Aussiekraut Posted July 4, 2022 Share Posted July 4, 2022 Ok, so the time for a new system is nearing and I think I have settled for a 35l Brewzilla. I wanted a bigger system but then asked myself whether I really needed it. I have only once made 2 batches of the same beer on the same day, so maybe 65l would be overkill. I might hold on to the Guten with its bent malt tube for a bit longer, as it would let me brew two different batches simultaneously and cur my brew day in half I looked at the Grainfather S40 as it is a very interesting proposition, especially with the current low price. However there are a few things I don't like about it, mainly the lack of a hole in the lid, which means mashing without lid and losing temperature and that the element only kicks in once the temp is 3 degrees below target, which is a bit of a pain when mashing. So now I am facing the choice between the older but mature BZ 3.1.1 or the version 4. I don't necessarily need the RAPT integration and all that jazz but I like the design of the 4 without the overflow pipe and the newer malt tube with the holes on the side making it more basket like. So for those who know both systems, and I am looking at you @ozdevil, is the version 4 worth the extra $$? Anything to look out for and be aware of? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozdevil Posted July 4, 2022 Share Posted July 4, 2022 22 minutes ago, Aussiekraut said: Ok, so the time for a new system is nearing and I think I have settled for a 35l Brewzilla. I wanted a bigger system but then asked myself whether I really needed it. I have only once made 2 batches of the same beer on the same day, so maybe 65l would be overkill. I might hold on to the Guten with its bent malt tube for a bit longer, as it would let me brew two different batches simultaneously and cur my brew day in half I looked at the Grainfather S40 as it is a very interesting proposition, especially with the current low price. However there are a few things I don't like about it, mainly the lack of a hole in the lid, which means mashing without lid and losing temperature and that the element only kicks in once the temp is 3 degrees below target, which is a bit of a pain when mashing. So now I am facing the choice between the older but mature BZ 3.1.1 or the version 4. I don't necessarily need the RAPT integration and all that jazz but I like the design of the 4 without the overflow pipe and the newer malt tube with the holes on the side making it more basket like. So for those who know both systems, and I am looking at you @ozdevil, is the version 4 worth the extra $$? Anything to look out for and be aware of? as i have both Models of bz35l 3.1.1 and the bz gen4 35l and i also have the Bz65l but as your only looking at the bz 35l I think the extra dollars is worth it your grain basket will hold more grain to allow you to do bigger beers in the bz35 gen4 There is less deadspace but there is a risks with the less deadspace it can cause scorching but that still can happen in the 3.1.1 the tap location is a lot better location then where the location on the 35l far as the tap location and the re circ arm on the gen4 you can either have the gen 4 connected to both tap and recirc arm connected or you can change it so the tap is not connected to the recirc arm Cleaning of the Bz35l gen 4 is more of a breeze with cip terchnology having the control box at the top like the Grainfather is great as there is no need to be getting down low to change heat settings The good thing is with the Gen4 and rapt intergration is you can plan your brew day to help you in many ways as you can create your own profiles and set it all up sitting at your pc or on smart phone/tablet work out your temps and how long you want all stages to be and to what heat settings you want The control box for the gen4 will have several updates coming (far to many to list) the other good thing is even with both 3.1.1 gen4 versions you can get the extended mash tuns and the 12l boiler extender kit so you can probably get 2 good batches out of both 3.1.1 and gen4 i am very happy with the gen4 and i was going to sell my 3.1.1 but decided to keep it as i can do 2 brews if needed at same time and then i just use my 65l bz 3.1.1 for sparging you wont be sorry if you go the Gen 4 but it will take a bit of use to getting to know the control panel and dialing it all into your brews 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben 10 Posted July 5, 2022 Share Posted July 5, 2022 21 hours ago, ozdevil said: your grain basket will hold more grain How much have you done? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozdevil Posted July 5, 2022 Share Posted July 5, 2022 1 hour ago, interceptor said: How much have you done? I haven't got the extender for them I basicly just stick to around 6kg of grain for most brews 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben 10 Posted July 5, 2022 Share Posted July 5, 2022 So the 65L Gen 3, is that any good? I know the Gen 4 is better but I do like the occasional big batch and the 65L Gen 4 does not have an eta. I have a 15 amp circuit at the new house 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozdevil Posted July 6, 2022 Share Posted July 6, 2022 23 hours ago, interceptor said: So the 65L Gen 3, is that any good? I know the Gen 4 is better but I do like the occasional big batch and the 65L Gen 4 does not have an eta. I have a 15 amp circuit at the new house mate i have had no issues with the bz 3.1.1 65l it has served me well and also you will be able to do bigger batches and bigger again with the extenders for this model as well the only problem i have with the 65l is being able to get down low enough to change the heat settings when need to the 65l gen4 if you can hold out is not that far off to be honest as the last i heard the was expecting late juy early august