American made brewing equipment

I don't know where all of Blichmann's products are made. But the claim that they are a hassle to get answers from is horseshit, in my experience.

 

I don't have encyclopedic knowledge of all the manufacturers but I imagine it's going to be tough with the mail order stuff. Maybe conical-fermeter.com is USA made. Not sure though, just email them.

Your best bet for the bigger stuff would be to work with a local fabricator.

 

First you were told they are a hassle to get answers from. A half hour later you know it from personal experience. That seems weak in my opinion.

 

No, I don't work for Blichmann. I'm a customer. And yes, they have always responded to me in a timely manner. No, I'm not taking it personally. But when someone, in their very first post on the homebrew forum, comes in and blasts a reputable manufacturer in the hobby, it needs to be challenged. Again, first you claimed you "were told" they are a hassle to get answers from. Then you claimed it was answers to your own emails that were answered too slowly. Taken all together, suspicious.

 

Blichmann doesn't sell directly to consumers. Support is provided by the dealer. This is not unusual in the real world, though it seems so with homebrewing equipment because these companies tend to be small Mom and Pop type of companies and we've gotten used to the personal touch. The email feature on Blichmann's website is not intended for support issues - again, that's the the dealers' job (and they have a phone number that they can call). email is primarily for feedback, though they do respond to issues that need responding to. Perhaps your problem, such as it is, is with the dealer, not with Blichmann. And I've got to agree with VikeMan - you shouldn't be critical of their support unless you've actually had a problem.

FWIW, my fermenter from conical-fermenter.com was made in China.

 

I am sure pieces and parts are made in China. I think if I look at the SS nut on the bottom of my conical it says China. Where the rest of the stuff comes from, I am not sure. The therminator? If you get the competitive Shirron, well that is from China.

The stuff is quality, and well engineered. If you have questions, you can send here. Their business has expanded rapidly and they are in the process of moving to a much larger location in Lafayette, Indiana. Some people are working there.

http://www.blichmannengineering.com/contact/contact.html

I hope you don't drive a VW Beetle. Those are made in Mexico. Global economy you know.

 

You could send a note to honkey. I believe he is still in touch with mkyle, who would probably be happy to sell you some american made equipment.

 

http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/...re-10-gal-brew-pot-w-1-2-ball-valve-2310.html

Polar ware kettles are american made. They also make the morebeer kettles.

 

You should really consider other countries for this purchase. You can get a 10 gallon pot on ebay by thundergroup for 38.92. I bought a 40 gallon one from them for $125 with free shipping. Not much can go wrong with a pot where you would have to contact the maker.

 

I've got one of those! Nice kettles, but my Chinese one from Blichmann is nicer.

 

Yea, but it wasn't touch by dirty chinese commie hands.

(for the record, my boilermaker is well-engineered, well-though out, and well-made.)

 

Considering that China produces around 8 times the amount of steel that the US does, there's a good chance that your "American-made" nut/bolt/widget wasn't American sourced.

I'd rather go with an American designed part from a company that has good quality and excellent reviews. Everything I've read about Blichmann says they are the standard to compare everything else to.

 

http://brewhemoth.com/brewhemoth

Not sure where the morebeer stuff is made.

If you have maximum $ you could get one of these.

https://brewmagic.com/