So I have a dilemma. I've decided to make the jump from single infusion cooler mashing to step mashing with an automated direct-fire MLT with recirculation. I've been looking at brewtroller and BCS... and then there is Blingmann waving its shiny little hands at me.
The thing that I've come to realize about the DIY route is that there will be significantly more work involved sourcing parts for the gas solenoid and coming up with a pilot or electronic ignition system. I have some mild DIY skills, however this is time I'd rather spend brewing if it's the matter of 100-200 dollars extra for out of the box functionality.
Here's my list of pros/cons of DIY vs Tower of Power
ToP:
Pros:
-Minimal learning curve
-Pretty
-Blichmann quality/R&D
-Expandability (with regards to the tower stand/top tier)
-Included PC control
Cons:
-Minimal expandibility with regards to automation (Not a huge downside to me. I still want to be involved in the process... just don't want to babysit a MLT)
-$$$$
-Haters
DIY:
Pros:
-Much more expandable with regards to automation process
-Much more options for inputs (temp probes all up in that *****)
-Less $$?? (Not really sure, haven't priced out all of the relays and parts aside from the actual controller)
Cons:
-I have to figure out a safe way to light the damn thing
-I have to put it together
-I have to spend a bunch of time fine tuning the heating process
-I have no idea if it is as accurate/precise as the ToP
Am I forgetting anything? Does anyone that has experience with DIY AND ToP have some words of wisdom?
Thanks!
The thing that I've come to realize about the DIY route is that there will be significantly more work involved sourcing parts for the gas solenoid and coming up with a pilot or electronic ignition system. I have some mild DIY skills, however this is time I'd rather spend brewing if it's the matter of 100-200 dollars extra for out of the box functionality.
Here's my list of pros/cons of DIY vs Tower of Power
ToP:
Pros:
-Minimal learning curve
-Pretty
-Blichmann quality/R&D
-Expandability (with regards to the tower stand/top tier)
-Included PC control
Cons:
-Minimal expandibility with regards to automation (Not a huge downside to me. I still want to be involved in the process... just don't want to babysit a MLT)
-$$$$
-Haters
DIY:
Pros:
-Much more expandable with regards to automation process
-Much more options for inputs (temp probes all up in that *****)
-Less $$?? (Not really sure, haven't priced out all of the relays and parts aside from the actual controller)
Cons:
-I have to figure out a safe way to light the damn thing
-I have to put it together
-I have to spend a bunch of time fine tuning the heating process
-I have no idea if it is as accurate/precise as the ToP
Am I forgetting anything? Does anyone that has experience with DIY AND ToP have some words of wisdom?
Thanks!