A new version of the RoboBrew is now out, featuring a wide range of improvements, changes and the addition of a recirculation pump.

The new RoboBrew features the same overall size and elements but vastly changes the malt pipe design and includes a magnetic pump and integrated pipes to recirculate during your mash.

The new features bring the price up to $599. $150 more than the base model but makes it a competitive alternative to the Grainfather, which looks to be the inspiration for many of the new features.

Magnetic Pump
The pump recirculates from the base of the kettle, up an externally mounted pipe to the top of the malt pipe. The pump has its own dedicated inlet so the main ball valve is free for normal use.

False Bottom
As a safeguard against grain, hops and other material entering the pump, the new version includes a False Bottom. The manufacturers advise that you can’t place grain directly into the RoboBrew, that it simply adds a layer of filtering for the protection of the pump.

Malt Pipe – Top & Bottom Screens
The malt pipe now disassembles which will allow for easier cleaning than the original one-piece version. The biggest change to the Malt Pipe is the addition of a top mesh screen which encloses the mash fully to ensure that there’s no overflow of grain into the main kettle. This is an important addition for the purposes of recirculation.

Removable handle
The malt pipe handle is now a removable steel bar that won’t get in the way during the mash.

Draining rack
One of the trickiest things to do with the original RoboBrew is lift the malt pipe with one hand, place the rack with the other and then put the malt pipe correctly in place for draining and sparging. The new version features built-in feet that means the process is now as simple as lifting the malt pipe, rotating it 90° and placing it on the integrated rests.

Glass Lid
The original steel lid has been replaced with a glass lid which also features a hole for the recirculation pipe. This means you can use the lid to retain heat better while still seeing in during the mash.

Lower Ball Valve
The  main ball valve has been placed lower on the side which means less dead space.