍🍻
I am now in your situation. Did you buy this system and if so, do you like it?
Know what, you sold me. I’m downsizing from 5-6 gallons to 2.5-3 and already have the 4g Anvil bucket fermenter and this looks like it will go a long way to clearing out my excess brewing equipment for not a ton of cash.
Enjoy!! 👍🍻
I enjoy brewing with my 10.5 Anvil with great results! This vid helps me think through each brew day and make sure I don't skip a step.
Awesome to hear!! Glad it helped! 👍🍻
How fine do you mill your grains for this system, anyone?
@@georgerhino1127 credit card gap
This system is genius. I'm very tempted to sell all of my all grain equipment and put an order in for one of these. It'll pay for itself in the amount of propane i won't be using.
Yeah that's a huge plus with electric. I used propane prior to going electric. It was a pain having to go fill the bottles all the time. Not to mention in the winter the garage was COLD!! You won't regret it!! 👍🍻
thanks Brian, your videos are well informed and a cheer to watch, being an electrician and noob brewer I appreciate your attention to detail = excellent channel!
Thanks!! 👍🍻
This video helped a ton getting started. First run today. Sprung for the Anvil Foundry. Really like it one batch in. Lots of baked in simplicity and easier cleanup. I only had one issue. Brewing a NE-ish-style IPA with a 13/5 pound grain bill - including 2 pounds rice hull to lessen any stuck mash.
Kettle set for 159 with a 153 target when mashed in. Slowly stir in the grains .... No change in temp! Hangs at 159 all in. I had to paddle stir grains getting some of the bottom hot zones up to top. Slow temp changes this way. Added 1/2 gallon cold water to the mad stir. Took about 10-12 minutes aggressive stirrring to hit 153.
The few videos I have watched they portray it as much faster. And was my experience my old methods - 3 tier using converted kegs.
Note, that was 15 yrs ago - just getting back into it ;D
You have to realize that the temp on the screen is a reading from the bottom. UNDER the malt pipe. Sounds like you have good knowledge of brewing trust your instincts and mash in calculations. I image the middle of the mash was the correct temp.
Hmmm. I may want to get one of these, but I already have the Grainfather. Doesn’t make much sense having two 5 gallon all in one systems. However, I may talk Chad into getting one. Good video, BTW.
Thanks Larry!! It. Is a great system! 👍🍻
My wife is buying me one for Christmas. Been trying to do research on which one. Northern Brewer has this one 20% off this weekend. With the cooler and pump $300 sounds like a hell of a deal.
I really like this review and I believe this is the machine for me as I am ready to jump into all grain brewing.
Thanks!! I think they may. Be out of stock right now but more are on the way! 👍🍻
Do it Doug! Today was my first day using it. I wish I would have bought it months ago! However, waiting did allow me to get one with the controls on top! Haha, brew on my friend and cheers!
Brewed today for the first time on the foundry unit. I loved it, have zero complaints. Also thank you for this video and many others like it. I watched this one several times to prepare for foundry Brew Day!
Awesome Brian!! Glad it helped! 👍🍻
I have the Brewzilla 3.1.1 system.
The intake for the recirculation pump can become blocked with sediment.
You may be able to clear the blockage by squeezing the bulb of a turkey baster and Inserting the tip into the intake port. When you release the bulb there may be enough suction to remove the blockage.
If that doesn't work, remove the recirculation arm, open the valve and direct a pressured stream of water from a carboy / bottle pressure washer in. You're going to get wet.
Working the turkey baster at the intake port and the pressure stream down from where the armature for your recirculation pump was, should eventually clear your obstruction.
Just got my Anvil system, perfect timing for this video!
Good to hear! Let me know how you like it! 👍🍻
Brian - In this video it appears that you're fermenting and carbonating in the Blichmann Cornical Unitank, is that accurate? When I go to their website, it appears that they're pushing the Keg & Fermentation Tank Kit. If the beer can be fermented and carbonated in the Unitank, then there's no point in buying the fermentation tank, correct?
First brew day on the Anvil Forge 10.5 with pump kit this weekend - NEIPA. Pressure fermenting in the Fermzilla All Rounder as well! Your videos have helped me make great economical choices on brewing gear. Cant wait!🍺👍🏻🤘🏻
Good to hear!! Thanks for the comments! 👍🍻
If Big Van Vader and Kylie Gass had a baby.
But seriously thanks for the great video. Love your sound, lighting and set!
Thanks!
Wrasslin' and Tenacious D I'll take that.
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers I’m a huge wrestling and tenacious d fan, definitely a compliment lol. Been watching videos to learn about larger capacity brewing, looking at a commercial setup for a nano brewery as a side hustle.
Great video. I recently bought the same and had some issue when transferring my wort to my fermentation bucket. Just seemed like a lot of trub came through. Did you have the same experience? Should i just do a better job with my whirlpool or does it not matter? Thanks!
