The Disappointing Truth SS Brewtech SVBS Single Vessel Brewing System Review
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- čas přidán 6. 03. 2023
- looking for an honest overview of the SS BrewTech SVBS. from someone who isn't afraid to speak the truth, Someone who is unafraid of being cut off by the manufacturer. Then you've stopped at the right video. I take a hard honest look at the system, all of its strengths and all of its weaknesses.
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A nice honest review as always Bradley, you did a great job here, really loved your lighting used too! I agree with your review. To me from watching the video this seems like a budget made system with a premium price. No wifi or even Bluetooth for this price point seems crazy.
Thank you very much David. That means a lot truly🍻 . I find myself wondering did they actually share what they were planning on doing with someone that isn't afraid to be honest. For the system to have made it all the way through r&d. Without having Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as well as some of the components I mentioned being substandard.
It honestly really really surprises me. That plus the fit and finish issues it seems like they were more concerned with profit..... It's apparent when a company actually cares about the industry 😮💨
Interesting take. If only we could take the best from all these systems and come up with our own system without the drawbacks all these systems have..
Wait. I’m an engineer! Perhaps it IS possible.
Thank you very much Larry, that would be awesome! 🍻🍻
Frankenbrew?
I'll take care of the EE portion, if you're a ME.
Thanks for the review! I purchased one of these vessels December 2022 as soon as it was available. It took me 9 months to start brewing on it because of the electrical requirements - I realized I had to add an extra breaker and outlet so took me a while and $$ to upgrade via electrician.
Cons:
-The plug is not standard for US homes. I had to convert it to a standard drier plug. Agree with length of cord, I'll likely get an extension cord in the future. Electrical requirements are very high.
-Cleaning isn't super easy. I wish it was capable of CIP but instead is difficult to ensure the valves / ports are cleaned out and had to tip and rinse with my hose several times. i didn't use a hop spider and was cleaning out hop particulate for about 20 mins.
-This is my first all in one system (previously 3 vessel system) and i didn't make the appropriate BIAB water adjustments so my efficiency was super low - though will know to add less strike water for future brews.
-The system is not passivated and this took me a couple hours to clean and passivate prior to my first brew day.
Pros:
-Really fast brew day.
-Less equipment to clean overall.
-Really small footprint, great for small spaces.
-Beautiful and intuitive design.
-I do really like the data shown on the controller however agree that exporting should be via BT or wifi
I'm overall happy with the purchase but I agree with your assessment. I do wish there was a community chat board about this to discuss more! Please share if you find one.
Would love to see you do an abbreviated brew day on the system in future videos!
Thanks so much for watching. I'm happy you're able to make it work for me. The system is a non-starter it's a better product in my opinion.
Can we just appreciate the delivery of those one liners.
Solid review Señor Portly! Can’t wait for a new brewhouse walkthrough 🍻🤘🍻
That's on the short list of stuff to do. Thank you very very much. I really appreciate your support 🍻🍻
Thanks for this. I've been waiting for a long time for this unit to come out. I appreciate the honest feedback. I think it's still at the top of my list for a single vessel system.
As long as you know it's limitations before you get into it and realize there's far better products out there for the same price or cheaper 🍻 I'm quite happy to help 🍻
Without question best review on the SS Brewtech SVBS Single Vessel Brewing System, I've seen yet! You took the gloves off and jumped into the deep end! I've been watching your channel off and on for a while now, but I absolutely LOVE your honesty and your approach to taking a seriously deep dive into this system. What concerns me now is how Brewtech said that this system had been redesigned over and over until they felt they had built the best all-in-one system. It does sound like they had some great innovation and made the system look really high-end, but they might have missed the little things that really would have allowed it to justify the price point they are asking. If I'm buying a high-quality whisky, I want it to be a high-quality whisky and not just have a pretty label that states it is high quality. Every system can use some improvement, and maybe the price point needs to be lowered considerably, and then a version 2.0 can be considered. It does look cool, but the overall functionality and support are what will keep it going.
Hey, thank you very much, I appreciate it truly. Idk about it being the best but like I said thank you. Hopefully they watched it. I definitely have more thoughts and ideas than a shared. I wonder if they're not too arrogant to actually reach out to people and see what they can fix. Only time will tell there are some major innovations that they hinted at that are simply not present in the way they described. Something I didn't go into in the video but would have gone way over the heads of pretty much everyone watching. Or maybe not? Lol 🍻
There was some awesome advice provided on this channel. Ill start checking the communities for single vessel brewing and other items thanks.
