Category Archives: Brew Day

Hands on Review: ProFlow Dynamics Stainless Steel Camlock Quick Disconnects + Save via their Outstanding Black Friday Sale

This review is by Homebrew Finds Contributor Brad Probert. Brad is an engineer, expert homebrewer and experienced reviewer. Grab a link to Brad’s website at the end of this review.

Limited Time Deal, Review Continues Below:

PFD has launched their Black Friday Sale is 25% off their homebrew category when you use promo code BF25%. You get another 10% off by using the link below. That figures out to about 28% off. Considering their already, generally, great everyday prices, this is an outstanding deal!

ProFlow’s Homebrew Lineup < you must use this link to get 10% off – remember coupon code BF25% to get an additional 25% off

Proflow Dynamics Camlock Fittings

If I were to count all the “things” I have the most of in my homebrew collection, it would be a close race between tubing and fittings. Like the freeway system of the brewing world, we all have to get the wort/beer from one vessel to the next as we move through the brewing process. When dealing with hot liquids, that typically means silicone tubing. And when connecting tubing to your vessel or pump, there are 3 most common ways to do this: 1) Barbed fitting, 2) Quick Disconnect fitting, and 3) Camlock fitting.

Limited Time Deal, Review Continues Below:

15%+10% Off!

15% Off Coupon: BREW15% takes an additional 15% off their lineup of homebrewing gear.
Another 10% Off: Using any link in this review will save you another 10%!

Camlock QDs at PFD | ProFlow’s Homebrew Lineup – remember coupon code BREW15% + any link in this post for ANOTHER 10% off

Compare Prices, View Available Options, Review Continues Below:

Camlock QDs at ProFlow Dynamics

Proflow Dynamics has been around since 2007. They specialize in camlock fittings, but also make a variety of other fittings and ball valves. They service a mix of different industries- including the brewing industry, of course. Barbed fittings are the simplest, but are typically designed to be a very tight fit (require a lot of effort to mate), or a looser fit (require a hose clamp). Either of these situations does not lend itself well to a joint you need to connect/disconnect frequently. Quick disconnects have a slick one-handed operation, which is their main appeal. The downside is their more complicated design makes them more expensive. And more complicated designs usually mean more ways to potentially fail.

Close-up of Silicone Sealing Ring Inside Female Camlock

Continue reading →

Four Easy Upgrades for Brew Day!

Looking for some simple upgrades to make brew day go more smoothly?

Sometimes a small investment has a big impact. I’ve found that to be the case with this four easy upgrades. These (generally) cheap upgrades provide a lot of return on investment.

#1 – 24″ Stainless Steel Whisk. This whisk is great for: 1. Stirring in extract. It easily breaks up clumps, 2. Stirring the mash 3. Starting a whirlpool and 4. Helping chill more quickly (place in the middle of your wort chiller to agitate wort). If you’re a homebrewer, I think you should consider owning one of these babies.

Update International FW-24 Stainless Steel French Whip, 24-Inch

Hands on Review!

Continue reading →

Hands On Review: Winco 4 Ounce Stainless Steel Portion Cups – for Brew Day Measuring & Samples

I’ve long been an advocate of using these sorts of portion cups for homebrew-related tasks. I’ve kept small (2 to 2.5 ounce) portion cups in my Brew Day Box for years. See: Hands On Review: Stainless Steel Portion Cups – for Brew Day Measuring & Samples for a review of those.

When I ran across these larger 4 ounce cups at a great price, I picked them up to use around my homebrewery.

These are generally intended for serving condiments and small amounts of food. Considering their size, materials and efficient design, they are also well suited for use on brew day and around the brewery.

Keep Reading!

Hands on Review: ProFlow Dynamics Stainless Steel Camlock Quick Disconnects + Stacking Deals

This review is by Homebrew Finds Contributor Brad Probert. Brad is an engineer, expert homebrewer and experienced reviewer. Grab a link to Brad’s website at the end of this review.

Proflow Dynamics Camlock Fittings

Limited Time Deal, Review Continues Below:

15%+10% Off!

15% Off Coupon: BREW15% takes an additional 15% off their lineup of homebrewing gear.
Another 10% Off: Using any link in this review will save you another 10%!

Camlock QDs at PFD | ProFlow’s Homebrew Lineup – remember coupon code BREW15% + any link in this post for ANOTHER 10% off

Compare Prices, View Available Options, Review Continues Below:

Camlock QDs at ProFlow Dynamics

Close-up of Silicone Sealing Ring Inside Female Camlock

Continue reading →

Utility Bus Tubs [Brew Day & Beyond] – $14.68 + free shipping

Vollrath 1527B-06 Vollrath 1527B Plastic Bus Box – 21-3/4’Wx15-1/2″Dx7″H

I use two similar bus tubs [Note: Mine are a different model from a different manufacturer and different specs] on brew day and I find them invaluable. I keep one below my March Pump setup. It catches drips and also offers a place to store wet items such as stirring spoons, mash paddles, my mash stirring whisk and my equally invaluable 1 gallon pitchers. I reserve the other tub for clean and dry items. Having two of these helps me keep dry/clean and wet/dirty items separate and means less lugging stuff around on brew day. See: Bus Tubs for Brew Day & Beyond – Save Time and Effort When You Homebrew

Another potential use: ice down your favorite beverages for get-togethers.

