Everything You’re Looking For
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Hopcat wants you to have an enjoyable and easy shopping experience from start to finish. To that end, we’ve compiled a FAQ list below which covers all of our most common questions - take a look! If there is something we’ve missed however, please send us an email and we’ll be happy to help.
DOES THE HOPCAT COME WITH A WARRANTY?
Yes! All Hopcats come with a full 1 year manufactures warranty guaranteeing it against manufacturing defects. In the unlikely event of a product failure we will fix or replace it for you.
HOW MUCH BEER CAN THE MK3 45L & 65L MEGA HOPCAT MAKE?
The short answer is ..... the MEGA, about 57 Liters, and the 45L about 37L; but its dependent on your recipe and how it scales up to a bigger system.
If you want numbers, then a standard 30L system (think Grainfather) is kitted up to make 23L batches, so you can fit it in a standard size keg afterwards. The Hopcat 45L system is 50% bigger than this giving us 45L; however, this goes up to 61% when we consider a 37L postboil batch. Basically; its not quite big enough to do a double 23L*2 batch but its not far off.
There are other variables that could come into play such as grainbill; if you want a really strong beer on a Grainfather, you may actually only come away with 15L as it cant hold enough grain to give you higher strength beers in 23L batches. The 30L Grainfather only holds 9KG of grain; whereas the Hopcat MK3 45L holds 15KG; giving you the option to make these stronger beers and shoot for a 30L batch size. Furthermore the new Grainfather GF70 onlu holds 17KG of Grain but the Hopcat Mega 65L Holds 20KG.
If a standard 23L batch required 30.6L preboil volume; a 40L batch would require 47.6L; which is just abouv the 45L Hopcats 45L capacity. Again, these calcs are not gospel, each recipe is different. Part of the fun in brewing is designing your own recipes and enjoying that experience and the beer you make with friends afterwards. Both Hopcats can produce around 40L in the time a 30L system takes to make 23L making your brewday far more rewarding. The Hopcats can also easily accommodate a 13L half batch if you want to do a smaller brew.
WHICH COUNTRIES DO YOU SHIP TO?
We will ship anywhere; be sure to check the shipping profiles below for the cost to your location. If your country isn't listed please drop us an email so we can get you a shipping quote.
Zone 1: Domestic United Kingdom £14.94
Zone 2: Europe France, Netherlands, Denmark Belgium, Austria £20.99
Zone 3: Europe Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland £20.99
Other: Latvia £25.99 Finland £25.99, Norway £30.00, Croatia £26.73, Bulgaria £33.23, Romania £30.00
We are always looking for more competitive shipping rates; if you have a more competitive rate, please let us know as we will be happy to pass on these savings to our customers.
THE MAXIMUM CAPACITY IS ONLY 15L MORE THAN SOME 30L SYSTEMS; HOW IS IT WORTH IT?
A 30L system might actually have a higher liquid capacity than 30L as a recipe needs to account for water loss through both evaporation and grain retention. Even though the Hopcats maximum capacity doesn't seem a great deal more; the system is more efficient, and loses relatively less to evaporation than smaller systems.
The Hopcat also has a significantly larger grain capacity and power rating than smaller systems, again these features are balanced to more efficiently produce bigger brews in the same time as smaller systems. Its not just about maximum liquid capacity, its about the amount of beer a system produces in a given time. Remember, the 45L Mk3 Hopcat can hold up to 15KG of Grain, and the MEGA 20KG.
WHAT PLUG DOES IT COME WITH?
At this moment all our Hopcats are fitted with a UK Type G Plug. However, whenever we ship to Europe we include a BSI approved 16AMP adapter.
MK3 VS MK2/1 - IS IT ONLY THE CONTROLLER THAT IS UPGRADED?
The Mk3 hopcat has quite a few more upgrades than just the controller. Although outwardly it might seem like just the controller has been upgraded most of the internal components are also upgraded, which is why you cannot upgrade the controller on the original model.
All the wiring inside is upgraded, and the temperature sensors and thermowells are also upgraded giving the machine more accurate temperature reading and control - it is now able to sense 0.1 degree temperature changes rather than 1.0. The screen is also improved with more displayed information.
MK3vsMK2/1
Finish and Features
The MK3 Hopcats are Bigger than previous Hopcats, holding more Grain. They also come with a built in site glass and brushed metal finish.
Temperature Precision
The Mk3 has increased accuracy to 0.1 degree. The Mk1 is accurate to 1.0 degrees. The Mk3 also has an incresed temperature range: from 25 – 100°C.
Memory Function
The Mk3 can store 9 programs, the Mk1 has no memory.
Hop Reminder
The Mk3 has a Hop Reminder, the Mk1 does not.
Modify Settings
You can now modify settings while using the Mk3, you cannot do this on the Mk1
Step Mashing
Mk3 programmes can have up to 9 Steps; the Mk1 has one non savable 6 Step programme.
Mashing Sign
The Mk3 has a mashing symbol and an Auto Mode.
Ingredient Add Reminder
The Mk3 has an Ingredient/Hop Reminder. After the 1st step an audible bell will remind you to proceed to next step.
Sparging Reminder
The Mk3 will ring prior to boil step to alert to sparging step. Machine proceeds to boil stage after user presses auto button.