Thank you very much 🍻🍻🍻
Watching this was part of my pre-purchase research - thanks for this great honest review. David Heath is obviously another one of those few that offer honest, transparent rewiews - so you're in great company! ;D
The "no wifi/bt" is so absolutely baffling I hadn't even NOTICED on the official product site that it's missing; it just seemed like something so so absolutely of-course that hearing you say it immediately made me drop this thing off of my short list.
You have my 'like' and 'subscribe' for this video - looking forward to checking out some of your other stuff, mydude.
Thank you very much. My goal is to help people by pushing the hobby forward 🍻
If wireless connectivity is a deal-breaker, then yea this is not for you. However, I've brewed 5 batches on mine and definitely don't miss the wireless. I love this system.
Great video.. Well, I've never said I wish the liquid got up to temps slower. I do like the 4600watt element, but I have the 30 amp outlet at the ready.. It does cause issues for the Foundry 220v brewer wanting to "upgrade", because I see online a lot of those folks only installed a 20 amp outlet. But as you mention, they have done some of interesting things, and I think they are attempting trying to play in the high end, but the lack of bluetooth/wifi is puzzling... maybe they think they are competing with the Spike Solo/Clawhammer that doesn't have connectivity, but those are modular, expandable single vessel systems, not a closed AIO with limited extension options. I went thru the manual a little while ago it mentions you can export the brewing session data via a csv to a usb thumb drive... and I wanted to throw-up in my mouth. Thanks for taking the bullet to spend your money on this one.
It's my pleasure. I definitely agree. 30 amps is the way to go my new brewery currently is set up for 80 amps to the brew house.. upgradable to 100 😳
Thank you for doing a video on what is inside the can. After 2 brews on my new SVBS water leaked out of the bottom. The problem was all 3 knobs use pinch valves to turn off/on liquid. All 3 hoses were cut or cracked when I opened the manifold. Maybe I tightened them too much. Lesson learned.
Happy I can help. It's definitely an interesting design. Like I said, if they could actuate those valves with fewer turns, it would be better 🍻
Preach Brother! Very detailed and informative review.
Thank you for your support. It's truly appreciated 🍻
Awesome overview! I'm curious what your take is on a fully perforated basket vs one perforated at the bottom? Also, it looks like it would be a great sparge water heater (just maybe not at $1300 USD). Cheers!
I think that the mash time being fully perforated, is kind of misleading. As the perforations are extremely small, still presents a risk of a stuck mash. I also think it makes sparging maybe not the best option 🤔 sadly, there are better options for an HLT lol 🤣
This review made me happy I bought a brewzilla Gen 4 65L. 4 batches in and it seems to have more than enough power for 10 gallon batches.
I would agree 🍻🍻 and Thank you! I'm happy you enjoyed the video, it means a lot 💯
Agree with your review. Not in the market, but I do have a couple of their unitanks, which I have enjoyed. SS is really missing the mark on their controllers without Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. I looked at upgrading my two FTS controllers to the new touch screen units, and realized they have no Wi-Fi. They also don't offer just the controller to upgrade when you already have the pump and heating pad. I digress...you're right about the premium price without real premium features.
Thank you very much for watching. I've also got one or two of their unitanks. If you want a premium control solution RAPT is the way to go.
I would like that you use SI units too for your future reviews... Exellent work!
This video was just an overview Of the system. Thank you for your support! 🍻
An honest review should garner the most respect. I get that the horsepower on this one seems a little excessive, and it probably is. The horsepower isn't what drove the expense of this system. 4600 watts for 12 gallons seems like a normal Sunday driver for me at this point. I use a 5000W for 5 gallon, just reduce the percentage of power at the controller. Very thorough. The silicone seal around the ring seems like a certain consumable from what you showed us. Maybe even the hoses underneath that get pinched closed, no big deal as long as they aren't something unusual. Great content, thanks for taking us along. These all in one systems have become a segment of their own for sure.
Thank you 🍻
Great video, very informative.
Thank you very much. Happy you enjoyed it 🍻
After looking at many all-in-one brewers, I jumped on a Brewzilla Gen 4 35L 220V unit. Went with the 220V to get the extra heating element power. I found the quality and innovation great for the price point.
