Frequently Asked Questions

Dimensions: 12" H x 13" L x 10" W

Where can I find assembly instructions for The Beer Machine?

View or download the Brewing Guide here.

Do you have any tips for installing the clamps?

Before you install the clamps, there are a couple of things you can do:

• Dab some olive oil along the outside edge of the main seal after fitting it in the grooved channel of the lower case half. (Do not let any olive oil get on the inside edge of the seal.) This will help the top case half slide more easily over the seal, and the clamps will pull the upper and lower halves together with less effort.
• Dab some vegetable oil on the inside runners of the clamps to make it easier to slide them over the case half edge rails.

Then install the clamps according to the Brewing Guide instructions, but push each one only halfway along its rail and work in opposite pairs. For example, slide one end clamp halfway, then install the other end clamp halfway on the opposite side, etc. Once all the clamps are positioned partway along their respective rails, go back to the first clamp and push it the rest of the way. Then repeat for the opposite side and continue with the rest of the clamps.

What's the best method for installing the main seal? When I try to install it, it pops up before I can put on the top case half and clamps.

The main seal doesn't have a top or bottom side, so it doesn't matter which way you put it in. To fit the seal into the channel of the bottom case half:

1. Starting at one corner of the case half, press the corner of the seal firmly into the channel.
2. At the diagonally opposite corner, press the corner of the seal firmly into the channel.
3. Repeat the first two steps with the other corners. If the seal is a bit short, stretch it slightly as you press it into the channel.
• Tip: If the seal isn't pliable enough, place it in hot tap water (approximately 165°F) for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Along one side, starting from the corners and working inward, press the seal down so it sits evenly in the channel.
5. Repeat on each side.
6. Once the seal is in place. and slide on the clamps. After the first brew, the main seal takes a pressure set in the case half channel and should be easy to install.

Why don't I see a pressure reading on the gauge? My beer is fermenting and there are bubbles on the top cap.

There has probably been an assembly error. The defoamer cup and the defoamer cup lid must be installed together. Otherwise the pressure relief valve (PRV) will not be seated correctly (down and over the center) on the defoamer cup spike; CO2 produced during fermentation will not be retained, and the gauge will accurately reflect zero pressure.

To fix this problem:

1. Wash your hands, so you don't introduce bacteria to the unit.
2. Place The Beer Machine in a clean area.
3. Slowly unscrew and remove the top cap.
4. Take out the defoamer cup and its lid, which contains the PRV, and snap the two pieces together. The snapping sound indicates that the PRV is now correctly seated on the defoamer cup spike.
5. Place these pieces as one unit back into the neck of The Beer Machine and screw the top cap on until it's sealed.
   Note: Do NOT add CO2 to test it because there will already be a lot produced during fermentation.
6. Check the gauge after 2 to 3 hours, and you'll see a pressure reading.

Why is my beer flat? I followed the instructions, and it was around 15 psi during fermentation. The beer tastes good, but when I add CO2, it only lasts overnight.

There might be an air leak because the CO2 is escaping from somewhere above the beer surface line. While the beer is fermenting, the gauge should read between 10 to 15 psi, and with water on the top cap, bubbles should come from the centre of the valve. After fermentation, the bubbles slow down and eventually stop; the pressure remains, but approximately 50% will be absorbed into the beer when it's cooled in the fridge.

To find the leak:

1. Place some soapy water around the places where the carbonation unit, gauges, and cap are attached to the main container.
2. Apply a few short bursts of CO2 pressure from the carbonation unit, and look for soapy bubbles of gas to appear.
3. Fix any leaky spots by tightening the attachment.

Once you've resolved the leak, gently add short bursts of CO2 to increase the pressure for dispensing your beer. Although there is usually some remaining carbonation that was produced during fermentation, the beer now requires a positive pressure, what we call the dispensing pressure; as you push the beer out of The Beer Machine, a vacuum will be created if you don't add CO2 gas pressure to fill the displaced beer.

Is Chlorinated tap water okay?

Yes, it is actually best because it is bacteria free, unlike some well or spring water.

Can I use other Beer Mixes?

Yes if you adapt the recipe to the size (2.6 gallons) of The Beer Machine®.

How long will beer last in The Beer Machine®?

As long as you keep your Beer Machine in the refrigerator your beer will last at least 3 months. We do suggest to add a short burst of CO2 every few days to keep the beer as fresh as possible.

Can I bottle the Beer?

Yes. We provide the Brewry System Upgrade Kit. This attachment allows you to transfer your carbonated beer directly to bottles for your immediate convenience.