Anvil Steam Condenser - Review and Recommendations

[@kds5084]

I run a recirculation pump during the mash straight through that elbow and into the top tri clamp rather than switching hoses around to the recirculation arm. then when done, I run a CIP ball in line with the elbow as well so it gets cleaned every time. works like a charm!

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

I might need a photo, but I am pretty sure I understand. I haven't tried a CIP on my Anvil yet, but considering it. I did drag out my old custom Keg Washer recently for 3 Kegs and 2 Fermzilla all-rounders, and it did a great job, as it has one of those CIP SS balls on the top.

[@brandoespinoza8091]

One tip that I’d add is that the drain hose can not be submerged in the water when collecting in a pot or bucket. If that happens then the stream condensing effect will stop and you’ll end up boiling over.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

Great tip, as I forgot that one, as it can create that lovely thing I've learned to be very aware of...back pressure. 😎

[@jcinsaniac]

If I had an Anvil Foundry, this would be my first accessory with 6.3 gph spray head...so many benefits - didn't consider the increased boil performance because of heat containment and pressure which would be a GREAT benefit for 120V systems.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

If you are brewing inside, it is worth it. No one ever thinks they will get mold in their house, but when you do, getting rid of it can be very expensive as it spreads like wildfire. If you are brewing outside, I don't see any need for it.

[@jcinsaniac]

@@BitterRealityBrewing I avoid brewing outside - it's 103 today on Atlanta's West Side. I typically open my garage door and brew in the shade with a fan running. I love it in the fall, 60-70 degrees and fall colors. Cheers, bro - good info!

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

@@jcinsaniac Hell no! 103 F in the West side of Atlanta would suck as I lived in Duluth for a year, and when there is no breeze from time to time, 103F feels like 150 F! Jacksonville, FL is only 94 F which is bad enough. This is why I love my new brew space...73 F all day (cooler if I really want but the wife complains when the electric bill spikes, so 73 F works for me)!

[@bobkellyfan]

Great video. I use a Brewzilla and just bought a condenser. I found these tips very useful. Any tips for using a cooling coil to cool the wort? My only solution so far is to remove the lid for the last 20 minutes so I can get the coil in and sterilized before I cool.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

Honestly, if you drop your coil in, even at the last possible minute during the boil, you will be safe. I've been doing it for years without any issues. The key to cooling is, sadly, a better chiller, like a Jaded Scylla, as it is like 3 of your current coils combined and optimized. I didn't believe it until I did a bunch of tests (most on video) and was so blown away that my only regret was not buying one sooner. I eventually bought a 2nd one and used them both in almost every single brewing video. Check out the video I linked, and I'm looking to publish another upcoming video that I think will blow most people away when comparing the standard coil that comes with most all-in-one systems like the Brewzilla to the Jaded Scylla. I'm waiting on Clay, the owner of Jaded Brewing, to get 100% caught back up with his back orders as he got a horrible case of Strep Throat and ended up in a coma for a while before recovering, which set his company back, causing delays in production as their chillers are all hand made here in the U.S.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6mQXpWieciaapo - Here is a more entertaining video from when I was first testing the chillers out. - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2HCZ52vqL6KiNk I threw in a ton of dry ice in the end....Summary: Dry ice is expensive and doesn't help.

[@SankaraHomeBrewing]

Thanks for sharing. Great info, if I ever upgrade and decide to buy then this would be perfect. In my opinion not sure about this condenser. Looks a little shaky and could get someone hurt. Cheers!

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

Really easy to use if you are very focused but if you are drinking (too much) while brewing or very forgetful (I can be at times) it can be very dangerous. I just did 3 brews the other day without it and OMG!!! My garage was sitting at over 80% humidity, emptied my dehumidifier 3 times in 1.5 days and had to open the windows with two boxes fans off and on for 3 days to get most of the smell out...still is a bit strong in my garage but I'll get it taken care of over the next week. Saw your video post and have it qued up to watch tomorrow - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWbcZHmdZZ2XirM

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

Let me know what you think of this grain mill? I feel like mine is literally wearing out as it is having problems grabbing the grains over the last 3 crushes - amzn.to/43d5ACP It looks a lot like the 3 roller Might Mill at MoreBeer but for an extra $30. The only major complaint I see is that the locks for the rollers, once set, don't stay in place, but I think I can fix that with locking nuts, like what is currently on my old and dying cereal crusher. Really hate to spend money as I'm a bit broke at the moment, but if I need one, I want to buy the best I can without wasting money.

[@SankaraHomeBrewing]

@@BitterRealityBrewing It looks good to me. I read through some of the reviews and everyone that left a review was positive. The only complaint was no handle for it, meaning somehow they forgot to ship it. But the company did send it out to the people who didn't get one. I don't see a problem using locknuts to lock it in place. Hope this helps.

[@crashtke]

Don't have the steam condenser, but we do all our brewing with the Anvil outside. Chances of mess are just reduced in our house.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

I don't see any need for one outside, but I have seen photos and one video so far of people using them outside. Still confused as to why they would do that. Now that I recently transitioned to brewing inside, I do love it but I will admit, cleaning up outside is a lot easier with fewer concerns about making a mess. Outside, the trusty hose and take care of just about any mess.

[@ogpennywise]

I do not see any need to have one inside. But I've always brewed outside, either in my yard under a overhang/tent, or in my garage. Just like you seem to be doing. But I guess you giving a definition of "outside" would get us on the same measure. We can only assume you mean in the house proper. Too much heat in the house, too much steam in the house, my wife doesn't like Cascade, the malt smell makes me too hungry, etc. etc. There is zero reason to brew inside unless there is a hurricane, and then it still depends. But now that I am out of the 'hole that is Florida, I may change my tune during winter, though I doubt it as that is free wort chilling. And since my mash tuns are so well insulated, I don't worry much about loss of heat. And 1bbl of liquid takes a little while to cool normally, and those FL 80+ degree ground water temps don't help. Mid-Atlantic ground water however is perfect for brewing. In chemistry and in temperature. BTW, I think you are required to divulge your affiliate links. At the least as a courtesy. Otherwise, it stinks of sleaziness.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

Sadly, I've grown up in Florida and have lots of family throughout Florida, making it hard to ever want to move out of state (plus, the no-state tax has always been nice after living in Atlanta for a year). I can also relate to the smells, as I've always loved the smell of grain my whole life, from oatmeal to animal feed, and especially brewing grains, but my wife, who I believe is part Bloodhound, can't stand the smell of hops or grains and can somehow smell them from a mile away. Thank you for the heads up on the affiliate links as I think I get lazy sometimes and assume all links are affiliate unless otherwise stated. I updated the info and will double check some of my other posts from this year. (This is one of the reasons you will hear me joke about leaving non-affiliate links in the description from time to time as I feel those are rare. I do it for two reasons, either because it is the only place to get the product or it is significantly cheaper from the other vendor that I might not have an affiliation with.)

[@jimwojcik7645]

It sounds like the steam condenser is the metal lawn dart of brewing.😂

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

I love the analogy, as it made me laugh!🤣 If you think about it, it is a tool for a specific job for indoor only use, but it is like any tool beyond a common screwdriver, the user may need to gain some experience using it before it can be used really effectively and safely. My wife had never changed a bit on a drill until last night and didn't know how. I was entertained but fully understood (so, for job security and to avoid installation nightmares, I changed it for her and did the job she was preparing to use the drill on.)

[@jimwojcik7645]

My wife has used this tactic in the past to scare me and get me to do projects I have not done within her time line.