11/9 4 AM Central: These are selling for $14.68. Shipping is also free to many US addresses. Prices and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info – More About Prices

Vollrath 1527B-06 Vollrath 1527B Plastic Bus Box – 21-3/4’Wx15-1/2″Dx7″H – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also: Rubbermaid Commercial Products FG335100BRN 7 1/8-Gallon Brown Undivided Bus/Utility Box

TWO Pack Collapsible Sink [cold drinks, clean up, brew day tote]

Tiawudi 2 Pack Collapsible Sink with 2.25 Gal / 8.5L Each

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

BPA FREE and GREAT VALUE: Our collapsible sink is in thermoplastic rubber (TPR) construction that is BPA free and dishwasher safe. You only need to pay 1 but get TWO. Great value. With different color, you can distinguish which one is which easily. Imagine you are camping, you can use one to wash dishes, the other is to put clean dishes.
VERSATILITY: This collapsible bin is perfect for indoor or outdoor use. It can be used as a wash basin for dishes or hands, ice bucket for drinks, storage container for your items for camping, hiking, boating, and more!
DURABLE: Sturdy, plastic rim and base provide for additional stability. Dual carrying handles make it easy to move when filled.
FOLDABLE and SPACE-SAVING – This unique portable pop-up design is suitable to to keep in your home, garage, or packed in the car with your camping gear. Dimensions: 15.2” L x 11.4” W x 5.9” H, Collapsed: 2” H. 8.5 L capacity.

Potential uses… clean up on brew day and beyond, ice cold drinks, use as a tote on brew day to keep items together.

11/6 8:30 AM Central: This is set to be discounted as an Amazon Early Black Friday Lightning Deal starting at about 8:50 AM Central for Prime Members and 30 minutes later for all. Some items are available in multiple variations, check each for Lightning Deal eligibility and pricing. Lightning Deals are limited time and quantity deals and can change quickly. Check product page for current info – More About Prices

Tiawudi 2 Pack Collapsible Sink with 2.25 Gal / 8.5L Each Wash Basin for Washing Dishes, Camping, Hiking and Home – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Garden Hose Quick Disconnect Set – THREE Pairs – make brew day easier… $6.99

Hourleey Garden Hose Quick Connector, 3/4 Inch Male and Female Garden Hose Fitting Quick Connector, 3 Set

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

Package include: 3 female quick connectors and 3 male quick connectors, 3 extra garden hose rubber washers.
Widely use: Standard 3/4″ aluminum garden hose thread, fit for all 3/4″ standard garden hose.
Easy Connect: Easy to connect and disconnect, rubberized grips design makes quick connector more convenient for connect and disconnect
Made with precision process, no leaking and durable, easy to connect and disconnect.

Quick disconnects make connecting and disconnecting things on brew day easier. I have QDs (a different brand) on every hose connection I use on brew day, including sprayers and my wort chiller.

11/1 9 AM Central: These are on sale for just $6.99. Shipping is also free to many US addresses with Prime Membership [Try Prime for Free] or a qualifying order. Prices and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info – More About Prices

Hourleey Garden Hose Quick Connector, 3/4 Inch Male and Female Garden Hose Fitting Quick Connector, 3 Set – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also Consider: Camco 22853 Premium Drinking Water Hose

Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions.

12 Update International Stainless Portion Cups – for Hops and Boil Additions & More

Photo from My Hands on Review – Note: Scale and Hops are Not Included

(12) Stainless Steel Portion Cups by Update International

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

All-Purpose Sauce Cups
2 ½ Ounce, Height – 1½ Inches, Diameter (mouth) – 2¼ Inches, Diameter (base) – 1½ Inches
Stainless Steel
Sold per 12

You can use these to portion out hop additions and other boil additions and for pH and gravity sample containers. These are a great size and don’t take a lot of room since they nest together. Check out my Hands on Review to learn more.

What are others saying? Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “hops” and “brew” – may include reviews for other sizes or variations

Individual Condiment Sauce Cups- One Dozen – 2½ Oz. Ounce by Update International – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Continue reading →

12 x Stainless Steel Portion Cups by Winco – for Hops and Boil Additions & More

12 x Stainless Steel Sauce Cups by Winco. I keep similar stainless steel portion cups in my Brew Day Box and use them to portion out hop additions and other boil additions and for pH and gravity sample containers. These are a great size and don’t take a lot of room since they nest together.

Stainless Steel 2.5 Oz. Sauce Cup (Pack of 12) – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Two Pairs Garden Hose Quick Disconnect Value Pack – make brew day easier – $6.99 + free prime ship

Xiny Tool Garden Hose Quick Connector, Solid Brass Quick Connector and Disconnector 3/4 Inch GHT Male and Female Water Hose Fittings

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

Package: Set of 2 solid brass garden hose quick connectors (male connector and female nipple connector), 2 extra garden hose rubber washers
Materials: Xiny Tool garden hose quick connector is made of heavy duty solid brass,durable and sturdy.
Working Pressure: Up to 200 PSI and can be easily connected to make the water flow continuous.
Standard size: The internal diameter of this garden hose quick connector and disconnector is 3/4 inch, fit for all standard American 3/4 inch hose.

From HBF: Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions.

Quick disconnects make connecting and disconnecting things on brew day easier. I have QDs (a different brand) on every hose connection I use on brew day, including sprayers and my wort chiller.

10/18/21 9 PM Central: These are selling for just $6.99. Shipping is also free to many US addresses with Prime Membership [Try Prime for Free] or a qualifying order. Prices and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info – More About Pricesg

Xiny Tool Garden Hose Quick Connector, Solid Brass Quick Connector and Disconnector 3/4 Inch GHT Male and Female Water Hose Fittings – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link