Spike Solo vs Brewtools B80 vs G70 vs Brewzilla 65L vs Clawhammer supply Large system comparison

[@awokenshroomboy]

ClawHammer hands down! The fact you can replace/upgrade the parts whenever you want makes it a no brainer for me. Plus the price is right on the money. I have the 10 gallon system and love it.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Glad you are enjoying it.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

A nice honest & informative comparison :) Wow had no idea there were this many plug types in the US!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

YEAH!! And that only the half of it.. hahaha Cheers David!

[@frankferber3225]

Thanks Brian this was very helpful as I am considering downsizing to one of these systems for a 3 vessel herms system. Also thanks again for joining us at Central Florida Homebrewers a few weeks ago

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

For sure!! Glad you found it helpful! 👍🍻

[@davidbeiler6364]

for users with a budget conscious the robobrew sounds like a winner

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

For sure. It is a good system!

[@Mezoloth]

Nice job! I completely agree with your conclusions about Brewtools and Brewzilla being the main choices. It would be nice to see a comparison of the smaller systems too.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

I may have to do that!!

[@erikcarlson1318]

I just purchased the Clawhammer 20 Gallon 240V system. Waiting for UPS to get here with it!!! Can’t wait to brew on that system. Watched a lot of KZbin videos. Cheers

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Awesome!! Let me know how you like it!! 👍🍻

[@Ronziggyy]

Im leaning heavily to the CH system. Have you brewed anything with it yet?

[@gmid24]

Clawhammer doesn’t have any info on warranty. I’ve had a few issues where they have shipped out replacements next day! Emmetts customer service is great! Makes me feel good about my purchase.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

I understand that.. And I agree. I just put out the info that is available. Without anything in writing you have no guarantees. I think those guys would take care of issies within reason though. 👍🍻

[@adamsammy2540]

Bought my Brewzilla because of your videos Brian! Love mine!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Great to hear! it so easy to brew on in my experience

[@smiskenbrewery]

Thanx for a great video! I've been using my Brewzilla65L since Dec 2019 and it's really rocking! Love the quality and effeciency!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

It is a great system!!

[@leonardoromero8]

Looking at the Clawhammer, but will take your recommendation into account. Thank you!!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

👍🍻

[@leonardoromero8]

@@ShortCircuitedBrewers I am starting out brewing and looking to start my set up. Would it make sense to go with a electric brewing kit or look at using a stove top?

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

@@leonardoromero8 depends on your space I suppose. If you have room to brew on a all in one it makes sense to get that and then you can grow into it. You can do extract kits on a electric system no problem at all. 👍🍻

[@bretthughes8325]

Thanks for all the quality videos and work you do Brian! Went with the 35L

[@bretthughes8325]

RoboBrew a few years ago and love the profile you made for BeerSmith. Just placed an order for the Brewzilla 65l after seeing this and some of your other videos. Have you put out a BeerSmith profile for that system?

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

I do have one. Shoot me an email [e-mail]

[@patchworxbrewing4164]

I got a brewzilla 65l a few months back used from a friend he decided to go to a blichmann 20 gallon breweasy. I've never done electric brewing but I figured I'd try it out for a few hundred bucks and an system that was only a year old. Honestly it is awesome I absolutely love the brewzilla 65l. Way easier than propane excited to keep using it

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

It really is a great system. For the cost I don't think there is anything better currently in the proce point.👍🍻

[@patchworxbrewing4164]

@@ShortCircuitedBrewers well I've run 4 batches through it and they've all been great. Planning on brewing up an old ale today. I got a digiboil for my HLT and it's awesome as well.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

@@patchworxbrewing4164 👍🍻

[@matthewfarr228]

Own the smaller brewzilla. Fantastic all in one. It does it all and is perfect for brewing with a small brew space or doesn't want to take up a large footprint in their home. Seriously it's awesome. The only downside to it is it does take awhile to heat up but with the delay you can set the delay for 7 am and wake up at 8 ready to go. Also it has a decent cleaning labor. I upgraded to a 3 teir Herms system recently and while it can brew 3x more beer uts almost on part with cleaning. The only benefit it most of the cleaning is "in place" and using a shop vac

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Yes!! The shop vac is your friend with a HERMS system. 👍🍻

[@matthewfarr228]

@@ShortCircuitedBrewers hey while I have you here what do you think about running mirror batches of lager, one using a chiller and one at typical room temp. The chiller is to far out of my budget and if your opinion and others as I have herd aligns with the fact that the taste is identical or so similar the average home brewer can't tell you could save me major money. Thanks again. You're the reason I pulled the trigger and started homebrewing!