In the video you do a manual whirlpool on the flameout hop additions. Can the pump be used to circulate the wort for that job? I always envisioned being able to utilize a pump to get my hops and wort constantly mixing for that 30minutes of “hopstanding”
Thanks for all the very educational videos. If I use a bag inside the pipe, can I (or should I) stir the entire grain bed?
Either one is fine. Even with a bag you can stir to help increase efficiency. 👍🍻
Awesome review! My friend and I started brewing and filming for the past few months. Last week we did our first 5 gallon batch and my electric stove was struggling to keep temperature for the boil. I’ve been thinking to upgrading to the anvil. This will definitely help in my decision.
You'll love it! 👍🍻
Thank you for the video, I myself just picked up the Anvil 10.5 and want to use your approach as much as possible. If possible, can you put together a video to explain your use of the corney keg for pressurized fermentation?
Yeah it's actually n the list! 👍🍻
I was waiting for this one! Appreciate the time and effort you put into this. Thanks
Awesome Mark! Hope you enjoyed it!!! 👍🍻
Great review, Brian! Love your Channel. Just completed my first all-grain brew day on the Anvil Foundry. Your honest and in-depth review convinced me that this was the system to purchase. It took awhile to get but it was well worth the wait! There is definitely going to be a learning curve coming from partial mashing to all-grain, but I’m glad I made the jump. The day went well and I hit my numbers, but the clean up!! How I wish I had a brewery like yours! Thankfully the weather has been unseasonably warm because I finally had to finish cleaning the Foundry outside on my deck. The malt pipe was the hardest to clean. Since this is basically a Brew in a Bag system, I just might use a brewing bag the next time I brew again. Any thoughts? Again, thanks for the excellent review! Cheers!🍻
Thanks John!! Glad to hear you had a good experience! A lot of people have been using a 400 micron bag for the malt pipe. You might give that a try. Let me know how it goes! 👍🍻
I’ve been watching your videos (awesome) while I went through the decision making process for an all-in-one electric system. I ended up getting an Anvil Foundry 10.5.
In this video, it sounds like you hit your numbers exactly for that kit… However, most of what I read about these systems (particularly the Anvil?) is about a drop in efficiency (e.g. down to 60%)? Maybe that is how the kit recipe was formulated, or maybe you could give me tips for getting that kind of efficiency as I prep to brew my first batch. In my cooler mash system, I hit ~75% efficiency on average without even worrying about anything…
I am not really worried about the efficiency loss, but just hoping for less time up front in process/recipe adjustments. No sweat if I don’t hit the numbers - that’s what extract is for (or just ferment it like it is)!
Stir the mash at 15 minute intervals, may need a little finer grind, make sure your pH is correct. All things that contribute to good efficiency in these systems.
So would you say someone is better with this all in one system or the tried and true Home Depot coolers?
Well it kinda depends on what you want to do. If you want to maintain temp and recirculate. Home Depot coolers will have a hard time without some extras. 👍🍻
For shits and giggles you should transcribe one of these videos, and then have David Heath do a voice over in time with your video. It would be epic. Great exercise with this little gem Brian. Good to see you brewing again. Brewery looks good. Cheers.
Thanks man!! Lol that would be epic to replace the audio.. Hahaha.. 👍🍻
Also ps i don't have a problem with patron,,,,,, but I'm way to poor to help you guy's.... i have a house thats shot out,,, way to many things to pay for...... ps., and also great video.
thanks for the vid! helped me make my decision on whether to purchase this versus the others out there. I decided on this as the others with pump, the pump was internal, and i would like to utilize the pump for other uses as well. appears to be a good value in comparison to others out there. I'll find out more once i receive it.
Great to hear! 👍🍻
If you had to decide between this unit and the mash and boil, what would you choose. Price points are basically the same, and I suppose the anvil does have a slightly larger capacity but in my opinion if your are only doing a 5 gallon batch both still have plenty of extra room. So I guess it comes down temperature precious and quality of the build, which would you choose and why?
First brew in new 10.5 gal. Foundry today and found your video very helpful. I also took your advice on building a GFCI converter cable so I could run at 240V using a 30A unused dryer circuit. One thing I experienced was a very vigorous boil after mash out. I’d turned it up to full power for the boil and found that to be too much. (I had to kill the power just before it boiled over!) I backed down to 85% and that was a much better (still vigorous) boil. Have you experienced this? Another thing that would be helpful are some cleaning tips for the system. I have a deep utility sink but not quite big enough for the tall 10.5 system components.
Yeah I generally turn the power down once boil is reached boil. As far as cleaning goes I usually heat up water and PBW solution and use the pump to recirculate the solution. 👍🍻
Hey Brian the new place looks like it is really coming together. Cant wait for your next live brew day.
P.S. can you put out a video head to head video for all the complete brewing systems you have used recently?