First time i visit. A great pleasure to watch🍺
Thank you 🍻
@@PortlyGentleman From a brewtuber to a other, good job🍺
Hey Bradley. Thanks for the vid. I see you have the RAPT fridge there in the background. Really interested in getting one. Haven't seen many reviews. Are you planning on doing a review? Or maybe just a quick yay or nay
Thanks again for all your video's
Mike
That is definitely what is in the background. That's going to be the next video. I do have some interesting conclusions 🍻😉
Awesome. I'll be looking forward to that one
Thanks
🍻🍻
Great great in-depth review brilliant cheers 👍🍻
Thank you very much. I really appreciate it 🍻
LOVE THE VIDEOS!!!
Thank you very much. I really appreciate it. It means quite a bit truly 🍻
I have the SVBS and love it. I've done 3 brews so far and love the power, no more waiting around. As soon as I reach a boil I simply draw back the power to around 80%. The controller is a breeze to use, not sure what all the fuss is about having Wifi? My favorite feature is the 3 valve set-up, it makes whirlpooling at the end of boil simple. The only drawback as you mention is not having the bottom drain for cleaning, but in my opinion it's still not that big of a deal. Cheers and brew on!
I'm happy you are enjoying it 🍻
LOL at the very careful handling of the glass at the end so that the full logo is present during the sip :D
To be completely honest, several times during the review my eyes wandered to the background and my brain kept taunting me with the RAPT fermentation chamber, and I'm doing my best to be patient but I'm dying to know what you think of that in comparison to a full glycol/heater setup for things like the MiniUni or other premium pressure fermenter vessels.
Lol yes very carefully 😅😅 I'm my Next video I'm going to cover that subject 🍻
Hi Bradley, I think I may have seen you at homebrew con in San Diego, but didn't realize it until later. Anyways I have been brewing for a while 10+ years on basic equipment and this system looked good to me. I liked the quality, sanitary valves, and recirculating and whirlpool contraptions. Also found the replaceable heating element and pump refreshing from some other systems. I also feel the voltage regulation on the heating element vs PWM on most others should help to dial in temperature despite the oversize but adjustable hearing element which is probably an underlooked positive. I feel this is much better for temperature regulation but also more expensive to produce.
Anyways, I am debating on this system vs the G40. I like the indirect heating on the G40, conical bottom, and programmability. Also it would be easier to brew high abv batches on the G40 vs the SVBS based on the much higher grain capacity of the G40 from my understanding. I do like to brew RIS, barley wines, and Belgian quads.
Which do you recommend?
Also I think the brew tools is by far the best for my experience level but I don't have the space for something permanently setup so i kind of eliminated it for now.
I spoke with John Palmer for a bit on this lightly and he suggested something else, but I think you may have more experience with these newer systems. Yep I'm looking for your opimion and I mentioned JP (who is definitely someone I look up to).
Cheers!
I was definitely there. That's for sure. You should have said hello That would have been cool.
I do not recommend SVBS ...... I personally believe there statements about there temperature control system to be false as I have taken the unit apart. There's nothing special under the hood. I don't know. Honestly a ton about the g40. It does seem like a competent system I originally borrowed on the original grandfather. Before they called it the 30 lol
My honest opinion is if you're up to the added complexity of Brewtools That's the route you should go if you have the budget. I feel like it's only $400 more. What you get is light years ahead of everyone else and it's been out for years.
@@PortlyGentleman yea I recognized you, but I couldn't remember where I recognized you from until I went to lookup info on all the systems back at the hotel that night. I was also drinking all day so that may have been a factor lol. I have been doing construction on the house and haven't brewed in over a year, but was going through your videos back then. As soon as I came across your channel at the hotel I was thinking oh man, that's where I know you from! I certainly would have said hello, but I didn't see you again after that. Anyways, keep up the great content and maybe I'll see you at another one, although the whole announcement about piggybacking GABF next year has me a bit worried.
Hi Bradley and thanks for a great video!
I haven´t seen any of the SVBS yet since they are not released in Europe yet, but from what I´ve seen so far is that it´s already an old product. SS brewtech´s touch controller sucks and I would never buy a controller cost more than 40$/30€ without connectivity. As you know, In Europe Brewzilla and Grainfather is by far the most sold system and they both have WiFi today. The Kegland RAPT system is awesome in this respect. If you want to go premium in Europe it´s Brewtools or Speidel Brewmeister depending on wether you like s "set and forget" system or 100% flexibility. Personally I used Brewmeister in the history, but I will move to Brewtools since I miss the flexibility options.
