Very nice informative video as always. Make sure that the buttons are facing up on the false bottom. If the basket has a removable false bottom then the small batch adapter doesn't work because of the detents to keep the false bottom in place but the redesigned basket does work great with 2.5 to 3 gallon batches as well as 5 gallon batches. The power switch is more robust than the older version. That came out when the 18 gallon model made it's debut and has trickled into the other models. If you order a replacement power switch then it is that one. The swirly is an absolute game changer. I have the 15 and the 21 inch. With the 15 inch one I create a whirlpool more at the top of my kettle so that I don't have to stir in sugar when I make my version of @dointhemost (not sure if that will tag him) skeeter pee recipe. I use the 21 inch when I brew beer. It allows the counterflow of the wort to the water in the chiller to cool faster and then whirlpool to get the nice hop cone in the center of the kettle. That is the one accessory that my fiancé won't allow me to brew without if she helps. If you have the 6.5 then you would get the 15 and you would get the 21 inch for the 10.5 and the 18. I know it was a long comment but like CH says you can learn a lot from the comment sections.
I replied yesterday, but when I hit reply, it vanished. Pointing out the face-up side of the false bottom is a great point. I thought the small batch adapter might have issues with the roughness of the false bottom and those tabs. I fully agree with agitation to help cool the hot wort down faster. I fully agree about learning from the comment section, as every video is like a micro-Reddit from time to time.
Mine arrives tomorrow, I can’t wait! It’ll be nice to have temp control and be able to step mash without fussing with adding hot water. Thanks for the video as usual!
It is really funny, when I first got into all in one systems with electric brewing, fellow home brewers told me I was cheating, not using propane. Now most of them own all in one electric brewing systems. Love my Anvils.
@@BitterRealityBrewing admittedly I have been a bit of a traditionalist but man I’m getting to the point where I don’t want my brew days to be such a PITA. Call me a cheater but I’m ready to just set it and forget it 😂 cheers!
If I ever get my ADHD under control, I could get up and just start brewing but sadly I can get focused when I first wake up and it takes me time before I finally get brewing.
Does Anvil do trade-ins?😂 I'd like the new one. Mine is solid as a rock. When it dies, it'll be another Anvil. I'm more than 70 brews on mine. Love it. Good job, Mike 👏
70 Brews! Awesome! I still like my older ones too. My first brew on this one was really low on the efficiencies, but I'll get that under control. (Part was me forgetting to adjust the pH as I knew it was going to be off but forgot to add the Lactic Acid during the early part of the mash.) Not 100% sure about the rest as it was pretty far off compared to where I expected it.
I use the bag in the make pipe for easier wort draining after mash, can leave it hanging while starting to ramp up temp for boil. Also, for me it works better to keep the grain out of the boil. Also, creates more fluid flow restriction at bottom for increased efficiency. Using the version 2 model. Love your videos! You helped me to return my Grainfather and get an Anvil which I am thankful for, saved money and no scorching.
Awesome! Thank you for the kind words. I was told that Grainfather supposedly switched to low density burners late last year, but haven't seen anything in writing. My Grainfathers were nice but I love my Anvil's as they just perform without headaches or frustration.
Yes, for now. I have personally given feedback on bringing the ring back but with a locking lip like many other systems have, as I feel it isn't a patented feature since so many other systems have it.
Good video, I use the brew bag in the malt pipe and I get close to 80% mash effencey without thr small batch ring in the old malt pipe. I was getting mid 60s without the bag.
Awesome and thanks for the feedback. What is your crush like? Anything special that you do to insure everything goes smooth beyond the obvious processes?
I have had one of these for for over a year.... still haven't used it. I had a 220 outlet installed, got a GFI chord and a good quality 220 extension... I really need to try it out.
I can't remember if I've ever brewed on my Anvil at 120. Even when I was in an apartment for a while, I made an adapter to use the dryer plug to stay on 220/240.