Thanks Tim!! Hopefully I can soon spin the camera around for the other side of the. room... Lol kinda reminds me of the last. Place.. Haha
Just got mine today and brewing tomorrow
Nice!! Good luck! 👍🍻
I just received my Anvil yesterday, due to COVID thought the pump is back ordered. Since i currently drain to pitcher and pour it back in and 5 minutes or so at each stage, I am not too worried about no pump.
Nice! Let me know how you like it. 👍🍻
Funny, I brewed a haze craze Friday before last and left the sample valve open on the fermenter just like you did...I don’t feel as bad now!
Haha. It happens!! 👍🍻
Hi Brian, just watched your video on a diy sparge arm. Would that approach be a good alternative to to the perforated disk application that came with my Anvil Foundry All in One System, considering channeling comments, in general, I have noted while researching sparge arms.? And if so, would the sparge arm be a good alternative during re-circulation as well? Thanks much.
Yes it works well. I've used that sparge arm with the Foundry with good results. 👍🍻
How did you disinfect your pump and lines? Do you run it for 5 minutes why the wort is boiling? Could you not whirlpool with the pump while the chiller is doing its thing?
I didn't show it in the video. I should have mentioned it. The pump is not rated for boiling wort, So shortly after I turned off the element I ran a little bit of hot water through the pump and just let it sit there while chilling to sanitize it. 👍🍻
What was the temperature of the sparse water ! How many litter did you add?
Watch the video
Hey Brian. Great review. Do you know if Anvil is planning on building a 20 gal system for 5 to 10 gal batches? I live in Canada and the brewzilla 65l isn't available here but the anvil 10.5 is. I have 220V in my garage so the anvil seems like the right choice for me
Not sure ATM. There is demand for it I know that. If there is enough I imagine they'll be looking at offering one.
With regard to sparging, do you think adding the sparge water at a very slow rate vs. pretty much just quickly pouring it in is a better way to go and do you think the outcome will be any different with perforated disk on or off when adding the sparge water. Thanks much.
It's really going to depend on how well your grain bed is draining. If it's draining fast I would say pour slowly if it is draining about average where water will sit on top of the grain you can just pour it all on there. I do like pouring it over the disc because it disperses the liquid more evenly. But if you're able to have liquid standing on top of the grain you don't necessarily have to pour it over the disc. 👍🍻
I've done 5 different brews with the Anvil at 120v. (all turned out great!) Just finished making my 240 gfci 30 amp cord (per your youtube video) so my next one will be using 240v. Is there a "table" to show what % of power I should be using at different steps using 240? I've always left it at 100% using 120.
It varies depending on your elevation. 50% during mash is the general consensus, and 90% during boil is a good place to start. If you think that's too vigorous of a boil you can drop it down. But I would leave it at 100% when coming up to a boil. 👍🍻
I am looking at purchasing one of these, I like everything about the base unit, how do you feel about the pump kit option, it seems cheap to me.
It is "inexpensive" yes but it does a fine job. It is the same size and style.of pump the other all in one units have. That said there's no reason you can't use a more premium pump if you want. One thing I do like about the pump is the head is held on by wing nuts so it is easy to clean . 👍🍻
Hey thanks for the informative video. Long time BIAB brewer and actually have this ordered and on the way, after spending the whole summer deciding on which system I'd like to get. My question is regarding your transfer to your fermentation vessel. Aren't you worried about contamination of your wort by using the pump to transfer? If I am getting this right, the pump will roughly pasteurized from the recirculation of the mash, however boiling wort never goes through it (as this would cause damage to the pump). Did you find this to be suitable in preventing contamination?
You can run a little boiling temp wort through it to sanitize it then turn it off until ready to transfer.👍🍻
What are the best cleaning methods for a system like this? Are they just standard cleanup procedures, or is it more involved because there is a pump, tubing, etc...?
Just a standard heat up brewery wash and recirculate through the system.
Great video review. I have an existing march pump and wondering if that would work instead of purchasing this with the recirculation kit. Thanks!
It would definitely work. A little overpowered but that's fine. Then you would just need to make up the hose that would do the recirculation. If you are familiar with bruehardware.com they can make small pieces of stainless steel pipe and bend them however you want them. 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers I figured it may be a little overpowered and was concerned with it creating a stuck sparge. I do have valves on the pump to slow its outgoing flow but not sure if that slows the suction. Anvil does have the individual components of the recirculation package available for purchase so I wouldn't need to get anything specialty made, thanks though!
Okay great yeah just definitely control the flow out of the pump and you'll be fine. The chugger is an impeller pump so you can throttle it back to a trickle and it won't hurt a thing. 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers thanks!
👍🍻
For the sake of water conservation and chill efficiency, I like to run the wort through the chiller while submerged in ice. You ran water through the chiller immersed in the wort - is that purely preference on your part or are there specific concerns/constraints about the Anvil's pump or chiller?
I just used it the way it was designed to be used. I've done it the other way as well. 👍🍻
Is this the first generation Anvil Foundry 6.5 gallon system?