this was due to few final changes and shipping them in to Australia i think if you can wait and afford the $900 then i suggest waiting but at $620 for 65l bz 3.1.1 and you can put up with the control unit at floor level then buy now the deadspace is around 11.5l with the 3.1.1 the deadspace is considerable less at 3.5l with the Gen4 I'll be honest i will also be getting a 65l bz gen4 (might hold off on the 1st batch of these as i am not in a real hurry as finances are a bit tight at the moment the reason i will be upgrading is my knees and having to get down so low I have also seen the BZ65l gen 4 in action live when kee doery was brewing in one at kegland and they look good 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben 10 Posted July 6, 2022 Share Posted July 6, 2022 1 hour ago, ozdevil said: the 65l gen4 if you can hold out fair enough, think I might wait it out 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheap Charlie Posted January 2, 2023 Share Posted January 2, 2023 older topic, but I have the same question. The 3.1.1 is now $350 which is very attractive, as opposed to the 4.0 which is $600. Obviously the 4.0 is superior, but are the improvements enough to justify the difference in price? I don't really care about RAPT and wifi integration, although that is a cool feature. Any new opinions out there? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Classic Brewing Co Posted January 2, 2023 Share Posted January 2, 2023 9 minutes ago, Cheap Charlie said: older topic, but I have the same question. The 3.1.1 is now $350 which is very attractive, as opposed to the 4.0 which is $600. Obviously the 4.0 is superior, but are the improvements enough to justify the difference in price? I don't really care about RAPT and wifi integration, although that is a cool feature. Any new opinions out there? Mate I have the 3.1.1 & it is a great unit; the Gen 4 wasn't available when I bought mine. If you don't care about RAPT & Wi-Fi integration, go for the Gen 3. The only other advantages I can see is the temp gauge is at the top instead of the bottom & a little bit of tweaking in design/features etc but for the money you save - think of all of the accessories you will need: Neoprene Jacket, SS stirring spoon, Hop Spider to name a few. I have recently added the pro screen & done away with all of the other stuff, it gives you a bigger area to mash in & less to clean. I don't use the Immersion Chiller either, I changed to Cubes. I don't like wasting water, Either way they are great units & work well. Beer tastes better too. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheap Charlie Posted January 2, 2023 Share Posted January 2, 2023 13 minutes ago, Classic Brewing Co said: ...I have recently added the pro screen & done away with all of the other stuff, it gives you a bigger area to mash in & less to clean... Pro screen? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Classic Brewing Co Posted January 2, 2023 Share Posted January 2, 2023 (edited) 5 minutes ago, Cheap Charlie said: Pro screen? This one, it eliminates the need for all that other stuff in the malt pipe & you can do away with the rec arm etc, just leaves the entire vessel free to stir with ease. 35L BrewZilla 3.1.1 - Pro Top Screen for Malt Pipe - KegLand kl05524_-_35l_brewzilla_3.1.1_-_pro_top_screen_for_malt_pipe-01.jpg.mst.webp Edited January 2, 2023 by Classic Brewing Co 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheap Charlie Posted January 2, 2023 Share Posted January 2, 2023 Just now, Classic Brewing Co said: This one, it eliminates the need for all that other stuff in the malt pipe & you can do away with the rec arm etc, just leaves the entire vessel free to stir with ease. 35L BrewZilla 3.1.1 - Pro Top Screen for Malt Pipe - KegLand kl05524_-_35l_brewzilla_3.1.1_-_pro_top_screen_for_malt_pipe-01.jpg.mst.webp 68.57 kB · 1 download cool! that is definitely a selling point. I'm not sure why they say it's for experienced brewers? Surely you could use it straight off the bat? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Classic Brewing Co Posted January 2, 2023 Share Posted January 2, 2023 Just now, Cheap Charlie said: cool! that is definitely a selling point. I'm not sure why they say it's for experienced brewers? Surely you could use it straight off the bat? Yes, you can if you are confident that when you mash in, you are stirring enough to avoid clumps (a handful of rice hulls helps with that) without the other pipes, bottom, re-circ arm etc it gives you complete freedom to brew. The end result is still the same. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheap Charlie Posted January 2, 2023 Share Posted January 2, 2023 2 minutes ago, Classic Brewing Co said: Yes, you can if you are confident that when you mash in, you are stirring enough to avoid clumps (a handful of rice hulls helps with that) without the other pipes, bottom, re-circ arm etc it gives you complete freedom to brew. The end result is still the same. Cool, I didn't like the look of the overflow pipe getting in the way of things. At the end of the day the value for money is there as opposed to building your own mash tun setup. I don't mind spending the extra if there is a significant improvement to a brew, but if only slightly better than I might go for the cheaper option. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Classic Brewing Co Posted January 2, 2023 Share Posted January 2, 2023 16 minutes ago, Cheap Charlie said: Cool, I didn't like the look of the overflow pipe getting in the way of things. At the end of the day the value for money is there as opposed to building your own mash tun setup. I don't mind spending the extra if there is a significant improvement to a brew, but if only slightly better than I might go for the cheaper option. Mate there would be other opinions on this, but I explained my reasons for going the Gen 3.11. @ozdevil has both units so he may be able to add more but the Gen 4 is a lot dearer. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Classic Brewing Co Posted January 2, 2023 Share Posted January 2, 2023 (edited) 22 minutes ago, Classic Brewing Co said: Mate there would be other opinions on this, but I explained my reasons for going the Gen 3.11. @ozdevil has both units so he may be able to add more but the Gen 4 is a lot dearer. Here is David Heath's video on the comparisons of the 2 models. Edited January 2, 2023 by Classic Brewing Co 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozdevil Posted January 3, 2023 Share Posted January 3, 2023 @Cheap Charlie As @Classic Brewing Co Stated i do have both and sometime this year i plan to be replacing my 65l with the 65l gen 4 now there is huge differences to both 3.1.1 and the gen4 1. is deadspace the 3.1.1 has alot of deadspace compared to its newer sibling the gen4 the 3.1.1 is about 6.5litres of deadspace where as the deadspace is roughly 3l for the gen4 2. mash tun the mash tuns are completely different the bz35 gen4 is bigger and this is due to the fact of deadspace being lot smaller and the gen 4 grain basket can take alot more grain then the 3.1.1 . having the gen4 mash tun helps if you want bigger abv beers as well but thats not the be all end all 3 mash pipe now the 3.1.1 has the mash pipe or overflow pipe and what this is suppose to do is basically stop scorching, however though as Phil stated the malt pipe can be removed and the bottom screen replaced by a pro screen or you can plug the malt pipe hole with a 316 stainless steel bolt and nut The gen 4 doesn't come with the malt pipe 5. control panel self explanatory its now been shifted from the bottom to top of the unit on the gen4 unfortunately the 3.1.1 is at the bottom now both can be used with out the rapt eco system and can be used manually to brew Accessories can be interchangeable between the both except the mash tun as they are different sizes in my opinion if you really dont want the rapt side of things where you can make your own profiles etc then go the 3.1.1 as it is going to be more user friendly from the start both make beer 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shamus O'Sean Posted January 3, 2023 Share Posted January 3, 2023 50 minutes ago, ozdevil said: @Cheap Charlie As @Classic Brewing Co Stated i do have both and sometime this year i plan to be replacing my 65l with the 65l gen 4 now there is huge differences to both 3.1.1 and the gen4 1. is deadspace the 3.1.1 has alot of deadspace compared to its newer sibling the gen4 the 3.1.1 is about 6.5litres of deadspace where as the deadspace is roughly 3l for the gen4 2. mash tun the mash tuns are completely different the bz35 gen4 is bigger and this is due to the fact of deadspace being lot smaller and the gen 4 grain basket can take alot more grain then the 3.1.1 . having the gen4 mash tun helps if you want bigger abv beers as well but thats not the be all end all 3 mash pipe now the 3.1.1 has the mash pipe or overflow pipe and what this is suppose to do is basically stop scorching, however though as Phil stated the malt pipe can be removed and the bottom screen replaced by a pro screen or you can plug the malt pipe hole with a 316 stainless steel bolt and nut The gen 4 doesn't come with the malt pipe 5. control panel self explanatory its now been shifted from the bottom to top of the unit on the gen4 unfortunately the 3.1.1 is at the bottom now both can be used with out the rapt eco system and can be used manually to brew Accessories can be interchangeable between the both except the mash tun as they are different sizes in my opinion if you really dont want the rapt side of things where you can make your own profiles etc then go the 3.1.1 as it is going to be more user friendly from the start both make beer Great summary. If I was buying one now, I would buy the Gen 4 without hesitation. In fact, once I have enough fermenting space, I will upgrade my Grainfather G30 to the 65 litre Brewzilla Gen 4. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Classic Brewing Co Posted January 3, 2023 Share Posted January 3, 2023 11 minutes ago, Shamus O'Sean said: Great summary. If I was buying one now, I would buy the Gen 4 without hesitation. In fact, once I have enough fermenting space, I will upgrade my Grainfather G30 to the 65 litre Brewzilla Gen 4. I hope everyone didn't think I was canning or promoting the Gen 3, the Gen 4 wasn't available when I bought mine. I would definitely by the Gen 4 65l when I am ready to upgrade, I was merely pointing out the $250.00 price difference & @Cheap Charlie mentioned he wasn't fussed about the RAPT etc. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shamus O'Sean Posted January 4, 2023 Share Posted January 4, 2023 5 hours ago, Classic Brewing Co said: I hope everyone didn't think I was canning or promoting the Gen 3, the Gen 4 wasn't available when I bought mine. I would definitely by the Gen 4 65l when I am ready to upgrade, I was merely pointing out the $250.00 price difference & @Cheap Charlie mentioned he wasn't fussed about the RAPT etc. All good, Phil. Your comments made sense. Cheers Shamus 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozdevil Posted January 4, 2023 Share Posted January 4, 2023 6 hours ago, Classic Brewing Co said: I hope everyone didn't think I was canning or promoting the Gen 3, the Gen 4 wasn't available when I bought mine. I would definitely by the Gen 4 65l when I am ready to upgrade, I was merely pointing out the $250.00 price difference & @Cheap Charlie mentioned he wasn't fussed about the RAPT etc. all good phil , you wasn't canning or promoting in a bad sense just your honest thoughts. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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