Brewtools MiniUni Full Overview & First Impressions For Homebrewers

[@PortlyGentleman]

Beautiful video David, we all know we can depend on you for honest facts.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Cheers Bradley, looking forward to seeing your take on these 🍻🍻🍻

[@januszkszczotek8587]

My 30l miniUni and Pressure Kit arrived yesterday. Impressive piece of equipment.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Sure is 🍻🍻🍻

[@Tense]

I have a Blichmann Cornical that I have been using for more than a year. And though its decent the build quality leaves a bit to be desired. I have been looking for a fermenter that of similar pricing that offers some versatility and allows for pressure fermenting. I just checked the pricing they released today for the MiniUni 30L and with that really interesting pressure cap, I am very excited! This may be my new fermenter! Though I may need to save a bit more to purchase. I wonder if Brewtools still needs long term testers. I would be happy to volunteer. :D

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Yes, its certainly a very viable option for sure.

[@januszkszczotek8587]

Upgrades I would like to see are: 1) a thick neoprene sleeve for insulation and 2) a possibility to add a cooling spiral to control the fermentation temperature via a glycol chiller. Ideal would be a possibility to use the cooling spiral together with the pressure fermenting kit shown in the video. Otherwise a very nice option. I'm currently planning to buy some kind of unitank for batch sizes between 20 and 25 liters.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I can see these coming for sure 🍻🍻

[@felixneudorfer8608]

Any ideas on how to add dry hops...?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

It really depends on how you want to set this up but a container from the bottom would be best that you can co2 flush. Nothing from Brewtools of this nature just yet but they do have methods from the top with co2 flushing. Alternatively go old school and carefully add to the top after removing the lid.

[@ninkasihomebrewer8226]

Thanks David for the video

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Cheers 🍻🍻🍻

[@FrankGenoBruno]

Very interesting product. Hoping you could have a video using one and especially showing one how to dump the yeast.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi Frank, its in the plan to show more in time .

[@MRW3455]

Got excited then thought where is the ability to manage cooling. Is that coming? how about a thermal jacket?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I am told by Brewtools that they will have a cooling solution ready in a few months. I know they have been working on various options but I am unsure which will see release.

[@gyvelvej10]

I really like this product. But I have 2 questions. A. I can not see any possibility to mount accessories, while the pressure kit on mounted, and no possibility to remove the pressure kit temporarily with a butterfly valve, due to the float tube. How to use the pressure kit with other accessories, like the hop drop ?? B. I normally brew 20L liters, so I think the 30L will be perfect, there is 10L head space. But I am planning to make a double batch (40L) in the future, and here the 50L looks perfect. Is there a problem using the 50L miniuni, with only 20L wort ? Too much head space ?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Sure, no problem A. True, though you could introduce dry hops from the bottom. B. Having a very large headspace could mean using more c02. Some may also notice a less crisp result from beers fermented under pressure with such a large headspace.

[@alanpaone]

the wall-mounting system is better thought-out than other options on the market and definitely helps with the awkwardness of storing conicals. I really like that manufacturers are all starting to settle on tri-clamps. I'm interested to see what kind of accessories they come out with. These aren't overpriced, but they're not aggressive either, so it'll depend on what the system expands into over time.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Good thoughts Alan, thanks for sharing. 🍻🍻🍻

[@diegoyrebecapenas158]

Hi, I wonder . example in the 20 th liters one is possible to fill it till 20? or you have to fill less to leave a correct head space. Apart from that, to easy clean ii, is possible to enter your hand trought the top hole? and the last question, I read in one of your answers that you normally use kegfermenters. in that case do you use succesfully the ball to pick up the beer from the top? any recomendation in these set up?. thanks from spain! good channel!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi, Yes 20L is the max fill. Yes the gap allows a regular sized hand to enter 🍻🍻😎

[@timheffernan3577]

Some nice features and offers a lower cost option for pressure fermentations with stainless steel as opposed to plastic. I like the wall mounting option in particular.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Cheers Tim 🍻🍻🍻

[@alanman5328]

The best video ive seen on this on youtube by a long way due to the amount of information and more professional delivery. These do look interesting but it seems incomplete. It really needs a heating and cooling solution plus a stand that gives access to the bottom port. Mounting this on a wall is not an option for me and I suspect this will be the case for many. The price also feels really high once you add the lid for pressure.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Many thanks Alan, much appreciated. Brewtools have further temp control solutions in the works with an ETA of 3 months. For now you can use the existing 2” heaters already on their website. Further stand solutions and handle options are being looked at too.