Btw I´m glad you are back in the game. I missed your vidoes and reviews.
Are you going to Review the Brewtools Miniuni? I would love to see that.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it
Man, honestly I really want to get my hands on a Brewmeister. I've got a 65 l Gen 4 video on that on the way. As well as the minuni
🍻🍻
@@PortlyGentleman Great! i´m looking forward to both videos. As I said. I´ts good to have you back!
Thanks!
Thank you, that means a lot
I'm brewing since more than 10 years on self-built setups. As I'm getting older I thought of simplifying my brewing and investigated all available malt-pipe systems like Grainfather, the SVBS, etc. Initially the SVBS was a strong contender, but in the end I settled with a B40pro... :-)
Nothing about a B40 is settling 🍻
@@PortlyGentleman Touché
My initial thought was this was incredibly overpriced. I completely agree with the center draining hole, especially with how heavy it is. I switched from the Anvil to the Brewzilla because I didn't like dumping it.
I've tried to reach out to SS Brewtech customer service, they're really hard to get a hold of.
Rest assured, I think you made the right decision going with a BrewZilla do you have a Gen 4?
@@PortlyGentleman I did! 65l. I do drool at your BrewTools...but I need to invest in cold side.
What is the glowing red box behind you?
I've also got a Gen 4 65 l. It's really good!
Directly behind me is a RAPT fermentation chamber. Video on that one is up next 🍻
Naturally I was happy to watch this. I find some of the oversights rather mystifying. I honestly think since they were acquired their attention to detail has wavered
Yes, I would agree. It seems like they are most focused on the margin....
Hope you're doing well my friend 🍻
A great review video I enjoyed it. Very informative. I love my anvil foundry. Thought about a brewzilla 17 gallon then decided 18 to 20 pounds of grain that is wet is heavy enough for me. If I want a larger batch I will use my kettles.(I'm not going to say I love you that's just weird) but great review! (I think anvil got it right.) 👍 who knows maybe brewtech will listen to your disappointments if there is one thing I hate it's a short cord. ( that's not a metaphor. ) well yeah it could be. Anyway right on.
The foundry definitely seems like a good little system. I have seen them in person, never used one. Maybe one day I'll get a chance to check one out. Thank you so much for your support. I appreciate it 🍻🍻
great video...wanted to buy this thing when it came out but came to the same conclusions from my research. seems like they made this for 20 gallons but wanted to sell to the people who would buy it smaller and when that segment of the market is gone id bet ya a dollar they make it with the same guts (maybe with a few improvements from feedback) and it will be 20 gallons that totally makes sense they its so overpowered... I mean am I wrong or could you not really even slam enough grain in there to do a single 5 gallon batch of a huge imp stout or tipa with this current size without utilizing additional equipment or having to split the recipe into 2 separate brews? Kind of seems with SS being so late to the all-in-one game they really dropped the ball on this... when I see a 20 gallon pot with a bottom drain (like the spike solo) then ill buy it...or maybe ill just get a solo now.
🍻🍻🍻
I pre-ordered my SVBS as soon as it was announced. The one thing I immediately wished for is a delay timer like my Foundry 10.5. As I use it the next wish on my list for SS BrewTech is a lid with a port on to which I could add a steam condenser and CIP ball.
These would all be good things. Maybe they'll get that USB figured out and they'll add it one day ....
Don't think brewtools need worry what do you think of brewtools miniuni tank looks nice 👍
I agree 100% you'll have to stay tuned 😉
Looks like they missed the mark - at least at that price point. Why the perforated malt basket? If you batch sparge, isn't a large portion of the sparge water just gonna exit out the sides? But at least they've also come out with the improved BrewBucket 2.0. For $50 more you get all the new additional features of: hold on, let me check - a different racking valve.....
Thank you very much. I agree it's kind of sad.
Yeah, that new valve appears to be their favorite new design. Pinching silicone. Sadly, I think that's another product that's also doomed. Clearly they are focused more on profit than actually moving the hobby forward..
Does it have a lifting point for a winch to raise the grain basket
There are handles on the green basket just. But not exactly a lifting point to use a strap or winch or something.
@@PortlyGentleman I just saw ads for this system today - I am a Brewtools user since 2020 and quite happy with my B40. Just wish I could afford their unitanks. Keep up the good work - love your videos
Thank you I definitely will. Have you seen the new mini ?
What is the USB port for?
The promise of future updates to the software........