Is it wired for both 120 & 240, and which you use is just a matter of plugging one or the other in?
It is the first gen 10.5 they are all 120/240 you have to flip a switch for the voltage change and either replace the plug for 240 or make my inline GFCI extension cord to use it safely on 240v 👍🍻
Hey Brian I did a brown ale and got a stuck mash with this system I crushed my grain to
.035 what do you crush your grain to??? Also what’s your efficiency at
Anvil recommendation is to mill at 1.2mm or approximately. . 050 beyond that if you want to use rice hulls that will help. I got 70% mash efficiency on my first batch. 👍🍻
The malt pipe in the Foundry looks much better than the pipe in my Robobrew. The multiple parts and overflow tube in the center drives me nuts. Would you agree? Also, is it the same basic size as the Robo pipe? (If so, it could be a nice little Robo hack/upgrade.)
Yes it would fit diameter wise but I think it is a bit taller.
You had some boil hops, did they clog your spigot at all or you whirlpooled to avoid that? Aside from the hops, was the wort pretty clear, i.e. little grain matter?
As you can see in the video the wort was very clear. I did not see hardly any bits of grain in the wort after pulling the malt pipe out. There were some little bits of grain but no husks or anything like that. Thanks for the question Tinyee! Cheers! 👍🍻
Brian,
Did my first brew on the Anvil 10.5 and loved it...almost. I had one bad incident I'm making you and others aware of. When I pulled up the grain basket I was able to avoid bumping the ring and having it fall into the wort (others complaining about that), however something worse happened. The basket will not sit securely on all four basket rest spots...if you bump the basket to one side it sits on three securely but will move so that it's barely sitting on the opposite side rest. What happened is that the basket fell into the hot wort and splashed me and lost a bit. I've emailed Anvil to see what they recommend. Have you experienced this? As the basket fell in cockeyed it slightly dented the basket a bit. I was able to pull it out mostly. Love the system...hate the basket so far.
There is a upgrade I believe that has hooks to attach to the basket so it will hook onto the vessel rather than sit on the ring. If you don't get a response from email try their Facebook page. 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers yes, I just talked with Anvil and there's a $15 upgrade where you drill some holes in the basket and install two clips on two of the adjacent clips and throw out the ring. The basket just sits on top of the kettle rim from two points. I'm ordering one for sure!
@@j.leavenworth7006 there you go!! 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Great customer service! They are shipping me a new ring and the retro fix kit. This is what everyone should get. After installing 2 new clips to the outside of the basket it will just hang on the side of the kettle by two hooks and you can get rid of the ring that's caused so many issues with people. This will fix all the issues. Thanks Anvil!
Didn't charge me either
Hey. Thanks for the great video. Question for after the chill and before transferring to the fermentor. Did you do anything to sanitize the pump or tubing that wasn't shown? Is this necessary? How about cleaning the pump after the brew day? IS that pretty straight forward? Any tips?
I should have shown it in my video but what I do is at the end of the boil briefly run a little bit of boiling water through the pump and just let it sit there until the chilling is done and the pump will be sanitized. 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers great tip thank you!
@@pac4life88👍🍻
Hey Brian,
I finally received my Anvil Foundry 10.5. Do you have a good equipment profile to use. I use BeerSmith and Brewers Friend. Can you share your efficiency and losses during the brew day?
There is a equipment profile in brewfather.
After the boil, can you whirlpool? Is it worth it?
I guess that would depend on what you're trying to achieve. If you're just doing a hop stand you don't really have to whirlpool.
I saw the notification and thought FINALLY! aaand it's not B80. I hope it's coming out soon. I'd love to see it in action. I have few concerns about its design and there's just not enough on the web about it. I'll have to get used to disappointment ;)
Patience.. Will be rewarded.. 😎
Thanks for your informative videos! I just brewed on mine for the first time last night and it went pretty well. One thing I noticed was that there was a lot of grain material in the boil. I think I had a normal crush. Have you noticed this? Did you do any kind of Vorlauf to move any grain that might have inevitably slipped thru the mash filter/false bottom out of the boil? I recirced throughout the mash and mash out but I guess that wasn’t sufficient.
Several people have started using a brew bag to help with that issue. Check out the Facebook group if you are on facebook.
Short Circuited Brewers thanks for the reply! I am on that group on fb. I’ll check it out. Do you avoid grain in the boil this way or just have a smaller crush?
@@johnrankin6044 both kind of.
Isn't using a bag in these systems kinda defeating the object? Or is this a daft question! I'm very new and on the hunt for one of these all-in one systems. Thanks, Jimmy.
Not necessarily. Most of these systems don't have a fine mesh so if you mill your grains too fine you will wind up with particulate in your boil. I think quite a few people are using bags in them so that they can do a finer crushed to help with efficiency and also have a clear wort. 👍🍻
What are your thoughts on this system vs the RoboBrew. I've been a propane brewer for years AND this will be my first all grain system. Up to this point it's been all partial mash and extract brews. I don't really want to jump up to the grainfather, so I'm looking at these 2 systems instead.
