Minibrew HLT - any feedback?

[Kbar]

Hey all. Anyone use the Minibrew equipment, more so, the HLT? I have a Stainless boil pot and conical and Cooler based Mash tun. I want to make the move to electrically heated strike and sparge water vs. propane. Do not want to use the 210K BTU burner for the mash needs. The Minibrew HLT system provides the standard 1/2" pipe ports for the valving and temp feedback, AND offers a 1" NPSM port for the addition of 1KW to 5.5KW heaters (110v-220v). can use a simple feedback (PID) loop to hit strike and sparge temps if one wants or the good old human feedback loop.

Just wondering if anyone has used this equipment and would like to get their thoughts. Thanks!

http://www.minibrew.com/

[BDawg]

One of my brewing buddies has a full Minibrew system, HLT, MT, and plastic Conical.
He has his MT and HLT rigged up so that they have automatic temp control for his Herms (electric heating elements, float switch during sparge, and thermowells that control both the heating elements as well as the March pump). It's really nice and he's putting out some really good beers with it.

All that said, it's pretty expensive for all that plastic. I think all SS would be similar in cost if not cheaper, and there would not be the same risk of scratching (esp in the conical).

my .02-

[AndrewD]

No Scratches Worries. One need not worry about tiny scratches in plastic or stainless. There are two answers to the problem and both are easy. The first is to do nothing. Sterilize with hot water. The second is to remove the scratch by cutting down the sides with a dull knife. Draw the blade toward you, scraping away the plastic. Grinding and buffing scratches in stainless steel is more complicated.

This seems a little odd.

[Kbar]

Yes. Found a lot of grammatical errors on their site. As for scratch removal, that is more of a concern for the conical fermentors. I went the route of stainless for my conical. FYI.

I Like the feedback above.

Bdawg, does your friend have any pics?

Thanks!