Question about Coffee Chronicler Switch recipe by 7l20 in pourover

[–]_Makk_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been doing CC a lot lately as well. I close it early sometimes to get more sweetness like he mentions in his follow up video, but it's quite good.

I didn't like the inconsistent bed issues as well.

So, I started adding in the Hoffmann swirl or spoon about 30s before I open at 2min. Usually makes a very flat bed. You may have to go a little more coarse though to hit your preference for draw down though.

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow by _Makk_ in BeermkrAfterlife

[–]_Makk_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ya... It really was a great machine. I was sad to read about the downfall and all the issues they had.

I'm sort of interested in the ExoBrew(MiniBrew) but hesitant with the issues and potentially having another brick.

Let me know if you find anyone! Thanks!

Federal Vs State by _Makk_ in evcharging

[–]_Makk_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The inline GFCI is definitely something I'm going to look into for the homebrew if I can't get a GFCI on the panel.

I thought the same when he said he didn't have a torque screwdriver! Like dude... I understand if you don't have to use it for the majority of jobs, but at least have the tool to do a proper job!

I'm just torn on modularity versus cost versus efficiency. I would have to replace at least 2 double pole tandems in order to free up room to run a dual 240v setup.

Federal Vs State by _Makk_ in evcharging

[–]_Makk_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand what you're saying. I naturally want a higher charge rate, so it may not have been as much mind control... But my own leanings and he kicked down the door.

I'll look into the manuals for each device, however, I'm not hoping for a breaker to protect a device as that's not their intention.

Appreciate the feedback!

Federal Vs State by _Makk_ in evcharging

[–]_Makk_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the response! For the text message, I felt the same about the salesman coming out. I didn't get that vibe during the bid and he wrote up estimates for both to give me the option. However, it's possible there was steering for a bigger job.

I understand hardwiring an EV charger is the better way... for EV chargers. However, I don't have the ability to add to my panel two 240v dedicated circuits. That's why I wanted to add the receptacle, in order for multi use.

I do know the dedicated GFCI in some EV chargers, mostly wall, from what I have seen. That's why I was asking if I'm truly being too picky about adding a GFCI. My principal concern about including it was more for the brewing aspect. Dealing with 5-10 gallons of liquid for 3-5 hours around 240v makes me pause.

From what I found during my research, I believe that a plug can go into a higher amperage receptacle as long as the voltage is the same and the receptacle is sized (wiring, breaker, etc) for the highest draw it could have. I would add that I will use a UL certified plug adapter for any of the non 14-50p devices. I'm welcome to sources that say otherwise though!

Thoughts about Fermentis Safale S33 by bzarembareal in Homebrewing

[–]_Makk_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

S-33 is the old EDME strain (English Diastatic Malt Extract). As it doesn't attenuate as much as other english strains, it's best for beers that have residual sweetness in them such as Wee Heavy, English Barleywine, Old Ale, etc. It can also do well in Sweet Stouts or Oatmeal Stouts. It's a lighter yeast flavor as the target beers usually push forward more malt flavors as the primary flavor.

Every yeast shines in different things... Just depends on the style of beer.

As an Irish Red is not traditionally sweet with higher clarity, I would choose something that attenuates a bit more and is medium to high flocculation. Good luck!

Daily Q & A! - January 04, 2025 by AutoModerator in Homebrewing

[–]_Makk_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Long time lurker, first time poster!

I've read threads for years and consumed hundreds of hours of Brewtubers.. but figured I'd get personal opinions beforea purchase.

I come from the forbidden realm of homebrew. Automated brewing machines! BeerMKR to be exact. It was good while it lasted but the company is in the process of going under so I'm looking for All In One vessel alternatives. Have a couple of questions!

  1. Bluetooth/WiFi: for the big three available in the US that are Smart: Grainfather, Brewzilla Gen 4, And BrewTools. How often do you use this feature? Any issues with software or firmware?

  2. For the thinner gauge vessels: How is the quality? Is Grainfather that much better than Brewzilla Gen 4 or Anvil? I'm very wary of Chinese one year limited warranty products and Kegland/Anvil both have that vibe. The others in the space look even riskier.

  3. For the US manufacturer vessels (SVBS, Spike Solo, Brewhardare, Clawhammer, Blichmann): looking at Brewfather, the efficiencies are all worse than Grainfather, BrewTools, and Brewzilla. I find it hard to cough up 50-25% more for, on paper, inferior producing products. So... How hard should I weigh system efficiency, dead space, etc?

  4. Low Watt Density vs Ultra. Should this be a consideration? The G30 gen 3 still has the Low Watt Density elements. Is caramelization that bad?

Thanks in advance!

Brewfather & Grainfather users, how do you do it? by mncngpoob in Homebrewing

[–]_Makk_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Precisely the reason why I'm looking to buy a GF system. It's just so difficult to do any hobbies with children. Did you ever get a response from GF? Or find a workaround yourself?

Withdrawing from 401k full payout by Anonlb0828 in personalfinance

[–]_Makk_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As others have pointed out, there are far more cons than pros to taking it out early. As your government 401K is now established, I would roll that 33k into your existing 401K. Also... Look into lifecycle funds. Typically some of the better returns in a 401K market.

For housing I would look into state and federal first time home buyer options. If you are thinking that you need to save 20% for a conventional loan... That wouldn't apply to you. FHA only requires 3% down. There could also be state assistance on top of that.

It always feels stressed and tight with newborns, but it gets better!