There are some advantages that the Anvil has. The ability to power with 240v is a big one for me. 120v is pretty slow to hear up. Especially if you are coming from a sizable burner with propane. I do think the external pump is a plus as well. Easy to clean if it gets clogged as opposed to trying to blow the clog out of the RB. The latest model of the Foundry has controls at the tip of the unit which is nice on the back!! Both systems make great beer. If you are able to use 240 I would lean toward the Anvil system. 👍🍻
I'm loving the Anvil system, and am about to make the purchase. My only question is in regards to longevity. What do you think about a system like this, with no replaceable heating element, vs taking the extra time and focus to put together a similar DIY system where I can replace those parts later down the road if I need to?
That is a con. All I can say is the service from John Blichmann and company are top notch. You never really can tell the longevity of components are. My DIY HERMS. I've had to replace 3 PIDS in 5 years.. so nothing lasts forever. For the price and convenience of say go for it. No way you can build a DIY for the price point.👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers That's a good point. I haven't tried pricing out all the parts I would need to do something comparable, so I'll try that out. If it's roughly the same (or more expensive!) then I'll stick with the Anvil.
It's not.. lol I've done it.. $500+ bare minimum unless you have a lot of the stuff already..
About to brew on this and have a q. Instructions say not to pump boiling wort, so if using the pump to transfer to fermenter, do you sanitize with starsan or just run hot wort a few minutes at end of boil? Love the vids!
Thanks man!! Let it cool to about 180 f then pump some wort through to sanitize. 👍🍻
Short Circuited Brewers good deal thanks!
waiting on mine and cant wait to get started! im actually moving from a buddy's 3 pot system to this but curious on a few things...
1- i plan on sparging all my beers, so are all sparges one gallon per the instruction manual or do you follow the recipe youre using?
2- do you boil the time per your recipe, to the amount youre looking for, etc? do people stick to the anvil directions, brew recipes or a combination?
thanks in advance!
I saw you exact question on the Facebook page. Lots of good advice from everyone there. It's situational based on how much grain etc. You can do a traditional mash and sparge. Just make sure you have enough water for the grain to be saturated. If you are recirculating, you have to be more careful to make sure the bottom doesn't become exposed and cause scorching due to not enough wort in the bottom. 👍🍻
Thanks for your video. It really made my first brew day go really well. Quick question, you mentioned after adding the grain, let it sit for 10 minutes before starting the sacch. rest. Is this just to be sure the grain is saturated before starting, or is it a type of protein rest? Thanks again.
Just to make sure everything is saturated. Glad it helped! 👍🍻
Great Video. Have you tried smaller 3.5 gallon batches or have any insight on small batches in the 10.5 gallon foundry?
I have not, they make a collar that blocks off the side holes for lower grain volumes. Many people using that have had success 👍🍻
According to Anvil, that cooler insert allows you to go down to a 4 gallon batch. This appeals to me but I’m considering the 6.5 Foundry for 2.5 - 3 G batches.
Great video. Was wondering what kind of crush did you use with this system? Efficiency? Thanks
Crush was credit card and efficiency was 72%
Hi, just wondering on the over all efficiency as I normally get 85% brewhouse on my 3 pot system, is this much less than yours ? thanks
70-80% is achievable with the system.
Great video Brian. Could you explain more about dialing in the recalculation pump? I can't seem to get the correct flow. Either I'm getting a stuck mash or I'm clamping down the hose and eventually getting very little recurculation. Thank you.
A lot of it's going to depend on what your grain bill is and how much it flows. I generally would say to start with a clamp down to just a trickle and then if that is going well you can start to open it up as you go through the mash period. One thing that's really important is waiting that 10 minutes before you start the recirculation It helps the starches break down a little bit and gets you past the gelatinization stage.
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Hey Brian, I was able to dial in the pump flow, but I'm still getting only about 65% efficiency and over the last 3 brews have been able to get to the OG by putting 1 lb of DME in the boil the last 15 minutes. Maybe that is just the efficiency that the Anvil is able to produce (seems like that is what Brewers Friend profile says). It's just tough not to get to the gravity the recipe kit calls for. Have you found that you need to run the milled grain from the kits once more? Or because I don't mess with PH it's making it difficult to get to gravity number that is called for?
PH is probably your culprit to lower efficiency. I don't generally mill twice.
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers You are awesome! Thank you.
@@scottbelz4504 welcome! 👍🍻
Not sure if this was covered in the comments but what stand was used to place the anvil unit on top of?
It is a step stool from harbour freight.. About $20 works great! 👍🍻
A few questions. Do you feel this system is adequate for step mashing? Two, have you noticed a difference with your efficiency rate with this system? Third, can I use a hop spider with the unit? Lastly, has the company said anything about possibly selling the unit for larger batches to compete with systems like the Grainfather or BrewTools? Thanks for the video. Cheers!