[@jabroni982]

Your videos are great. Super comprehensive and you're obviously passionate about this stuff. I started building a still and for the price of that still I could have bought the whole b80 with all its upgrades... O well. Live and learn

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Thanks!! 🍻👍

[@christiann.7195]

Great video Brian. One small remark on Brewtools systems. It has 3 temperature sensors. One inside the kettle, one measuring the temperature of the wort passing through the pump and the 3rd sensor measuring the wort temperature coming out of the counterflow chiller.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Not in the standard system. The. Standard system only comes with 2 sensors. The accessories pack has an extra or you can buy it separately. I was covering what a person would get if no accessories pack was purchased. 👍🍻

[@bankervandy20]

Really good video Brian. I’ve seen your individual review videos on the all-in-one 5gal systems and made my decision based on those. I did change my mind a few times, and would really like to see a similar video for those systems. Keep up the good work.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Thanks!! 👍🍻

[@timheffernan3577]

Thanks Brian. This was a nice comparison that I found helpful for my purposes

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eddiane]

Thanks for the video. Very informative. Great to see the side by side comparison. Someday I will be moving up and hope to see this again in a few years with the advancements that will be out there then. Cheers.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Thanks! It will be interesting to see where it goes from here! 👍🍻

[@prOkrEAt]

Looking at spike solo since I have a few of their conicals. Can mix and match parts if needed. Currently doing gas+igloo setup. Used to do biab. These seem like best of both worlds. Plus can go electric. Downside is I have to run the electric.

[@smessersmith2]

Try to get a Brewha BIAC, I would love to see your review of this system.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

I'll see what I can do.

[@PortlyGentleman]

Did you just say indirectly that Brewtools is the best ? I know I'm extremely pleased with all of my Brewtools equipment. Plus they're amazing customer service, from Norway to Southern California in 3 days That's hard to beat!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Haha.. If it is the best for you yes!! You're biased though!! Lol 👍🍻

[@marcusfabiousmaximus3463]

Thanks Brian great review, should help a lot of people decide

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Thanks man!! 👍🍻

[@gumbomudd2801]

Thanks Brian... Great comparison and information... I'm looking into getting a brew system and this video was very helpful... Keep up the great content!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Will do!! Thanks! 👍🍻

[@zardozica]

Question, if you could only choose one 5 gallon system to brew Helles/Pils, which one would it be?

[@mbrady1182]

With the addition of the Anvil Foundry 18gal. version, how does that system stack up. Where would you place that in these rankings?

[@ki6igr]

I purchased the brewzilla 65L only have about 4 batches thru it. So far I’m loving it, I added the clear sight glass. I’ll probably upgrade the cam lock and maybe move the controller to a remote box. (If I get bored)

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

For the price that is a great system!! 👍🍻

[@icommandoi145]

BrewZilla gen 4 that's been recently released looks like a great bang for buck equipment.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Yes sir!!

[@freshcleanair]

Great review Brian, very informative and educational. Appreciate your efforts. 🍻

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Much appreciated!

[@TwoandaHalfPintsHomebrew]

Lol we don't even brew electric, just want to say that was a great, concise, informative video as always. Hope to catch you next livestream!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Glad you enjoyed it! Looking forward to your next videos as well!!

[@Diego_Animo]

It would be great if you can compare a beer made with one of those all in one system VS your 3 vessel herms system :-) I'm still investing on my traditional 3 vassel, but to be honest I'm not sure is worth.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Honestly the equipment is probably one of the smallest parts of the equation in making great beer. Good recipes, good process, and good techniques, make the best beer no matter where the wort is made. 👍🍻

[@TheMortgageBrewer]

really great video...thanks for sharing

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Thanks! 👍🍻

[@BEERNBBQBYLARRY]

Look at all them brewing systems! Do you have a warehouse to store them all? Great overview BTW.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Haha!! My basement!!

