Birallee Beer & Brewing: BrewZilla - Boiler & Malt Pipe Extensions to Increase Capacity

For those who are using the Generation 3 BrewZilla's - the maximum volume of malt that can be held in the factory malt pipe is somewhat limited - particularly for the 35L versions.

For the Generation 3 65L unit, the maximum malt load is 15.5kg (34.17lbs) with a maximum efficient load of 12kg (26.45lbs)

For the Generation 3 35L unit, the maximum malt load is 9kg (19.84lbs) with a maximum efficient load of 7kg (15.43lbs)

Some may not be aware that a boil extender unit is available for both units to help increase the volume/capacity of the BrewZilla's. These boil extenders simply clamp onto the top of the BrewZilla using the factory clamps and come with a rubber gasket/seal to help prevent any leaks from occurring between the extender and the BrewZilla.

Since they attach using the factory clamps, they are easily removed meaning you can opt to use it or not use it for each particular batch, and are easy to disassemble and clean.

For the 35L BrewZilla, a boil extender will give an additional 12L of usable space taking the total usable volume to 47L (12.4 US Liquid Gallons).

BrewZilla Gen 3 35L Boil Extender
Image Copyright of KegLand

You could even stack two of them together for a total volume of 59L (15.5 US Liquid Gallons).

For the 65L BrewZilla, a single boil extender will add 24L and take the total usable volume to 89L (23.5 US Liquid Gallons) or by stacking two of them together you can reach a total of 113L (29.8 US Liquid Gallons).

BrewZilla Gen 3 65L Boil Extender
Image Copyright of KegLand

KegLand have stated that the heating elements are powerful enough to reach a boil with two extensions fitted - though it would probably depend on the ambient temperature as well. We expect temperature ramp up times would also be fairly long.

If you want to fit a boil extender to your BrewZilla, you can also opt for a large malt pipe to suit which is 195mm taller than the standard malt pipe allowing you to fit more grain along with the additional increased liquid capacity.

Fitting the larger malt pipe with a boil extender on the 35L BrewZilla will raise the efficient maximum from 7kg (15.43lbs) to 10.5kg (23.14lbs) with a total capacity raised from 9kg (19.84lbs) to 13.5kg (29.76lbs)

BrewZilla Gen 3 35L Extended Malt Pipe
Image Copyright of KegLand

For the 65L BrewZilla, the larger malt pipe will raise the efficient maximum from 12kg (26.45lbs) to 18.5kg (40.78lbs) with total capacity raised from 15.5kg (34.17lbs) to 24kg (52.91lbs)

BrewZilla Gen 3 65L Extended Malt Pipe
Image Copyright of KegLand

Here's a table summary outlining the above information;

	BrewZilla Gen 3 - 35L	BrewZilla Gen 3 - 65L
Standard Malt Pipe - Max Grain	9kg (19.84lbs)	15.5kg (34.17lbs)
Standard Malt Pipe - Efficient Max Grain	7kg (15.43lbs)	12kg (26.45lbs)
Boil Extender + Extended Malt Pipe - Max Grain	13.5kg (29.76lbs)	24kg (52.91lbs)
Boil Extender + Extended Malt Pipe - Efficient Max Grain	10.5kg (23.14lbs)	18.5kg (40.78lbs)

As you can see, by fitting a boil extender and larger malt pipe, you're able to achieve an approximate 50% increase in capacity (maximum and efficient maximums).

If you do decide to go for the boil extender and larger malt pipe, you may also wish to purchase the Halo Support Ring - the wire ring located around the top of the BrewZilla units that the malt pipe rests on when in the raised position. Alternatively, you can remove the factory fitted halo support ring and install it onto the boil extender.

You can of course opt for the boil extender on it's own (without the larger malt pipe) - to give a little extra headspace and insurance against boilovers if you're running the BrewZilla to it's capacity.

We think these are some really great optional extras that allow BrewZilla users to scale up their batch sizes without having to purchase an entirely new system. The fact that they're modular and easily removed means brewers have increased flexibility on whether or not they use it for every single batch. Removing them will also aid in cleaning and maneuverability of the BrewZilla when not in use.

We're planning on upgrading our 3.1.1 35L unit with a single boil extender and larger malt pipe in the near future so we can increase our batch sizes, but also so we can brew higher gravity beers with more malt for a regular/single batch size.

Check out the links below to KegLand's website for pricing and other information on the boil extenders, extended malt pipes and malt pipe support rings.

BrewZilla 35L Boil Extender

BrewZilla 65L Boil Extender

BrewZilla 35L Extended Malt Pipe

BrewZilla 65L Extended Malt Pipe

BrewZilla 35L Malt Pipe Support Ring

BrewZilla 65L Malt Pipe Support Ring

We'd also recommend checking out David Heath's YouTube video where he covers these boil extenders in more detail.