[@gjan1761]

upgrades? 4" TC lid with SS cooling coil, PRV, and 2 ball lock posts (liquid out, gas in)

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Yes, would be nice , I agree!

[@paulallotment_fox925]

Great bit of kit by the looks of it IT should say RR on the front as its clearly top of the range. The wall hanging bracket is a great idea and got me thinking about where would be the best place to hang it in my set up, If I could find a way to hang it on my fermenter fridge door without it tipping over It would great bonus, so I'm working on that one. Cheers for the information

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Cheers, thanks for sharing 🍻🍻🍻

[@tapiokivela4600]

Hi David! Have you used the pressure kit with the? In my use the miniuni bottom tc port is most likely useless but I like the pressure kits all-in-one desing so I'd like to know if there are any things to consider before trying to use them together. TIA

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Yes, it works very well. 🍻🍻🍻

[@tapiokivela4600]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew oops. I meant to ask about using the kit with kegmenters. Think I missed that in previous comment.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Yes, no problem there. Just use the stand 🍻🍻🍻

[@PartyTimeBrewing]

Brewtools seems to be everywhere now! Looks like a cool piece of kit. Cheers!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Cheers, thanks for your thoughts 🍻🍻🍻

[@andrevangijsel957]

would the heating pad of the grainfather gca fit? am thinking of getting a minuni+.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I think so, though I have not tested it 🍻🍻

[@andrevangijsel957]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew You have both in your brewlab if I am correct so plese test that out ;)

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Sorry but I do not own the MiniUni, it is on loan, so I cannot stick the heat pad onto it.

[@andrevangijsel957]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew You don't have to stick it on. I am just wondering if it would be possible to fit it to the cone around the 2" port.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Yes, it looks like you could 🍻🍻🍻

[@NathanKraemer]

I assume a near term accessory would be a handle 😅 If I had a basement, I would love to carry a lager downstairs and hang multiple miniunis on a wall with art lights. Then drink a beer and marvel.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Yes, or a carrying harness.

[@rasuli4]

Have you made a video of your own personal brewing / fermenting lay-out? Really want to invest into a stainless steel fermenter with option for pressure fermentation. Just curious, if you prefer something simple and cheap as fermzilla over these newer more high-end products. Is it worth the extra money?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi, I use a mix of different fermenters of both types. I mostly prefer stainless steel personally due to their extra toughness, features and long life. I do feel that the Fermzilla Tri conical is a great option though.

[@pain-and-patience]

This looks like a carefully considered market offering, pitching somewhere between Fermzilla and Unitank, but I’d like to see a little less plastic and a little more of the stainless steel which has earned Brewtools its premium reputation. Great video David.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Great, many thanks for your feedback, much appreciated.

[@bradsayer1]

Thanks David, as always another great review. I look forward to the yeast dumping demonstration video too. When I carbonate in kegs, I use 32psi for 48 hours @ 2c, but if I were to do this in the Uni tank it looks like it would be at the psi limit. Your thoughts? Brad

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Hi Brad, max pressure is 30 PSI, so not far off 🍻🍻🍻

[@kristian3472]

Hi, David. Thanks for yet another great video! for a beginner, what would you say are the main differences between this and their actual unitank lineup? and maybe a few words on what you would get compared to products like the fermzilla?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Thanks Kristian. 🍻🍻🍻 Its a tricky one to answer in a short format reply! In brief, price is a major factor and so is how you will temp control. Fermzilla is certainly the cheapest option but it will not last as long as SS options of course. It also depends on the space you have and intended budget.

[@kristian3472]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew Hi, David. Hope you dont mind a follow-up here. I am considering getting a RAPT fermentation chamber and putting the miniuni 30 inside. I am then thinking that I can store a corny ceg next to it with finished beer. Would it be problematic for the finished beer to be in the same fermentation chamber as a beer that is fermenting? (temperature-wise.. lets say they are two lagers, for simplicity)

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

No problem at all, on both accounts 🍻🍻😎

[@mrmathman]

Do you see it working horizontally? Maybe on a slight tilt like a cask?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I guess that would depend on how you set it up but yes I think it has potential.

[@002simba002]

How can i use the bottom port when using a fridge as fermentation chamber?

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

You would need to have a section that suspends the unit.