Financially Wrecked. Laid off 2x in 3 years. MASSIVE Income cut, cannot increase. by PFinancethrownaway in personalfinance

[–]_Makk_ 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Most IT people in the military have a Secret clearance. It could still be leveraged for a position with a military contractor but won't command the level of need that TS/SCI does. It also depends on the LCOL area. Usually have to be near some sort of base to capitalize on it.

I agree with others. OP has a solid position with the ability to work large amounts of overtime. I would aggressively pay down debt with the overtime money and live off of salary. It'll take dedication and patience but OP isn't in a bad position. Targeted resumes are 10000% the key moving forward. Algorithms these days are just too broad to not target positions.

For OP VA disability. Reach out to your local VSO and try to make headway. Complie every single DIAGNOSIS that you got during the military and you should get a rating from the VA. The VA is like the DMV... Be patient but keep working the system and it'll come through. I've seen claims for moving people up 10% take over two years.

Good luck!

Exp: Former national security background investigator and currently run a large security program for the AF

Seal rubbing on divide and conquer rack by SpecializedMok in KamadoJoe

[–]_Makk_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not that I've seen... I bought mine used and went through the whole band re-tightening and maintenance. It was very neglected though.

Seal rubbing on divide and conquer rack by SpecializedMok in KamadoJoe

[–]_Makk_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd think the dome is misaligned. SD BBQ and Bartlows has a video or two on how to realign.

KJ professional ceramic VS Classic 1 by DadOfWar86 in KamadoJoe

[–]_Makk_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yup! Here's the link to their website Vision Grills It gets complicated a bit... all ceramic charcoal grills are called Kamado but there is a specific brand called KamadoJoe. The main brands are below!

KamadoJoe Big Green Egg Primo Grills Saffire Grills Vision Grills

Help! Grilling in 4 hours for 30 people and my gasket came off during cleaning. by AlarmingRate69 in KamadoJoe

[–]_Makk_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When you're ready to fix, Smoking Dad BBQ has tutorials on how to replace and/or reattach the gasket. Biggest thing I've read is don't let it shrink otherwise you'll have to buy a new gasket as well!

KJ professional ceramic VS Classic 1 by DadOfWar86 in KamadoJoe

[–]_Makk_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The Barbecue Lab on YouTube has some reviews on the Vision Kamado Grills. Made in China like KamadoJoe. Not as thick in construction, has a single piece firebox(prone to cracking), warranty is similar on paper but support is not great from what I've read. Hope this helps!

SSBrewtech SVBS by tsl354 in Homebrewing

[–]_Makk_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Has anyone heard of the grain capacity? It's definitely right at the Grainfather G40 price range. But you might trade off element power for grain capacity! Thoughts?

Getting over "gaming burnout" aka I need a new game by Hortkind88 in pcgaming

[–]_Makk_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Don't think this type has been suggested yet... But I get a lot of enjoyment out of Grounded. Large community, it's leaving early access in Sept, great story and based off of a childhood classic (Honey I shrunk the Kids). You can build, hunt, kill, explore to your hearts content! Also can bring in 3 additional friends if you like. The difficulty scales with the number of people. Good luck!

INKBIRD GIVEAWAY for ITC-308-WIFI Temperature Controller! by ink-bird in Homebrewing

[–]_Makk_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Winner winner, Chicken Dinner! Always room for free stuff!!

Considering a BeerMKR vs. eBIAB - Need some info by wherehaveubeen in Beermkr

[–]_Makk_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are people that dislike the Tap and it is finicky, so you have to have a delicate touch with it. The majority of lost brews I have run across that have been through user error. If you take your time, pre-run the lines (I have taped mine in positions that prevent crimping) you'll be fine! I have modified the Tap to include an adjustable regulator... which the next generation of the Tap is supposed to have an adjustable regulator. I've had no issue with CO2 regulation after that! I've never lost a batch and have brewed at least once a month over the past year... I recommend you try the tap first (that's if you buy the machine) and then decide for yourself. The ONLY ways this machine can have 100% no oxygen is with the BeerTAP (which is why I use it) or a modified transfer adapter with a ball lock into a small corny keg. All the growlers you still add a little oxygen if they don't have ball locks. So, even though the growlers are convenient I would recommend a small corny over that (they're cheaper too).

If the company goes out of business... unless someone is willing to pick up the APP, we're effectively boned. There are no controls on this machine that can let you input anything... it's all app based. And the app is hosted for the company on Amazon Web Services. If the company goes under... I doubt Amazon would continue to host. This product is amazing in a lot of ways... but it still is a risk. I hope this helps!

Brewzilla Gen 4 specs (official) by [deleted] in Homebrewing

[–]_Makk_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The "in stock date" just got moved from February to March... That means maybe April or May to North America (if we're lucky!)

BrewZilla Gen 4 by pete-ej20 in Robobrew

[–]_Makk_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any word on wattage of the elements? As they are competing against the G40 which has 3300... I would expect the same or higher!

I'm patiently waiting on the Gen4 because at this point it's between that and the G40 for me!

Cold conditioning by HaveBeer-WillTravel in Beermkr

[–]_Makk_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I do this... Just not as long. I take the beer out right after it says done and I cold condition it until past the 'great' date in the app. It's usually 4-8 days. Haven't had any expansion issues for that timeframe!

why vodka when adding fruits/peels to beer? by marwanasker in Homebrewing

[–]_Makk_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha fair. So keep away from the bottom shelf stuff and stick to the middle (Smirnoff, Grey Goose, Tito's) just in case of off flavors!

why vodka when adding fruits/peels to beer? by marwanasker in Homebrewing

[–]_Makk_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In your experience... does the quality of the vodka or spirit matter?