Great review. I'm a retired Marine looking to start home brewing as the prices of good stouts are becoming cost prohibitive. I'm torn between this system and the clawhammer. They both appear to be solid systems but in the end, cost of ownership will drive my decision. Semper Fi, Ken
Cheers and salute, as I'm ex-Army. I love the Anvil Foundry for a lot of reasons but bang for the buck it is impossible to beat in my opinion. When comparing the Clawhammer, you really want to look at the Blichmann BrewEasy Compact and the Spike Solo as those three systems are very comparable, and each has a few pros and cons. I almost bought a Clawhammer back when they first came out and was selling off my Grain Fathers, but chose the Anvil Foundry, and at this point, I now own 3 of them. (2 purchased and 1 sent for free after the first 2 I bought.) I've never personally used a clawhammer system and have been working with a local brewer to bring one over to my brew space for a brew day to get some hands on with it. I think the biggest draw back which I'm not sure if it is the same on the clawhammer, is that the BrewEasy Compact and the Spike Solo is they really can't go beyond the 5 gallon batches easily and common grain limitations. The new thing with the BrewEasy Classic is their new Boilermaker Surface which is a game changer as the elements are under the surface making cleaning crazy fast and easy. If you've never had to scrub heating elements it is hard to understand, but cleaning those heating elements can be a major PITA (Pain in the @). The Anvil Foundry on the other hand can do 6 gallon batches. With all the cool toys I've purchased and been given, the Anvil is still my favorite and easiest system to use with minimal cleaning. Hopefully I can get the local guy with a clawhammer to come brew with me in the near future.
@@BitterRealityBrewing Outstanding and thank you Sir! I will definitely research your suggestions and take another look at the Anvil Foundry - the 120/240 integration and ease of cleaning is compelling. Thanks and Semper Fi
Man, I like the updates and it looks good and great video as always. But, I have had nothing but terrible experience with Blichman/Anvil. My cornical fermenter snapped a leg weld, and no longer holds pressure even after replacing all the gaskets making me have to go to a plastic fermenter until I can afford to replace it, and my 10.5 brew system screen just randomly won't come on, and the pump really struggles half the time and this is after only less than 2 years. I wanted to support them so bad as they were seen as best bang for buck... but, I just don't think I can anymore. Anyway, just my experience.
That is crazy. I wonder if you have the same type of delivery drivers like I do that seem to go out of their way to destroy things. I'm guessing all of this happened out of warranty? If your original Anvil 10.5 system had this screen, you would have been able to just pop it out and swap it. I had a lot of really bad issues like you have with the Anvil but my nightmares were with 2 GrainFather systems before that company was sold and right after (the first one had so many problems during the first year, they shipped me a complete replacement). A lot has changed since then but I've been very happy with my Anvil products (knock on wood).
@@BitterRealityBrewingYep, I wish the screen was like the new one you showed and I am happy to see the changes for the better, honestly. But, given my issues I don't know if I can trust to give them another go. I am not here to bash on them. Hopefully they have improved and others moving forward will have much better experience than I have.
Thank you, I recently got to travel to the actual company and it was amazing to see how much testing and quality control is behind the scenes. Keep in mind you could do what I did in my last apartment, where I thought I'd have to stay on 120v (as it can do that or 240v), but I eventually ran an extension from my drier and that became my 240v source.
It is the best bang for the buck if you decide to ramp up your brewing. I actually only brew about once a month, but I usually do several batches at a time.
@@BitterRealityBrewing I would probably only brew once ever other month and would only be one batch a month. My wife doesn't like beer and I don't think I could finish a full 5 gal keg by myself. But I would love to try a kettle sour and be able to brew during the winter time up north
You can but you need something to direct the flow which is where a swirly would come into play. You can also use a brew paddle (manual), or a drill with a SS grout stirrer or like.
Been considering the Grainfather G30 but warming up this the New Anvil Foundry. I'm texting as I watch this. How well does it hold mash temp?? Can you step mash???