[@feuer-gluat-quoim]

Hi David, did you try to mount the SS top plate of one of your kegmenters with this new tank? I imagine it may fit, and has a lower price tag, and may bring a temp probe port as well..

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I havent yet but I cannot see why It would not fit. There are plenty of options for both ports in the open market.

[@HLBmusix]

I think it is great that manufacturers take fementation very serious these days, but they all want these bottom dump opening. I think it's not that usefull in homebrewing, especially when using a floating dip tube. The problem i have with this design is, that it adds a lot of height to the fermenter wich makes putting the fermenter in a chest freezer impossible. I just want a stainless steel version of the fermzilla allrounder. It does all i want it to do and i can put it into my chest freezer.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

There are pros and cons but really its down to the wants and needs of the individual. I use Kegmenters a lot. They fit the profile you mention and have handles. They will probably outlive me by many years too.

[@jonmccombs1711]

Fantastic job!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Cheers Jon

[@A2an]

Certainly, it look very nice. 👍

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Cheers Allan 🍻🍻🍻

[@KevinWilliams-el9sg]

The product looks to have the usual great build quality, however, temperature controlled fermentation possibilities seem limited.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Yes, though solutions are coming.

[@davec4955]

How long before temp control accessories for fermentation and serving arrive in the market ?🍻

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I am told by Brewtools there have a current ETA of 3 months. So not long 🍻🍻

[@davec4955]

@@DavidHeathHomebrew 👍

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

🍻🍻🍻

[@jcinsaniac]

Really nice equipment, alas, I am too cheap to purchase Brewtools gear. Love the built in spunding though. Cheers!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Cheers 🍻🍻🍻

[@icequake3]

For me a huge oversight if using as a fermenter is why no lifting handles 🤔 My 7 Gallon Ss Brewbucket weighs approx 28Kg with 23-25 Litres of beer in it and is a heavy lift even with the side handles How on earth would you move around/lift a 50 litre one full of beer. Wall bracket does not look substantial enough for supporting a full 20 litre one. Great video as always though David👍🏼

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

I believe those larger sizes are intended to be mounted in one place. Glad you enjoyed the video 🍻🍻🍻

[@suwirwong]

Love all the product but the company cant send the product to my country ,what a shame.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

That is a pity.

[@beattyj8]

I think I'm in the minority but I have no desire to use a glycol setup, and I know that raises hackles but I just don't think it's worth the trouble. I know others feel differently and I don't disparage them their beliefs, I'm just more casual of a brewer than them I guess. I want this Brewtools level of build quality, cleaning/scratch resistance durability, and lifespan in a fermenter, but don't want to fiddle with glycol for once-a-month or once every other month brewing. I'd love a Peltier cooler or some sort of Rapt Fermentation Chamber option to hang one or two of these. The problem is I don't want to try and move a full 50L mini-uni and try and hang it in a fridge, so it'd be setting up the lines to fill it in-situ, which seems like I'd get a lot of line loss. I know I could hack something together, but then it'd look hacked together, and I like the aesthetic of Brewtools when it's done well. Going to wait and see what happens, seems like Brewtools is on the right trajectory here, and if not I will switch to using KegLand's setup.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jason. I guess all of this is about situation and the various aspects of that. There is certainly not one solution for all.

[@indiekiduk]

Think the brew videos are gonna be hilarious

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Stay tuned 🍻😎🍻

[@TheHalfDemon]

Over 300 USD, this is crazy. I'll stick with my 6 gallon Torpedo Kegs for like half the price and more flexibility without spending hundreds more for the additional accessories.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Cheers Dustin 🍻🍻🍻

[@frallorfrallor3410]

definitly a unitank i will get price isnt to bad aswell

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

🍻🍻🍻

[@africantwin173]

They needed to make a real affordable glycol cooled Bright tank . Not a clumsy uni cylinder that needs another €300 accessories to make it work. We all know that this cylinder does not has a flat wide bottom, no cooling. For serving, lagering, carbonate beer we need low temperatures. Fermenting under pressure would be the only option for this cylinder. But then a fermzilla would be better price wise out of the box. This product is not what I was hoping for. Maybe use it as a grain storage bin mounted to the wall 🤫

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🍻🍻🍻

[@paulrobertson9439]

More toys :)

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Oh yes 🍻🍻

[@curtpick628]

Neat product. I can see where you could use one. The price point....meh

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

You knew it would not be budget cheap 🍻🍻