Blichmann Engineering Power Controller Unboxing: Initial Thoughts and Reactions

[@beeroquoisnation]

My Brew Easy came with a brew commander, which was a deciding factor for the purchase 3 years ago, and the only real reason I have one. The mounting rail is a common rail that can be purchased from anywhere from Amazon to even electrical supply houses. For purchase and go the rheostat style controller is a simple solution to a minor problem. There are options for the tech savvy that come in quite a bit cheaper and perform the same function. I have had great experiences with all my Blichmann goods. Cheers.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

I've been working with the BrewEasy Compact and the BrewEasy Classic. I'm thinking I could easily do a brew on the Compact or Classic and move it to a another kettle just with the power controller for the boil. I've seen a lot of DIY versions for sale, but was concerned with the heat issues that people seemed to complain about.

[@beeroquoisnation]

@@BitterRealityBrewing Panel design is a consideration as SSR's can heat up and should be mounted on a heat sink like both the Brew Commander and the rheostat styled controller employ. They really yare rather rudimentary. The brew commander has a bit more tech to it. It really is a well built nicely sized controller. I have a bigger cabinet for a larger panel, and the Brew Commander would fit inside it. LOL Cheers.

[@Striiket]

So can you control the relays with the Brew Commander?

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

Yes, up to 4 relays per Brew Commander or Power Controller. Essentially you could run up to 5 - 240v heating elements, but you would essentially be running all of those heating elements as one system. So if you are running 1 at 80%, all the rest would also be at 80%. If you are using a Brew Commander you would only have one temp probe to manage all of the heating elements through the multiple controllers.