Sorry, for the late response. (Work has been crazy). Looks like you already made your choice. I think you will be extremely happy. Yes on the step mashes, manually as it only takes a few seconds to change temp. (240v ramps up crazy fast.) And it holds temp really well as it is double walled and doesn't need a neoprene jacket. There is an offset on the temp probe, so what you see is not the actual temp probe, but an offset for what the lower middle of the mash temp is. It has been really accurate for me and repeatable when brewing the same recipe.
I purchased my foundry last month and my malt pipe has no perforated holes at the bottom. It’s solid all the way with a removable false bottom. Is that a manufacture oversight? Sometimes I use a BIB inside of the malt pipe just in case of a stuck sparge.
No, the perforated holes were very recently added back after being removed for a while. I feel that as long as you take care of your mash to avoid stuck mashes, having no perforated holes will most likely help with your efficiencies. I personally prefer no side holes but that is a personal preferrence.
I think the cable is a great addition as there seems to be too many people that always seem to be confused on how to get their new Anvil Foundry Systems connected to 240. This might also help reduce some people getting nailed by bad DIY jobs on the wiring.
Very nice informative video as always. Make sure that the buttons are facing up on the false bottom. If the basket has a removable false bottom then the small batch adapter doesn't work because of the detents to keep the false bottom in place but the redesigned basket does work great with 2.5 to 3 gallon batches as well as 5 gallon batches. The power switch is more robust than the older version. That came out when the 18 gallon model made it's debut and has trickled into the other models. If you order a replacement power switch then it is that one. The swirly is an absolute game changer. I have the 15 and the 21 inch. With the 15 inch one I create a whirlpool more at the top of my kettle so that I don't have to stir in sugar when I make my version of @dointhemost (not sure if that will tag him) skeeter pee recipe. I use the 21 inch when I brew beer. It allows the counterflow of the wort to the water in the chiller to cool faster and then whirlpool to get the nice hop cone in the center of the kettle. That is the one accessory that my fiancé won't allow me to brew without if she helps. If you have the 6.5 then you would get the 15 and you would get the 21 inch for the 10.5 and the 18. I know it was a long comment but like CH says you can learn a lot from the comment sections.
Great points, Jared!
I replied yesterday, but when I hit reply, it vanished. Pointing out the face-up side of the false bottom is a great point. I thought the small batch adapter might have issues with the roughness of the false bottom and those tabs. I fully agree with agitation to help cool the hot wort down faster. I fully agree about learning from the comment section, as every video is like a micro-Reddit from time to time.
Would absolutely love to see you make a brandy on this!
Me too but I wouldn't be allowed to publish it on YT due to Florida laws. Personally I'd love to do a Chocolate Rye Bourbon.
Mine arrives tomorrow, I can’t wait! It’ll be nice to have temp control and be able to step mash without fussing with adding hot water. Thanks for the video as usual!
It is really funny, when I first got into all in one systems with electric brewing, fellow home brewers told me I was cheating, not using propane. Now most of them own all in one electric brewing systems. Love my Anvils.
@@BitterRealityBrewing admittedly I have been a bit of a traditionalist but man I’m getting to the point where I don’t want my brew days to be such a PITA. Call me a cheater but I’m ready to just set it and forget it 😂 cheers!
I use the timer on every brew. Mill my grain and fill up the night before. Ready to go right away, as shorten brew day by ~hour.
If I ever get my ADHD under control, I could get up and just start brewing but sadly I can get focused when I first wake up and it takes me time before I finally get brewing.
I love the timer too, it is so nice just to wake up, have coffee and start mashing.
Does Anvil do trade-ins?😂
I'd like the new one. Mine is solid as a rock. When it dies, it'll be another Anvil. I'm more than 70 brews on mine. Love it.
Good job, Mike 👏
70 Brews! Awesome! I still like my older ones too. My first brew on this one was really low on the efficiencies, but I'll get that under control. (Part was me forgetting to adjust the pH as I knew it was going to be off but forgot to add the Lactic Acid during the early part of the mash.) Not 100% sure about the rest as it was pretty far off compared to where I expected it.
