Blichmann Pro Pilot vs Spike System

[StroudCreek]

Looking to up grade my current system to either the Electric Blichmann Pro Pilot RIMS or the Spike System. I like them both, but I’m leaning towards the Blichmann System. What are your thoughts? Has anyone on here used both? This is a picture of my current system.

 

[BarleyPopBrewer]

I'd go with Spike hands down for a couple reasons.

1) Welded fittings. They offer both NPT and tri-clamp. Welded fittings are 10x better than weld-less fittings. That would be enough for me right there.

2) Spike control panel/electrical requirement. The Spike panel is a more industrial design. It has all the controls in one place and only requires a single 240v feed. The Blichmann requires at least (2) 240v feeds plus a couple 110v feeds for pumps. Running 240v line is not cheap and adds a lot of hidden cost to the Blichmann rig.

 

[StroudCreek]

I'd go with Spike hands down for a couple reasons.

1) Welded fittings. They offer both NPT and tri-clamp. Welded fittings are 10x better than weld-less fittings. That would be enough for me right there.

2) Spike control panel/electrical requirement. The Spike panel is a more industrial design. It has all the controls in one place and only requires a single 240v feed. The Blichmann requires at least (2) 240v feeds plus a couple 110v feeds for pumps. Running 240v line is not cheap and adds a lot of hidden cost to the Blichmann rig.

I Can run the power myself, the Blichmann system is American made using American made steel, the Blichmann table is much better, also I prefer a RIMS system over a HERMS by a mile, the Blichmann system is less expensive, you can’t heat but one kettle at the time with the spike, unless you pay another $300 to upgrade the panel, which will require a 50 amp service. The only thing I like better about the Spike system is the welded fittings.

 

[BarleyPopBrewer]

What size system are you looking at? Blichmann's US made kettles are only 5, 10 and 15 gallon if I remember correctly. Spike welds the fittings on in Milwaukee and a lot of their accessories are US made too. I know they are advertising their new Nano as 85% US made whereas the larger Blichmann stuff is all China made.

I've always liked a HERMS better due to scorching issues. It's $300 for the upgraded panel or running (2) 30a runs. I'm sure the material alone would come to a wash there plus add whatever you value your time at. Sounds like you have your mind made up though! I have some equipment from the big 3 companies and Spike's quality is far and away better.

 

[kh54s10]

I Can run the power myself, the Blichmann system is American made using American made steel, the Blichmann table is much better, also I prefer a RIMS system over a HERMS by a mile, the Blichmann system is less expensive, you can’t heat but one kettle at the time with the spike, unless you pay another $300 to upgrade the panel, which will require a 50 amp service. The only thing I like better about the Spike system is the welded fittings.

It seems you have already made up your mind for the Blichmann. I am also looking at upgrading to electric. Have to go look at the Blichmann now.

 

[StroudCreek]

It seems you have already made up your mind for the Blichmann. I am also looking at upgrading to electric. Have to go look at the Blichmann now.

Honestly, I wish I could put the 2 together, their a lot of thing I like about both.

 

[marjen]

you could go that route. Buy the parts you like from each of the companies and build your own.

 

[Drumminguy81]

Honestly, I wish I could put the 2 together, their a lot of thing I like about both.

Why cant you? Order custom kettles from spike, buy or build a control panel setup for rims, find a table that meets your needs.. it will be custom to your desire and cheaper. Little more work but that's half the fun.