You can step mash just like any other system you would just need to do it manually. Some users alhave reported up to 80%+ efficiency and some have reported 60ish% most. If the time you have to figure out the nuances of the system and it takes a few batches to get it dialed in. You can use a hop spider, not sure it's necessary. But you can. 👍🍻 I am pressing them to make a bigger one. If there is enough demand they will do it.. 👍
Thanks for this great video. I currently brew induction in my small condo kitchen (5 g in an 8g kettle) and use a BIAB in my 10 gallon Igloo cooler. Is their any reason I couldn’t use that bag in the Anvil’s grain pipe? Too close to the heat source?
Yes. The brew bag sells them for the Anvil specifically. 👍🍻
Short Circuited Brewers Thanks so much!
@@danc3693 welcome!
I'm new to mashing. What exactly does the pump/recirculating the wort to the top do? What would I need to do if I didn't have the pump?
It helps maintain the temperature, and it clarifies the wort..If you don't have a pump you can stir every so often, and vorlauf before draining the mash. 👍🍻
Sorry if this has already been asked but did you check the accuracy of the temp on the display vs a hand held thermometer? I have the Mash and Boil and its @ 5 degrees off.
Yes it is correct. The mash and boil is notorious for that differential. Anvil uses a much more accurate control system than the mash and boil as well. It does not have the temperature swings during mash either. 👍🍻
Is this kit "plug and play" for people that don't have special outlets? I'm wondering if I'll have to do any home modifications to have the appropriate voltage for the system or if a normal outlet will work
It will work fine on 120v. If you want to change it to. 240 there are things that need to be done. Out of the box 120 you're good to go! You do need to plug into a GFCI outlet. Like what's in a bathroom or kitchen. Most garages have GFCI outlets too. 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers I'll do some more reading on that myself, thanks for the info!!
What size of the foundry was it used for this video? The 6.5 or the 10.5?
10.5
I noticed you have an exhaust hood could you use this system without one
Sure. It does create steam so just be aware of that.
Do you do any cleaning/sanitizing of the pump system before you use it to transfer to the fermenter? I'd think it would get sticky in there after the mash recirculating and sitting out for several hours during the boil/chilling process. Great video too!
The only thing I didn't show in the video was just pumping some near boiling wort through the pump to sanitize it. That was all I did. 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers thanks for the quick response! went ahead and got my Anvil ordered today - can't wait to brew indoors again, as I've been on a propane burner outdoor rig for years!
@@trailhops good deal!
Great video! I'm curious about the time difference between using 120v electric vs direct flame propane two-tier systems.
120v is definitely slower than most propane flame systems. Maybe double the time to bring to a boil. The preheat function is great for mash in though set it the night before and it will be ready to go once you are ready to brew. 👍🍻
Do you have a Brewzilla too? Is like to see a head to head comparison. I can see advantages for both.
Yes I have a 35 and 65L brewzilla. Yes there are pluses and minuses on both sides.
What system would you reccomend between the three? Anvil 10.5, robobrew 3.1 or the mash and boil w/pump. Believe they are similar in price. Looking for best bang for the buck between the three. Suggestions?
The anvil. Several reasons. 1 more accurate temps due to the controller design. 2 you can use it with 120v or 240v. I do like the pump being external for cleaning. If you get the Anvil kit the pump head is super easy to clean. The second choice would be the brewzilla. 👍🍻
I thank you very much for your suggestion. Great vids, very informative. Especially for a guy that's going to get into all grain shortly. Thanks again!!
Thanks! 👍🍻
Hello Brian. I’m sorry if you had already answered this question. How do you use the pump to transfer to the conical? Also, how would you use the pump for a whirlpool? Thank you.
To transfer to a fermenter I chill down to about 180 degrees then circulate wart through the pump to sanitize it. then once it's chilled down the rest of the way you can transfer to your fermenter. whirlpooling is pretty much the same way but it cool down to about 180 then you can start your whirlpool with the pump. 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Thank you very much. I guess once I have the system in hand this would make more sense.
@@rafaeldubois6538 anytime! Feel free to ask any other questions after that you get it! 👍🍻
Hello! In one of your videos you talked about hot side aeration and how it wasnt good for the beer. Isnt ciruclating wort like this an example of hot side aeration?
Which part of the videos are you referring to?
Loved your video just starting up with ag so found this really interesting and helpful thanks and keep up the good work 😊👍
Great! Thanks for watching!! 👍🍻
Were there any steps to cleaning it for the first time prior to being used that should be done? Or just some pbw?
PBW is good, and if so desired you can passivate the unit. Here is amy video on that as well. ruclips.net/video/tV3tQkYKfbE/видео.html
Since I received my Anvil Foundry 6.5 three weeks ago. I’ve done 2 batches, a straight IPA and a Pale Ale. But on both brew days I have noticed it’s taking a little longer than expected to chill the wort. Both times has taken almost 45 minutes to cool down to 72 degrees
What is your water temp?