Lack of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth controls has been my biggest issue with SS Brewtech. They are so far behind the curve on this and that is industry standard at this point imo. It should be a non starter for people looking to upgrade their brew system if the system doesn’t have those features. I have SS Brewtechs unitanks but use other options for the heating and cooling aspect than their branded options. SS Brewtech makes quality gear but that isn’t enough at this stage.
That's for sure. There's actually practical and functional aspects that I felt were out of the scope of this video. That are even more troubling than I did not go into at all.
Thank you for your support 🍻
@@PortlyGentleman some of my issues was the malt pipe on the ss brewtech too. I would like to see what someone’s sparge would look like with it. I would imagine a lot of the sparge water wouldn’t grab much residual sugars as other systems since it will just run out the sides with such a tall malt pipe.
Did you brew with the system?
It was painful.... 🍻
At this point I don't know how someone can go past the Brewzilla kegland have proven they're committed to innovation, the software updates since I've got the Gen4 have already been great and I know they're continuing to improve.
I agree with you. Some people still look at a brand name and just assume it's the best/ worth a premium price for less features.
Which updates were helpful? I got the gen4 35 since march and I didn't notice any difference during my brew day..
Yes
Nice video.
Thank you
I have a couple of SS Brewtech items. Generally I find SS Brewtech stuff to be overpriced for what you get. The Brew Buckets are close to the price of a Spike Flex and are not even close in terms of quality and flexibility. At $1300 with this brewing system, you are getting close to a basic Brewtools B40, which is the Gold Standard, IMHO. And Brewtools' technical support surpasses any company out there. I buy SSBT and Blichmann only for their unique stuff I can't get elsewhere.
💯thank you 🍻
At some point, Grainfather was also going down the hill with some very strange products but they woke up and the G40 has fantastic reviews. It looks like SS Brewtech needs to wake up as well.
😂😢 pinching hose valves and updating via USB?🤣 this is crazy
Yes I agree 100%. Thank you very very much!
🍻🍻
🦶🦶🦶 are for making wine.🤫 Indeed, a nice review.
Lol 😂 thank you 🍻🍻
Who doesn't like feet 🤣 do happy you're up n brewing and a happy day to you and your loved ones ❤️
Lol yes Thank you very very much 🍻🍻
Yeah, my first reaction to their announcement of this system was also "what the hell are these guys doing?!". When i saw the price i really thought this thing is dead on arrival. There's no way anyone is gonna purchase this system unless you are absolutely oblivious to the alternatives.
Preach my friend to preach 👐
Thank you for your support 🍻
I cannot believe for this price the valves just pinch silicone tubing.
Believe it 😉
I believe the idea is that pinching some tubing is easier and more sanitary than some sort of ball valve that would need a way to be removed and disassembled to clean.
I agree. It is an interesting idea. It just could have been executed better. So many turns open to close 🤣
Ive seen other guys review this along with your review.
Just to much ,not enough ,on this system .
My Anvil does the same for half the price. Sorry this is not for me.
Lol You're definitely not alone 😉
Great outtakes 😂
Thank you 😊🍻🍻
Wait, did you just say you were going to use a magnet to see if it was stainless or aluminum? Lol they claim 304ss material so the whole thing should be non ferrous whether it’s 304 or aluminum
To make sure it wasn't aluminum, it's definitely not stainless 304 stainless steel 🍻
So, everyone else who is talking about this system is being dishonest?? Do tell.
🍻
I think you just saved me a bad purchase
I would check out the Gen 4 brewzilla
In my opinion they are late to the game. Same as Traeger is to the flat top griddle game.
Absolutely! And they're doubling down on their position it seems. 🥺
Big boy likes feet
🫦😂🤣🍻🍻
Sponsored by "the boys in Norway"? My impression and what I think. Disprove me. 😂 Obviously, you'll want to delete this comment. So I just took a screenshot, before you did. 😊
Not at all 🍻
Can you substantiate your accusation?
@@madchem184 Can you disprove it?
I know how Norwegians do business; like compulsively-greedy vikings selling heroin to children at any social cost. And it's not like losers with CZcams sales channels express any morality either. They profiteer from promoting home-brewed liver disease. Do the maths. LOL!
Your original comment still exists ..... 🤯🤯
Nice to have you back bradly... Although I didn't see much, cuzz everything was dark. Your vid Needs 90 % more daylight 🥃
But My 2023 Grainfather GF40 does came with a cheap ass biodegradable dust cover included . 🥢
Thank you 💯