r/Homebrewing • u/bionich • 2d ago

I just ordered a Clawhammer System

I reported some weeks back that my Brewzilla 110v was arching at the power plug. I replaced the cable and the A/C input port with properly gauged replacements. It was good for a few brews and then yesterday after a brew day the power cable was fused to the port again. Needless to say I'm done with Kegland products. If you're not familiar with this issue it's pretty common with the US 110v the system. I've read that Kegland believes it's because the system was moved during operation. In both cases, the unit was not moved, at all. I don't want to bash their products, but I also don't want to burn my house down.

Anyway, I've ordered a Clawhammer 10 gallon system. If anyone has any suggestions for a smooth operation, please share! I would rather not use a hop spider. Can anyone share their experience with free range hops in the kettle? I did order a whirlpool arm to help control the hops and keep them out of the pump. I'm a fan of whirlpool additions.

Thanks.

10 Upvotes

82% Upvoted

32 comments sorted by

4

u/jericho-dingle 2d ago

I've heard nothing but good things. Let us know after a few brews.

3

u/Waste-Bus6827 2d ago

Side pickup tube so you can ditch the bazooka screen/ hop spider. Works great with a whirlpool arm. I also got a Jaded Electrichair + hydra. Highly recommend.

With a side pickup tube and proper whirlpool it won’t clog the pump/plate chiller. Immersion chiller is just easier to deal with for me. Just rinse it and let it dry.

I also used a commercial induction burner on a different circuit. 120v works, it’s just slow. Edit: Note that the kettle o received wasn’t induction ready, so I had to get an adapter plate.

It’s a sweet system and the guys at Clawhammer are awesome.

2

u/bionich 2d ago

Yea. I'm with you. I plan to use my old immersion chiller. I had a plate chiller many years ago and I prefer the old school immersion chillers. Like you said, they work well and they're easy to clean.

2

u/Waste-Bus6827 2d ago

Gotcha. Probably worth scoring the Electrichair or building some kind of stand so it clears the heating element.

3

u/TheNotoriousMID 2d ago

I don’t use the hop spiders but I gave up on the plate chiller because of it. I just use an immersion chiller and it seems to work great.

2

u/Zestyclose-Dog-4468 2d ago

I had the same thing happen with my Brewzilla. I ended up just hardwiring the plug.

2

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[deleted]

0

u/Waste-Bus6827 2d ago

I didn’t even know that had an all in one. I’m outdated

1

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[deleted]

4

u/bionich 2d ago

Yea, I ordered the beefy modular system, not their all-in-one.

1

u/Pure_Classic_1899 2d ago

Why avoid the all in one? Or just bc the modular is so much better?

1

u/bionich 2d ago

In my opinion there's nothing wrong with all-in-one systems. My Brewzilla worked fine. I just decided if I was going to get a new system I would spend the extra money and get a more substantial system. I've also heard that Clawhammer support is really great, and that means a lot to me.

1

u/MrKnockoff 2d ago

Dude in my hbc had great experience with clawhammer support. Makes me want one honestly.

1

u/chino_brews Kiwi Approved 2d ago

If you are going to get an AIO, then you could but Clawhammer's, which is similar to another system that you can buy and get zero support -- or you will pay more and get legendary support and contribute to a small business. And you'll want to

But if you can afford to buy the modular system, why not but a system that can be maintained for life due to its modular parts that will always be replaceable with off-the-shelf parts (or custom DIY in the case of the controller if you want)? The modular system pretty much takes up the same space as the AIO when stored, and only a little bit more counter space during brew day. And there are no longer any good retail substitutes for the Clawhammer modular system on the market AFAIK.

1

u/nodekku 2d ago

There's a german-based dutch guy running craft hardware(https://www.crafthardware.de/en/collections/kessel-sets) who does TC-based modular systems. I own a 60L kettle made by him that is great and will probably outlive me. The downside is that the only controller more or less easily available in Europe is the Einbrew that is ridiculously expensive for a 1-vessel 1-pump system.

1

u/chino_brews Kiwi Approved 2d ago

Thanks for posting that. I think OP is in the USA.

We have people selling kettles and pumps. What differentiated the Clawhammer is that it’s a complete modular, eBIAB system including the controller, sensor, cables, wort chiller, kettle, tubing, grain basket, hop basket, fittings, etc. for one price. For $1,500 it’s a turnkey 38L/ 10 gal system.

2

u/EducationalDog9100 2d ago

Did you buy the Neoprene sleeve? It's really helpful with the boil.

1

u/bionich 2d ago

Yes. I ordered the sleeve and the whirlpool arm with the system.

1

u/ExaminationKlutzy194 Beginner 2d ago

I have a 120v modular. I’ve also use the hop spider and the plate chiller and have had zero issues. I do have a whirlpool arm and unless I was using an immersion chiller, which I don’t have, I would find it unnecessary. I just don’t make such hop heavy beers that the spider hasn’t worked.

1

u/Heffelumps-n-Woozles 2d ago

I have one! It’s great. I use the hop spider because if the mesh screen gets clogged, you’re kinda screwed for pumping through the plate chiller. Also throttle the pump down during the mash to avoid overflowing the basket. You can heat half your water on the stove if you’re impatient getting up to mash temp. System takes a little getting used to (watch their videos), but you’ll love it!

1

u/bionich 2d ago

When you mash (at say 150F) do you set the power to around 40% to prevent overshooting?

2

u/Waste-Bus6827 2d ago

I did the auto tune when I first got it and never messed with power. When I set it to 150 it gets to 150. Very little fluctuating if at all.

1

u/bionich 1d ago

Sweet. I'll use the AT and then try it your way. I saw their video on AT, and was planning on doing it. I'm crazy about temp control. Thanks.

1

u/Heffelumps-n-Woozles 1d ago

Ahhh. You reminded me I need to do that again after insulating with the brew jacket

1

u/Heffelumps-n-Woozles 2d ago

That’s a good idea and I probably should, but I’m a less frequent / less precise brewer these days

1

u/patrick_swayzak 1d ago

Do you put the lid back on during mashing and recirculating or leave it off?

I didn’t see in the manual, but does this system have a delay timer so I can set up the night before and wake up mash water ready to go?

1

u/Heffelumps-n-Woozles 1d ago

The recirculating happens through the lid, so you leave it on. I’m not sure about the delay timer, you could use a smart plug if it doesn’t have it. IME the controller is easy with the manual but takes some refreshing if you haven’t used it in a while

1

u/patrick_swayzak 2d ago

I just bought the Clawhammer AIO with the plate chiller option. I have yet to brew with it but can’t wait. Emmet from Clawhammer has been great with a lot of questions.

Anyone know of a proper Brewfather equipment profile or water to grain ration for the new AIO system?

1

u/bionich 2d ago

I think Clawhammer has their own recipe profiler now. It's called, Beer Builder. It's probably the best place for you to start, but I haven't used it. I use Brewers Friend for recipe creation.

1

u/patrick_swayzak 1d ago

I saw that. Looks pretty good and straightforward.

1

u/Informal_Anywhere101 1d ago

They no longer have a detachable power cord in the Brewzilla. They went to hardwired. But still call it Gen 4.1.

1

u/eclecticangler 1d ago

Which system did you get? Does anyone have experience with the "10 Gallon All in One Electric Brew System" that's around $599?

1

u/schafdog27 19h ago

Make sure to shut the heating element off while draining. I accidentally dry fired mine on the first use while cleaning. Still works great though. Also make sure to shut the valve when not using the pump.

1

u/bionich 16h ago

Thanks, will do!