Hello Brian, thank you for all your great videos with the very helpful information.
One question: Does the lid of the Anvil 7.5 bucket fermenter fit the 10.5 gallon Foundry?
Thank you, -Wolfgang
No the fermenter is smaller but I think I know where you're going with this if you unscrew the handle on the lid on the kettle the hole is the same size as the hole in the fermenter lid.👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Thank you very much for this super-fast and helpful reply!
👍🍻
How tall is the 10.5 gal system with grain basket raised? Looks tall. Would like to put system on bench but worried how high malt pipe would be. Also a video showing the guts of the system would be nice. I would love to buy this system and mod it with the SmartPID.
Don't need to mod it. Already had a PID controller. I'll have to measure it with the basket raised. 👍🍻
Brian-
So I know you try not to make recommendations for products, rather you try and give honest pro/con reviews. I want to kick up my lager game, so want to be able to do step mashing - this looks like an easier process for robobrew. Robobrew is on 3.1 (vs 3.0 in another video), but cant see if they made improvements in the step mashing software.
What other units should I at least consider for lager step-mashing? (Unibrau V3, Braumeister Plus 20L?, ClawHammer?) There are almost too many options on the market now... a good problem.
The software on the Robo brew has not been updated in functionality over then model that I reviewed. Most of the systems lack the ability to "auto step mash" But nothing says you can't do it manually. What is your budget.
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers As said offline (in case others find helpful), I'm in that 1k to $1500 range. But if i spend less on kettle/mash combo, that frees up funds for temp control. Thanks in advance!!! Want to make sure I've considered the variety of systems available...
When chilling your wort after the boil, do you get an accurate temperature reading on the Foundry’s thermostat? I brewed on it last night and after about 20 minutes of chilling, the actual temp had only decreased to 140. I used a sanitized stick thermometer to check and it was actually about 80 degrees. Went ahead and transferred to the fermenter and got a reading of 77 degrees from the temp control on that, so I know the stick thermometer was correct.
One thing you need to know about the foundry is that the temperature probe is on the bottom of the kettle and if you get trub surrounding the temperature probe it will have an insulative quality that will maintain a hotter temperature on the display. So make sure when you're cooling that you stir the bottom up really well so that the temperature sensor reads the accurate temperature and doesn't have trub surrounding it. It is a pretty common question that gets asked, you're not the only one that is experienced this. 👍🍻
Great. Thanks so much for the quick reply!
@@therock0603 no problem! 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Just wanted to follow up and say that this advice worked great for me when I brewed this past weekend! Whenever the temp drop seemed to stall out, I would give it a good stir and see the temp start dropping again. I got the Foundry reading down into the 70s in no time. Thanks again!
@@therock0603 great!! Glad it worked for you!! 👍🍻
A newbie question, so after the last step you showed what else is required? A fermenter, and place to store bottle beer? Just looking for what else is finally required to get your final product which is not included ? Thanks
Yes you need a fermenter, and if you are bottling beer you would need the bottles, a bottling bucket, capper, and priming sugar for bottling. 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers any recommendations for budget items for the above ? thanks appreciate all your feedback .. i am going to be basing my purchase on your review and feedback
@@amitxox plastic brew buckets are the best budget option. For both the fermenter and bottling bucket. 👍🍻
Will you be doing a video running it on 120v to compare temperature ramp times and differences in boil vigor?
I covered that in my frst overview video.. 👍🍻
Here is the first video.. Jump to the middle for the ramp and boil into
ruclips.net/video/g63dKoadzXk/видео.html
Here is the first video.. Jump to the middle for the ramp and boil into
ruclips.net/video/g63dKoadzXk/видео.html
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers I even watched the first video but didn't remember seeing it...lol. Thanks for the reminder 🍻
No problem.. It was long and you were probably still hypnotized by the bouncing chiller!! Lol
I really enjoy your videos. How does this compare to the grainfather? Ive been spending weeks trying to decide which unit to go with. I like to buy good equipment up front but also don't want to spend twice as much for something if it isn't much difference in quality.
I think it is a way better value proposition with the external pump. Less than half the price and makes great beer. They will be back in stock later this month. 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Thanks for the fast reply. Thats what I was thinking, ill be sure to use your affiliate link once I order!
@@Kimber9758 thanks for the support!! 👍🍻
Got my Anvil...waiting for the Crucible to arrive. Quick question...regarding the complaints everyone has about the ring popping off when removing the grain basket. In another channel someone said you had a suggestion about using some clips at the top to prevent the ring popping out when removing the basket. Any suggestions, did you discuss this in a post?
You can use binder clips for paper. They work pretty well. The black metal ones with the chrome handles.
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Great idea once again!
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Which ones seem to fit better, the large or medium ones?
@@j.leavenworth7006 medium should work.
