Looking to pull the trigger on electric AIO system

I am putting together my new setup and wanted to simplify as well. I wanted to buy one system I could stick with for the long haul and didn't like the proprietary nature and lack of modularity with generically available parts of many of the AIO systems out there. I also wanted to move to a 240V system to reduce temperature ramp up times.

I don't have experience with the ones you listed but it seems like the Clawhammer is likely to closest to what I am describing. I went with another system but have not gone through a full brew day with it yet.

 

I would recommend checking out some videos from David Hearh and Short Circuit Brewing. Both channels have extensive reviews and comparisons of most of the AIOs. It really comes down to your budget, preferences, voltage, etc.

Welcome back!

 

I have had the Anvil for about 2 years now. I'm still running it on 120V, which I guess is slow, but the delay timer is a plus, and my average brew day is about 5 hours start to finish. I actually get better efficiency (albeit 65% to 72%) then I did with a cooler and pot outside. The 120V also does not throw off a lot of steam, so brewing in the basement isn't that big of a deal. I always have a dehumidifier running anyway and also a whole house exhaust fan system too which helps.

I love the simplicity of it. I'll plan on going over to 240V when we have our electrical panel upgraded. I decided to go with the bag in the malt pipe option, so I can grind my grain finer and its much easier to clean. I also went with my existing chugger pump in stead of the Anvil one. That pump recently died, so I got the Pumpzilla from Great Fermentations.

I like the clawhammer system from what I have seen, except for those brackets you have to put in while trying to hoist the grain basket. hurts my back every time I see it on video.

 

I own the 10 gal Anvil and liked it better than a cooler due to ability to control temps. I got it setup for 240vac which is a nice feature that I can change with flipping a switch (make a cord that can convert your 120v plug to 240v and don’t alter the original cord). I do not like the fact that there is so much liquid that sits outside the mash pipe. So I ended up ditching the mash pipe and used a biab bag with a SS shelf underneath so the bag didn’t touch the heat coil. Results using this eBiab system was a bit messy and made decent beer. If I had the option I would have gone with the 18gal version because the 10g version is limiting at 16 lbs of grain max. So it depends on how big of batches you make but >8% abv 5gal batch might be around the limit of pure all grain mashing (results may vary of course if your efficiency is better than mine). I use it as my boil kettle and strike water heater now which it is great for that. BUT, I’ve had it for 2 years and when I start it up sometimes the system doesn’t actually turn main power on. I haven’t gone that deep into troubleshooting because if I turn power off then on or unplug and replug it in, it turns on. Someday I feel it will not start up though.

If I was looking at AIO again (I converted my system over to a 3 vessel HERMs and love it), I would be looking at the Spike Solo. Their stuff I own has all been incredible quality and pretty modular.

 

I wound up ordering the customized setup from Brewhardware with the Auber Cube as the controller and added the Steam Slayer. Bobby is very responsive and willing to discuss everything and customize parts of the build further if you want to, which I wound up doing a few small things. https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/biabpackagepremium.htm

Edit: I went with a 20 gallon kettle and already had a riptide pump but if I were either going for a smaller system or didn't have a pump yet I would have strongly considered the Topsflo pump option. I saw his setup in action and was very impressed with how quiet it was and seemingly strong for such a small, kettle mounted, pump.

 

Congrats on the purchase, Merlyn. It's an exciting upgrade. I went for the 10 gallon 120V Digiboil. It's comes in 220V, and bigger sizes. But staying "humble" for the time being. Now that I've got it set up with a mash recirculator pump, mid-mash lautering method, pickup tube, imitation false bottom, and layers of external insulation, this thing is a total beast! It's really good at what it does, which is heat and keep liquids to a certain temperature.

 

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner! I use Vikeman's BrewCipher so probably wouldn't have been much help with your question anyway. I didn't get around to brewing on it until yesterday but really loved how much my brew day was simplified. How have you been liking it so far?