Scoundrel Brewing electric brewery

jeffsmith · Post by **jeffsmith** » Thu Nov 30, 2017 10:18 pm

As I’ve mentioned in a few other threads, I’ve been working on building an electric brewery in my basement. With three kids, time just doesn’t allow for dragging gear outside to brew on propane any longer. I needed something that was a little easier, more efficient, and had room for automation.

I decided to go with a Brewtronix Hosehead (Raspberry Pi based) for my controller. Running a GFCI 30 amp, 25 gallon HERMS setup with 5500W stainless elements. So far I’ve got the framing, drywall, plumbing, and electrical complete. This is what I’m calling Phase I i.e. good enough to brew.

I did my first batch last evening which was a complete shit show, but still managed to hit my numbers. My second batch that I brewed today went much smoother. Looking forward to learning even more about this system and starting to automate a few things.

Working on framing and wiring in some in wall speakers. Can’t brew without tunes.

Test fit of the range hood. 760 cfm.

Drywall done, everything in place.

Lots more to come…

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Post by **RubberToe** » Thu Nov 30, 2017 11:32 pm

Looking great! Once we get going with our respective rigs some more let's talk automation.

jeffsmith · Post by **jeffsmith** » Thu Nov 30, 2017 11:34 pm

RubberToe wrote:Looking great! Once we get going with our respective rigs some more let's talk automation.

Sounds like a plan, Rob. I’ve been thinking about everything from flow meters to valves. Not sure what my options will be with the Hosehead, but I’m sure there’ll come a point that I’ll crack the case open.

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mckay75 · Post by **mckay75** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 9:17 am

Looks great! Nothing beats basement brewing!

LiverDance · Post by **LiverDance** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 9:59 am

Woody · Post by **Woody** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 10:07 am

Looks awesome Jeff. Good job! I love electric and don't miss lugging all that gear outside.

Post by **Jimmy** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 10:14 am

Looks great, Jeff. I recently started clearing out a dedicated space in my basement to build a separate room for the brewery. I've always found my brewing space in the basement would get cluttered with random non-brewing related stuff..I'm hoping a dedicated room will eliminate that

jacinthebox · Post by **jacinthebox** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 10:27 am

I want an indoor set up for the winter. frozen hoses suck
I don't mind brewing on the deck when it's nice summer weather

oceanic_brew · Post by **oceanic_brew** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 3:16 pm

Hey this is great timing. I am pricing out parts for a 1 BBl electric setup. I might have some questions for ya in a week or two if you don't mind.

I may have misread something but I looked at the hosehead controller and I thought I saw a thread post where a bunch of folks were talking about not being able to run 5500W burners on them.

Maybe this was an older version I was reading about. Then again I am very early into the learning stages of electric brewing.

Nice setup by the way

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jeffsmith · Post by **jeffsmith** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 3:23 pm

Thanks! That must have been an older setup as I’m able to run those elements with no issues. Only one at a time of course since it’s 30A Service, but works quite well for my needs (~70L boil volume).

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sgrhyno · Post by **sgrhyno** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 3:50 pm

Looks great! I'd love to get all of my gear inside...unfortunately my 3 kids have run of the entire house (i get the garage - kinda)!! Someday I'll claim a spot....someday.

JohnnyMac · Post by **JohnnyMac** » Thu Dec 07, 2017 10:11 pm

Looks wicked good Jeff!

Post by **EastCoastHoppers** » Fri Dec 08, 2017 7:54 pm

Awesome job Jeff! Looks great! I managed to get myself setup indoors and converted over to electric over the summer as well but it is in an unheated detached garage. I've got a wood stove out there though so it's not too bad. Much better than being outside in the winter! Enjoy the new space!

Spiker · Post by **Spiker** » Wed Jan 31, 2018 6:56 pm

Look good man.
So i have a question, and I hope it not that stupid lol. Im gearing up a spot in my basement too and starting the whole electric brewing experience and..... i was thinking to my self..what kinda table to use to keep my pot on while i boil.? its not going to be a kick ass stainless like you have but, will the pot actually get hot enough to do any damage to lets say and counter top? or any other table i use?

jeffsmith · Post by **jeffsmith** » Wed Jan 31, 2018 6:59 pm

Spiker wrote:Look good man.
So i have a question, and I hope it not that stupid lol. Im gearing up a spot in my basement too and starting the whole electric brewing experience and..... i was thinking to my self..what kinda table to use to keep my pot on while i boil.? its not going to be a kick ass stainless like you have but, will the pot actually get hot enough to do any damage to lets say and counter top? or any other table i use?

Thanks man!

I actually paid less than $250 for that table, so don’t count stainless out completely.

I think you’d definitely need something under the boil kettle if you were to use laminate. Solid wood might be a different story.

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GAM · Post by **GAM** » Thu Feb 01, 2018 9:59 am

The pot should only get slightly above 100c.. the element is heating the liquid not the pot and the liquid will boil at 100c.

S

jeffsmith · Post by **jeffsmith** » Thu Feb 01, 2018 12:51 pm

If you're thinking vinyl/laminate countertop, pretty sure you'll see some warping/delamination.

Spiker · Post by **Spiker** » Thu Feb 01, 2018 3:09 pm

Yea sounds good, I’m thinking I’ll build some kinda steel platform that I’ll inlay into a wooden table. Get it up off the table about two inc or so.

Thanks

Spiker · Post by **Spiker** » Thu Feb 01, 2018 3:09 pm

Yea sounds good, I’m thinking I’ll build some kinda steel platform that I’ll inlay into a wooden table. Get it up off the table about two inc or so.

Thanks

mckay75 · Post by **mckay75** » Thu Feb 01, 2018 3:16 pm

Pete aka Hub Brewer built his own brewstand and I believe it is just wood. Maybe he will see this and chime in...otherwise maybe shoot him a PM to find out.

Spiker · Post by **Spiker** » Thu Feb 01, 2018 3:20 pm

Ok thanks. Will do.

elreplica · Post by **elreplica** » Thu Feb 01, 2018 4:47 pm

You could use a wooden table but...I'd clad it with a faux stainless (aluminium coil) top...you'd need two pieces as it comes in 24" width...hence a seam...looks good but needs to be sealed for sure...you might luck out and find a plate of stainless...I know a place that sells salvaged stainless plates...

Spiker · Post by **Spiker** » Thu Feb 01, 2018 7:05 pm

Do you think it would be that important to cover the whole table..?

RossBee · Post by **RossBee** » Thu Feb 01, 2018 7:42 pm

Tile might solve your problem, would not have to grouted down, just placed under the kettle.

Spiker · Post by **Spiker** » Fri Feb 02, 2018 6:09 am

Yea you know I was thinking tile, could get creative with it.