[@briansbrews4688]

I want the Spike 15 G.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

They'll be coming soon I think.

[@kameronhanjani3231]

Brewzilla or Anvil Foundry? From what I'm researching the foundry would be a good, affordable option for those on a tighter budget

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Your research is correct. The temperature is a little more accurate on the Foundry as well. 👍🍻

[@kameronhanjani3231]

@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Perfect, thanks Brian! and thanks for your videos on the GFI cord and 240 conversion too!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

@@kameronhanjani3231 no problem!👍🍻

[@johnnyperez2260]

Great video Brian. Been struggling to make a decision for a while now on which system to get. Between the Solo and Clawhammer which one would you go with?

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

They are both great systems. I don't think you would go wrong with either one. I'd give the spike controller a little bit of an edge due to the fact that it's all non proprietary components and anything could be replaced if something goes bad. I think the clawhammer system has a bit of an edge with its basket style in that you could do smaller batches with better efficiency in it. (20 gallon vs 20 gallon system. Hope that helps. 👍🍻

[@Woodymtns]

So if you had to recommend a 2-3 vessel system with temp controlled fermenter, which systems would you recommend? I’ve outgrown my eBIAB anvil Foundry. Thx. Love your reviews and channel

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

I love my Blichmann 3 vessel system. That said I just got the necessary items to put together a breweasy so I will weigh in on that system once I get it up and running!! Stay tuned.

[@stevemccollick6927]

Hey Brian, Thanks for the great review. I'm looking at the Brau Supply 10G or 20G Unibräu All In One Electric Brew System. Do you have any experience with it? If not, I would love to see a review by you. Love your videos.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

I'm "supposed" to get one from them at some point. But that hasn't happened yet. They certainly seem.like a capable system. I think they did change the basket design recently though didn't they?

[@stevemccollick6927]

@@ShortCircuitedBrewers I hope to see one from you soon. I saw a couple reviews on Brulosophy (brulosophy.com/2020/01/09/brau-supply-unibrau-v3-all-in-one-120v-electric-brew-system-product-review/). Looks like they are on their version 3. Getting ready to pull the trigger on getting this one.

[@robertschumann3840]

That was excellent. Personally I’m not a fan of automated controllers. I’ve been using my old school Grainfather for years. I love it; just wish It was bigger- I want a G70 without all the connectivity stuff on it.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Yeah that stuff can add another layer of issues you don't need! 👍🍻

[@LaserSharkPhotoablations]

consider the 70l "Guten" system from Keg King? you can program it or just do it manual.. as i do

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Not available in the USA.

[@robertschumann3840]

Short Circuited Brewers. All good. Thanks Tim. I live in NZ. Man! Where did Guten come from; never heard of them before. Spoiled for options. Thanks guys.

[@krisiglehart3061]

Ok! now I am torn, I'm setting up my basement into a brewery/bar mancave, am definitely getting a Spike system, and I usually brew 10 gal batches but what is your opinions on the 3 vessel 20 gal system or the 20 gal Solo system? HELP!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Haha! They both make beer, obviously. If you want a small footprint easy clean up brewing system the spike solo is a good option. A three vessel system does give you the possibility to have a greater efficiency in your brewing process. For instance this Spike solo you would look to achieve somewhere between 70 to 75% efficiency. With a three vessel system you can get upwards of 80% and above depending on multiple factors but it is possible. There is more cleanup obviously with a three vessel system. I really enjoy brewing on my three vessel system it feels like a commercial process to me. Ultimately it's up to what you want to do and how much space you have. Hope that helps. 👍🍻

[@Texaviator]

Excellent overview!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Thanks!! 👍🍻

[@mikelaven2096]

Hello, I did my first all grain brew day on my Brewzilla 3.1.1. It is the 35L American version. 120 volt. I have a question about the mash out. The recipe has a 10 minute 170 F step. The question is can you use both the 500 watt and the 1000 watt heaters to bring the wort up to the mash out temperature. The instructions tell you to only use the 500 watt heater when the mash pipe is inserted. It took 25 minutes to get the wort from 153 F to 170 F to start the 10 minute mash out using only the 500 watt. Thank you.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Sure you can. Just make sure your wort is flowing well. You don't want to scorch it. That's why they tell you 500 watt only. If you are concerned just use the 1000 and turn off the 500. 👍🍻