@@BitterRealityBrewing Hmmmm, interesting Mike. Keep us updated.
I use the bag in the make pipe for easier wort draining after mash, can leave it hanging while starting to ramp up temp for boil. Also, for me it works better to keep the grain out of the boil. Also, creates more fluid flow restriction at bottom for increased efficiency. Using the version 2 model.
Love your videos! You helped me to return my Grainfather and get an Anvil which I am thankful for, saved money and no scorching.
Awesome! Thank you for the kind words. I was told that Grainfather supposedly switched to low density burners late last year, but haven't seen anything in writing. My Grainfathers were nice but I love my Anvil's as they just perform without headaches or frustration.
Great overview! Good stuff as always🤘🏻
Thank you, and thanks for the support. Sorry, this one ran long but I really do enjoy the system and felt I got a little carried away.
doooooooon't apologize! we appreciate the info!@@BitterRealityBrewing
Love the channel. Excellent video as always.
Thank you very much for the kind words and the great support!
Thanks for the video, I guess they're going to be keeping the hanging basket hooks, not a fan of them.
Yes, for now. I have personally given feedback on bringing the ring back but with a locking lip like many other systems have, as I feel it isn't a patented feature since so many other systems have it.
Thank you for the feedback, as we did share it with our engineering team.
Good video, I use the brew bag in the malt pipe and I get close to 80% mash effencey without thr small batch ring in the old malt pipe. I was getting mid 60s without the bag.
Awesome and thanks for the feedback. What is your crush like? Anything special that you do to insure everything goes smooth beyond the obvious processes?
Awesome show thanks might have to get the new basket for my old one
Not sure if can buy it separately yet, but hopefully they will offer it on its own down the road.
I have had one of these for for over a year.... still haven't used it. I had a 220 outlet installed, got a GFI chord and a good quality 220 extension... I really need to try it out.
I can't remember if I've ever brewed on my Anvil at 120. Even when I was in an apartment for a while, I made an adapter to use the dryer plug to stay on 220/240.
Bonkers! Get brewing!
My rocker switch burned-out on the gen 1 and Anvil sent me a new one. Gotta love the customer service
I had always heard great things, but after experiencing it first hand, they could easily put Dell or Microsoft to shame with their amazing support.
We sure try! Thanks for the feedback, Jerry! Cheers to you!
Great review. I'm a retired Marine looking to start home brewing as the prices of good stouts are becoming cost prohibitive. I'm torn between this system and the clawhammer. They both appear to be solid systems but in the end, cost of ownership will drive my decision. Semper Fi, Ken
Cheers and salute, as I'm ex-Army. I love the Anvil Foundry for a lot of reasons but bang for the buck it is impossible to beat in my opinion. When comparing the Clawhammer, you really want to look at the Blichmann BrewEasy Compact and the Spike Solo as those three systems are very comparable, and each has a few pros and cons. I almost bought a Clawhammer back when they first came out and was selling off my Grain Fathers, but chose the Anvil Foundry, and at this point, I now own 3 of them. (2 purchased and 1 sent for free after the first 2 I bought.) I've never personally used a clawhammer system and have been working with a local brewer to bring one over to my brew space for a brew day to get some hands on with it. I think the biggest draw back which I'm not sure if it is the same on the clawhammer, is that the BrewEasy Compact and the Spike Solo is they really can't go beyond the 5 gallon batches easily and common grain limitations. The new thing with the BrewEasy Classic is their new Boilermaker Surface which is a game changer as the elements are under the surface making cleaning crazy fast and easy. If you've never had to scrub heating elements it is hard to understand, but cleaning those heating elements can be a major PITA (Pain in the @). The Anvil Foundry on the other hand can do 6 gallon batches. With all the cool toys I've purchased and been given, the Anvil is still my favorite and easiest system to use with minimal cleaning.