👍🍻
Is the recirculating pump and tubing also used to pump the chilled wort into the fermenter?
Sure, just run some hot wort briefly to sanitize the pump and hoses.
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers would the recirculation count? Thinking that otherwise there's no hot wort available after chilling
No it's fine during the mash. The issue I experienced was air sucking into a connection while chilling.
You appeared pretty hands on with the boil. Can the pump "cheat"/ automate this step? Or am I misunderstanding the product entirely?
I'm not understanding your question? What would the pump have to do with the boil?
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Would it be able to keep the wort in motion during the boil to prevent it from scorching on the internal surface? Rather than stirring manually
Not necessary. I may have been stirring for the chilling. Manual stirring with a spoon is much more effective that having the pump move the wort. The elements are low wattage density. Scorching has never been an issue. 👍🍻
I use a mash and boil. I noticed you tossed the hop pellets in to the kettle. Did they clog or cause any problems when draining the wort out of the spigot on the foundry?
Nope not at all. Flow was fine. 👍🍻
Short Circuited Brewers how do you filter the hop sludge out when transferring to a fermenter?
Just left it in the bottom.
A couple questions: First, I'm curious what clamp that is you're using to restrict flow on your silicone tube? Second, is there a reason behind not raking past the top third of the mash? Also, I was curious about your "best keg washer", but the link is the same at the hose. Thanks for the consistently well-produced and informative content, and cheers!
The clamp comes with the recirculation system for the Anvil. The reason not raking the lower portion is disturbing the bottom of the filter bed and reducing it's filtering capability. Sorry for the mix-up on the link. Here is the one I like. www.amazon.com/dp/B00FAYT8IG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_btf_t1_aHMFFbXF6GGWN
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Thanks for the info, and explanation! I'm looking at my first brew on the system within the week, and will have to dig through all the included "goodies", as I don't remember seeing it on unpack (though I may have been too excited to notice... That and maybe a couple brews 😂). Cheers, and thanks again. 🍻
No problem!! Happy hunting! 👍🍻
Great video. I've just purchased this system, and waiting for it to arrive. In the meantime I'm working on building a brew table, and want to set shelf/pedestal heights for good ergonomics. I have a few questions:
1. Do you have this sitting on a pedestal of some type, and if so, what is the height of it?
2. Anvil doesn't provide the total height with the basket in the drain position. Could you provide the total height of the kettle with the basket pulled up please?
- My best guess by gauging the manufacturer pictures is about 48"
I have it setting on a step stool from harbor freight. It is about 42" with the malt pipe up.
How accurate are the volume markings? are they more accurate with or without the grain basket?
Without is how they are intended. Mine are very close. I would however recommend anyone buying one weigh their water and confirm that the measurements are accurate just to be sure, as they can vary slightly from unit to unit due to the manufacturing process. Water is 8.34 lbs at room temperature. 👍🍻
Quick question. Could you use a hop spider and have it hang on the chiller, or do you recommend the hop bag? I recently purchased a foundery 6.5 system and want to have all the accessories here when it arrives for my initial brew day.
I don't use one. I don't find a need for it, and it negatively affects hop utilization in my opinion. 👍🍻
Short Circuited Brewers thanks for the response. Any tips I should follow when I get to use this system?
Try to document as much of your process as possible so you can try to improve with each batch. Don't be hard on yourself if everything is not perfect.. Have fun and enjoy the hobby 👍🍻
Short Circuited Brewers 👍🏻 🍻🍻🍻
@@blackwoodbrews 👍🍻
Im trying to decide between the Anvil 10.5 or the g30. I can purchase the G30 for $760. What do you recommend? If i get the anvil i could also upgrade my fermenter as well.
Thanks for the help!
Really it comes down to connectivity. The g30 has connectivity that The Foundry does not. If that's important to you go with the g30 they're both great systems. For me I would go with the Anvil and upgrade my fermenter because I'm not a huge user of the connectivity part of Brewing I like to do everything manually. 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers
Thanks. That helped me. Anvil it is! One last question. I will have an extra 200-300 left over. Can you recommend a fermenter? Have you used any of the Delta aio or fermenters? You really know your stuff and products so appreciate the help!!
I have ruclips.net/video/uB26t60IKGo/видео.html
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers have you had any experience with the Delta aio?
Thank you!
@@opdthru23348 I have not but if you look in Amazon for the klarstein I think it is the exact same system. 👍🍻
Hi, I've watched this video at least 10 times at this point. The mash out - Did you reach 170 and let it go 10 more minutes or did you just pull it when it reached 170? I'm finding this confusing in my recipe versus the Anvil manual.
I let it sit at 170 for 10 minutes.
I’m thinking about getting this........do you still like it? Great video.......thank you.
Definitely I am brewing on it this weekend! 👍🍻
Nice!!! Please make a step by step video!!! If possible of course......thanks! Happy brewing, I’m watching your vids multiple times.
Thanks!!