The New BoilerMaker Surface™ From Blichmann - Major change in homebrewing equipment

[@chrisinestes]

I posted this over on Beer n BBQ by Larry, too. I was excited to order the 20 gallon size to upgrade my BrewEasy 10 till I realized Blichmann can't repair the only part that will likely fail. $900, and they can't fix it? I know they have a 5 year warranty on the burner. To me, that means I have a product that I have to assume needs replaced in 5 years. I hope Blichmann figures out how to build these so the sure-to-fail-at-some-point part is fixable. I do really like the idea, though... It's just not there for me, yet.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

Sorry, I thought I replied to this already. I get what you are saying as I did have access to all the info until after the release and of course my video was technically done before that. I still think with a 5 year warranty, I feel it will probably easily last 10 although I would expect heat up times might slow down a tad. I need to test but I feel it does take a little longer to heat up compared to the BoilerMaker G2 version used with the EasyBrew Compact but the actual boil is considerably stronger spiking at up to 213.9 at time. I did a 6 gallon boil and had to watch it, not to splash out during the boil. (Yes, I could have lowered the power but I was doing some testing while brewing.)

[@chrisinestes]

@@BitterRealityBrewing No worries... I'd like to have one for my BrewEasy 10, but I don't think I can't take the risk that it fails in 5 years, leaving me having to retrofit it with a BoilCoil, which is the "problem" it's supposed to resolve. Retrofitted, it's heavier, and then even harder to clean than the G2 with BoilCoil I have now. :)

[@peterwerle7966]

@@chrisinestes I'm with you. When I "electrified" I went with a Spike Solo specifically because no part of the system was truly custom, its a "lifetime buy" with readily replaceable parts featuring standardized connectors. This system looks beautiful (and as a Purdue grad the branding is pure bait), but the little bit of extra work required to soak/clean a heating element isn't so arduous that I'd give up the flexibility I have with an entirely standardized setup.

[@kevinhoeffer1860]

It's clear that you're affiliated with Blichmann/Anvil so I'll take your review with a grain of salt however it's cringey to watch this being described as a game changer. It's a $350 element option. It doesn't come with a controller so it's literally just an option for heating. How is this any better than a $60 5,500w element off of Amazon? I've seen others comment this same thing so I know I'm not alone. A 1.5" tri-clamp element is about as easy as it gets to clean. Pull it out and soak it in PBW. If it fails I can buy another one for $60. With this unit I now have another 20lbs attached to the kettle. How is that easier to clean? I have to lift, tip, dump a now 50lb+ kettle? Also if the element burns out the entire kettle has to be scrapped or shipped back? This is just poor future proofing by Blichmann. It's also a hugeeeee swing and a miss to not sell this as a stand alone heating option (although I don't think anyone would pay $350 to heat their kettle over a $60 element...). Why wouldn't you make this so it can be used with other kettles people already own? Especially people that have maybe a 1-2 year old G2 kettle. They are expected to sell that for pennies on the dollar and buy a new kettle? I've read Blichmann say "we listen to customers and that's why we made this" however who asked for a $350 heating option?? This is going to go over like a lead balloon.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

I understand where you are coming from on a more DIY front and appreciate your feedback, but if you are a member of any of the Blichmann, or Anvil Forums, you will find that Blichmann Engineering / Anvil company goes out of their way to assist their customers even when it might not really be a "Warranty" related issue from what I've seen personally. Also, in regards to what do you do when it burns out? Did you catch the part where I mentioned twice about a "Lifetime Warranty"? You do get what you pay for and many times I've saved a buck, only to regret it in the long run as wasted money.

[@kevinhoeffer1860]

@@BitterRealityBrewing I did catch the warranty comment. However, it's only for 5 years. Electrical components break and wear out. The fact of the matter is when this craps out I'm out a $700+ kettle whereas with a 1.5" tri-clamp element I'm out $60. From the Blichmann manual: "The heating element, bonding of the element to the kettle, thermal breaker, and electrical wiring components, are provided with a 5 year limited warranty that they will be free from manufacturing defects in material and workmanship."