Hopefully I can get the local guy with a clawhammer to come brew with me in the near future.
@@BitterRealityBrewing Outstanding and thank you Sir! I will definitely research your suggestions and take another look at the Anvil Foundry - the 120/240 integration and ease of cleaning is compelling. Thanks and Semper Fi
Man, I like the updates and it looks good and great video as always. But, I have had nothing but terrible experience with Blichman/Anvil. My cornical fermenter snapped a leg weld, and no longer holds pressure even after replacing all the gaskets making me have to go to a plastic fermenter until I can afford to replace it, and my 10.5 brew system screen just randomly won't come on, and the pump really struggles half the time and this is after only less than 2 years. I wanted to support them so bad as they were seen as best bang for buck... but, I just don't think I can anymore. Anyway, just my experience.
That is crazy. I wonder if you have the same type of delivery drivers like I do that seem to go out of their way to destroy things. I'm guessing all of this happened out of warranty? If your original Anvil 10.5 system had this screen, you would have been able to just pop it out and swap it. I had a lot of really bad issues like you have with the Anvil but my nightmares were with 2 GrainFather systems before that company was sold and right after (the first one had so many problems during the first year, they shipped me a complete replacement). A lot has changed since then but I've been very happy with my Anvil products (knock on wood).
@@BitterRealityBrewingYep, I wish the screen was like the new one you showed and I am happy to see the changes for the better, honestly. But, given my issues I don't know if I can trust to give them another go.
I am not here to bash on them. Hopefully they have improved and others moving forward will have much better experience than I have.
Nice review. I would have to make electrical mods to get the 240v. Cheers 😀 👍 🍻
Thank you, I recently got to travel to the actual company and it was amazing to see how much testing and quality control is behind the scenes. Keep in mind you could do what I did in my last apartment, where I thought I'd have to stay on 120v (as it can do that or 240v), but I eventually ran an extension from my drier and that became my 240v source.
Really make me want to get a electric system but I didn't think I would brew enough to warrant the purchase but I definitely want one
It is the best bang for the buck if you decide to ramp up your brewing. I actually only brew about once a month, but I usually do several batches at a time.
@@BitterRealityBrewing I would probably only brew once ever other month and would only be one batch a month. My wife doesn't like beer and I don't think I could finish a full 5 gal keg by myself. But I would love to try a kettle sour and be able to brew during the winter time up north
Could you just use the recirculation pump to do a whirlpool?
You can but you need something to direct the flow which is where a swirly would come into play. You can also use a brew paddle (manual), or a drill with a SS grout stirrer or like.
Been considering the Grainfather G30 but warming up this the New Anvil Foundry. I'm texting as I watch this. How well does it hold mash temp?? Can you step mash???
Sorry, for the late response. (Work has been crazy). Looks like you already made your choice. I think you will be extremely happy. Yes on the step mashes, manually as it only takes a few seconds to change temp. (240v ramps up crazy fast.) And it holds temp really well as it is double walled and doesn't need a neoprene jacket. There is an offset on the temp probe, so what you see is not the actual temp probe, but an offset for what the lower middle of the mash temp is. It has been really accurate for me and repeatable when brewing the same recipe.
I purchased my foundry last month and my malt pipe has no perforated holes at the bottom. It’s solid all the way with a removable false bottom. Is that a manufacture oversight? Sometimes I use a BIB inside of the malt pipe just in case of a stuck sparge.
No, the perforated holes were very recently added back after being removed for a while. I feel that as long as you take care of your mash to avoid stuck mashes, having no perforated holes will most likely help with your efficiencies. I personally prefer no side holes but that is a personal preferrence.
This is a great video. Other than the new rocker switch, I do not see anything much different than the Anvil Foundry I bought at the end of 2022.
I think the cable is a great addition as there seems to be too many people that always seem to be confused on how to get their new Anvil Foundry Systems connected to 240. This might also help reduce some people getting nailed by bad DIY jobs on the wiring.
You lost me at : Brewing can be dangerous