[@PeterKraemer]

With all of the different 240v plugs, are there adapters one can buy? Do most of these plug into a standard 240v dryer outlet? Thanks for the great comparison!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

There might be adapters? I've made my own. The spike and clawhammer system are both dryer type plugs. 👍🍻

[@TheHomebrewChallenge]

Wow this is one heck of a video to put together. Do you have all those plug receptacles down there in your basement? Crazy there are so many.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

I had to make adapters for all of them.. Lol it is pretty crazy! 👍🍻

[@daleheffernan]

Would love to see a comparison video for the 5 galon segment.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

pphhheewww... I need a breather after doing this one.. There are even more systems in that segment.. I'm certainly thinking about doing one. I need a mash and boil to complete the assessment and I think it would about cover all of them, well that and a Brau supply system.

[@TheBghunt]

If you had to choose between the spike and the claw hammer which one would you pick and why

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

I'd have to say I would probably choose the spike system. Mainly because the controller is non-proprietary and you could replace components if they went bad. The spike system is also a little more "rugged" The kettlee and basket are quite a bit thicker. Both of them do have their quirks but they're both good systems. 👍🍻

[@TheBghunt]

Thanks for the great video and response Cheers

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

👍🍻

[@bradwilson6329]

If you had to purchase any of these systems for a smaller batch size (3.5 gallons), which in your opinion would be the best?

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Probably the clawhammer system it has the full mesh basket. If you are brewing that small why get a 10 gallon batch system?

[@TheCooperville]

What a great review

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Thanks!

[@toivokaija2469]

Do you have any experience with the Wort Hog controller?

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

I do not, however I know of it and the design is simple yet effective. A solid option for sure. 👍🍻

[@tobiasrichter8583]

The cheapest is the winner. Who wants to pay more for a large wort-splashing machine where you need to lift the basket? By the time you decide to spend the Brewtools Dollars in the US the real legwork begins. There are many better options like Blichmann's Breweasy to name one with greater flexibility.

[@carlosh8113]

Until you brew on the brewtools, you probably wont understand.

[@tobiasrichter8583]

Brewing is just one step on the way to make beer. A great majority of people in the market for these systems are Grainfather or the like brewer's looking to improve. A BT system does not improve the beer it only makes the process fancier. At the BT price point you can buy the finest kettles in the US and control them with CraftbeerPi from the sofa while improving the end product. Since Brian knows especially the US market with it's possibilities extremly well I would have expected at least a careful warning for his subscribers what else there is in that price range.

[@carlosh8113]

@The Kitchen Brewery you know what man, spot on. That was a damn good response. I can completely agree with you on this.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

I stated very clearly in the beginning that there are other systems in the market place. My comments are only for the systems discussed in the video. Some people want off the shelf solutions that don't require extra work to setup. I have not used the Craft Beer Pi system. Is there anyone making a fully assembled controller?

[@tobiasrichter8583]

@@ShortCircuitedBrewers I’m not aware of a fully assembled controller for CraftBeerPi (CBPi). Since there are currently more CBPi home brewers than BT units produced it may only be a question of time... However, the small assembly required seems straight forward and nowhere near as complex as back in the days (referring to your panel build series). As evident from those series you got all the parts required and just need to plug in an $18 RPi and install the free CBPi. I’d like to ask you to try it out and see how far you get with a budget of $2568 + $119. Anyone researching in the BT price range will find CBPi and by the name and content of your channel I can’t find a better fitting topic to be looked at...

[@hotswapster]

I don’t know what’s going on with the closed captions in this video but it looks like a polish AI wrote them and the subject wasn’t brewing.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Lol

[@auronagape1942]

I believe our agapebrew equipment (KLARSTEIN) can compete with them!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Send me one. Let's see if it does?

[@auronagape1942]

​@@ShortCircuitedBrewers ok，please keep in touch， we are developing the new model (70L), we are glad to send one to you when it is completed. 😀

[@LouB3rt]

If you can afford it, in my opinion there is nothing even close to the Brew Tools system.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

It does give you lots of options.