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

@@kevinhoeffer1860 I didn't realize the heating element only had a 5-year warranty which is still really good, but I wasn't able to see the new webpage about it as it wasn't available until the actual day of launch. I only saw the limited lifetime warranty as a "feature" of the equipment. I think it also comes down to preference too, as I originally considered building a glycol system using an A/C which would have saved me a lot of money but honestly, I'm really enjoying the Blichmann glycol system (which I did purchase at retail pricing). My issue now is using Fermzillas with the jackets, causing mold here in Florida to build up on the straps, massively! (Going to rethink how I can set those up.)

[@redbud.home.brewing]

@kevinhoeffer1860 100% agreed! A product nobody needs. Bottom drain is really the key to reduce cleaning time and efforts …

[@BobbyFromNJ]

I agree that it's not a game changer. It's a new variation on the same game and I say that as the owner of a Blichmann Retail Dealership. If they had designed it so the element had a relief area where they could weld in a bottom drain, that would be a game changer. I think bottom drains are the killer app and if it's got a novel heating element too, fine.

[@cfrazier1977]

Nice detailed video. It is definitely an interesting option.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

I know it isn't for everyone as I do love my Anvil Foundries but if I was looking to go to a 2 or 3 kettle system, I think this would be #1 on my list of systems to consider.

[@SankaraHomeBrewing]

Thanks for sharing. Wish I would have waited to buy this system. I have the original kettles that they sold and modified them to suite my needs. Now I'm looking at getting a all in one system. Cheers!

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

I would have told you if I could have a few weeks back, but of course I wasn't able to. I am impressed overall with the system and hopefully will start testing it soon with some brews. It is a bit heavier of course and those little rubber plugs near the feet don't allow me to store it on my metal rack as I could easily knock some of those plugs off that way.

[@thomasburt4422]

Is the heater replaceable if it has a problem?

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

Good News and Bad News - The heater element isn't replaceable, but the good news is that the unit comes with a Lifetime Warranty so you are safe as long as you treat it well.

[@JohnnyReverse]

How heavy is it?

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

Sorry weight it a few days ago and forgot to respond - Plain with no attachments except for 3 Tri-clamp ready connections - 18 lbs and 2 oz.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

Sorry for the delay, as this video should have been released yesterday. I had to do some major last-minute changes and recompile which took me well past midnight last night. Thank you and I hope this information is helpful.

[@BlichmannEngineering]

Thank you, Mike. Now I think you deserve a vacation...staying up until past midnight---now that is dedication to your viewers!!!! Cheers!

[@jcinsaniac]

This system looks great, but it's far too pricey for me. Thanks for sharing. One thought, if you have a problem with the heating elements, I guess you send it off to blichmann? Can you troubleshoot/repair it yourself? (I see many other folks have the same opinions on costs and integrated heating elements - we all pretty much agree that it is nice to brew on electric - there are a lot of advantages.)

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

Being an IT person by trade I hate most "All-in-one" systems and try to avoid them whenever it makes sense to. Keep in mind that the Anvil Foundry, Brewzilla, and like systems are all "All-in-One" systems with 1 to 2 year warranties. This system is definitely not for everyone, but for those looking for a high end system to start towards a 2 to 3 kettle system or those looking to go all out up front with a 3 kettle system, this does make a great deal of sense. Plus Blichmann can fix most issues over the phone and if not, you have a Lifetime warranty on this system. We all know nothing is free and the price point helps to cover the costs of the lifetime guarantee. If you are in the homebrewing hobby for the short term, I would highly recommend the Anvil Foundry, but if you are looking long term and like to impress friends, this would hit that mark without question.

[@jcinsaniac]

@@BitterRealityBrewing Oh, absolutely! This system makes good sense if you're planning to build out a 3 vessel system with redundancy. It's just not for me - I brew alone, nobody to impress, love the simplicity of single vessel brewing, and always keep in mind it is a hobby and for me, a lot more fun to make my own stuff - I just tricked out a 15 gallon MegaPot with a 3 piece ball valve, a high flow EZ-Clean pickup, recirculation spray head and whirlpool, I use sous vide to maintain temps for mashing and propane for boiling. I'd love it to be all electric, but you need 240V and a 5000 watt element for that. I've only got about $250 in my pot. The riptide pump costs more than that by itself. It's all great, but I am just making a little beer for fun. I, too am an IT guy, know what you mean that nothing ruins your day like coming down and finding your pot inoperable and not easy to fix - proprietary...a bummer for sure. Cheers, brother!

[@curtpick628]

As I told Larry. I'll wait until my Anvil dies before I reinvest. Nice system. Wished they would send me on to test. But se la ve...

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

Fully understand as I'm looking to brew 4 IPAs tomorrow using my two Anvil Foundries. Doing two - 6 gallon batches and splitting them all in half to pitch different yeasts. I do love my Anvil Foundries!

[@JasonSmith-nt6rl]

Does Blichmann plan on putting in stainless steel BIAG basket like claw hammer supply or Brewzilla?

[@BEERNBBQBYLARRY]

They have their BrewEasy Compact which is similar to a Clawhammer system. You might buy the basket for it separately. I suspect they will be offering the Surface as an option for both BrewEasy systems.

[@BlichmannEngineering]

@@BEERNBBQBYLARRY what you said. :)

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

I did test the grain basket from the BrewEasy Compact and it does fit in the new BoilerMaker Surface perfectly.

[@packattack2893]

i'll wait for the first few brew sessions then i'll consider if i want to sell my Grainfather.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

Fully understand as I started (into 5 gallon batches from 1 gallon) using 2 Grainfather systems, but I was told recently by David Heath that the last models now have low density burners which resolves what I felt was one of the biggest issues and the reason I left Grainfathers for Anvil Foundry systems. I don't think this system is for anyone who is happy with what they already have, but more for those looking to deep dive or expand.

[@packattack2893]

@@BitterRealityBrewing but i'm all for it if it means effectiveness and less cleaning 🤔

[@egruber50]

People shouldn't get excited about every shiny new (toy)homebrew system that comes on the market. Call me cynical call me jaded, but at the end of the day when the rubber meets the road every potential buyer of this product needs to ask themselves a very simple question. Will this equipment make by homebrew taste significantly better or not?

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

No, as I can brew an amazing beer with two pots and a colander as long as I have great temp control during fermentation. With that said, the brewing part requires the highest amount of hands-on, and that is where people have fun brewing as it really is a cross between art and science. For those looking to have fun with a fantastic brewing system that is easily customized to precisely what they want, this system has impressive potential to fill that need. We all love toys to some degree.

[@ErroneousI]

If your only goal is to have the best beer you can then I suggest you just buy from a good liquor store and skip the homebrew. Better homebrew products are about making the hobby more enjoyable. Some categories of products will greatly affect better results. Controlling fermentation temperature, mash temperature and efficiency, water quality, kegging, recipe formulation, and sanitation will improve your beer over time for most people. I think the goal here is to improve the process of brewing going forward, not to say you need to throw out what's been working for the last 15 years.

[@BitterRealityBrewing]

@@ErroneousI No one is throwing the baby out with the bath water. Just showing off new cutting-edge equipment for those considering a 2 or 3-kettle setup. Brewing is fun for most of us, but I doubt the vast majority of us find cleaning enjoyable. I have a habit of telling people I can brew great beer with 2 pots and a colander which I've done, as fermentation temperature control is the most important part of brewing great beer.

[@egruber50]

@@ErroneousI yes I agree improving your own process and dialing in your equipment go a long way in improving the quality and taste. My point is the market is saturated with all these shiny new things and maybe folks should consider getting back to basics is a avenue that should be explored more often than not and the manufacturers of these products appear to be only in one upping each other with all the shiny new bling.