background image

PICOBREW Z SERIES 

What'S In thE BOx | 6

additional Equipment 

Recommended for the Z

Most accessories for the Z are available through our webstore, 
at your local homebrew shop or online homebrew retailer, or 
from your standard supermarket, big box store, or large online 
retailers such as Amazon.

• 

A handheld specific gravity refractometer with ATC (for 
measuring OG)

• 

Triple scale hydrometer, hydrometer test jar, and a glass or 
stainless steel wine thief or a new turkey baster. (For taking 
samples and measuring FG)

• 

A homebrew draft system or kegerator package which 
includes a CO2 tank, CO2 regulator, and serving and gas 
lines with ball lock fittings. (For carbonating and serving)

• 

A digital scale with a range of up to 40 lbs (For measuring 
grain and water)

• 

A small digital scale that reads in .01 oz. increments (For 
measuring hops and other additions)

• 

A homebrew specific alkaline cleanser such as Powdered 
Brewery Wash (PBW) for cleaning kegs (Do not use for 
cleaning cycles or plastic components)

• 

A homebrew specific sanitizer such as StarSan. (Never use 
bleach!)

• 

Food grade Gypsum and Calcium Chloride, and Irish Moss 
or Whirlfloc Tablets

• 

A 17 mm wrench or deep socket for disassembling keg 
posts

• 

Keg Lube or another food grade silicone-based lubricant

• 

Two 5 Gallon food grade plastic buckets

Summary of Contents for Z Series

Page 1: ...Z SERIES PICOBREW USER S MANUAL V 19 309 18 ...

Page 2: ...ty Information What s in the Box Assembly Connecting to a Network First Rinse Let s Brew Beer Brewing Z Kits Brewing PicoPaks Brewing Coffee Distilling Sous Vide Group Brewing Care and Maintenance Menu Overview Customer Care ...

Page 3: ... the Z machine Make sure all hoses are connected before starting a brewing rinsing or cleaning cycle To avoid risk of electrical shock hazard do not disassemble the Z There are no user serviceable parts inside Various surfaces can get extremely hot during the brewing cycle use caution when handling the keg hoses and components Do not remove the hose clamps hot liquid spray may result Do not remove...

Page 4: ...liquids which may cause damage to your machine or injury to you Do not store your Z where it will be exposed to below freezing temperatures as this may damage internal components Only operate your Z on completely level and sturdy surfaces The Z on screen instructions represent the most up to date and accurate version of all Z processes In the event of any discrepancy between this manual and the on...

Page 5: ... 4 Adjunct screen Bottom mash screen Accessories Keg cozy PicoPak adapter Keg wand x 2 Fabric washer Syringe Drain tube grommet x 2 Drain tube Step filter Key hole plug x 3 T 20 driver Bottle of anti foam Assembly screws 6 blk 2 SS There are extras totaling 8 black and 4 stainless Foam trap Dip tube cleaning brush Ethernet cable Party tap Ball lock racking hose Dishwasher tab BOX 3 KEG Brew Keg 5 ...

Page 6: ...rator package which includes a CO2 tank CO2 regulator and serving and gas lines with ball lock fittings For carbonating and serving A digital scale with a range of up to 40 lbs For measuring grain and water A small digital scale that reads in 01 oz increments For measuring hops and other additions A homebrew specific alkaline cleanser such as Powdered Brewery Wash PBW for cleaning kegs Do not use ...

Page 7: ...ES Assembly 7 ASSEMBLY Attaching Heating Module to Brewing Ingredients Module Note Insert lightly hand tighten screws attaching the Heating Module to the Brewing Module before using T20 driver to fully tighten screws ...

Page 8: ...ains a groove that fits facing downward onto the step filter interior divider Note the order of the Hop Cages is reversed from that of the Zymatic BOTTOM MASH SCREEN KEYHOLE PLUG TOP MASH SCREEN ADJUNCT SCREEN ADJUNCT INSERT HOPS CAGES AND LIDS STEP FILTER LID DRAIN TUBE DRAIN TUBE GROMMET 1 2 3 4 ...

Page 9: ... You Will Need Two Each Heating Module Box 1 and Ingredients Module Box 2 Power Cable Box 4 for 110V units Included T20 driver Assemble the Base Z Unit First 01 Build Unit 1 as shown in the Z1 Quick Start Guide This will be the bottom unit of your Z2 02 Remove the 4 Screws on the Top of your already assembled base unit ...

Page 10: ...or the Ingredients Module of the top unit remove the floor by unscrewing the 7 Screws connecting the Ingredients Module walls to the floor Assemble the Top Z Unit 01 Stack the floor less Ingredients Module on top of the base Z Unit and assemble with 4 screws ...

Page 11: ...embly just as you did with the first unit Pro Tip Insert lightly hand tighten all screws before using T20 driver to fully tighten screws Congratulations your Z2 is Assembled Follow instructions below for Box 4 Power Cable to supply power to both Z Units and you ll be ready to brew ...

Page 12: ...le Box 2 for all of your Z units Power Cable Box 4a for 110V units Included T20 driver Fully assembled installed rack if choosing rack configuration see below Choose Your Configuration Table top To use your Z4 on a table top we recommend using two Z2 configurations side by side Rack Tower To use your Z4 in a rack tower see instructions below ...

Page 13: ... on a shelf or set of rails Machines must be installed level to operate correctly Server racks must be secured to a nearby wall or structure to ensure they do not fall over Mounting hardware for 6mm and 10 32 threaded server racks is included If your server rack uses unthreaded or other sized fasteners you will need to supply that hardware Install shelves or rails at least 15 9U apart to allow roo...

Page 14: ...it Remove two screws from side of Z unit and install bracket as shown using two provided M4 X 10mm screws Repeat for bracket on opposite side Pro Tip Don t fully tighten these screws until unit is mounted in its final position on rack Install Units on Rack Place unit on shelving or rails Unit should sit with hoses exiting from the machine in front of the rack uprights ...

Page 15: ...izing brackets into the rack as shown using provided screws or hardware appropriate for your rack Once all 8 screws are lightly screwed in and the unit is correctly located tighten all screws The weight of the machine must be supported on the server rack s shelf or rails Repeat for additional units until desired rack tower setup is complete Congratulations your rack mounted Z is Assembled Follow i...

Page 16: ...cuit L14 30 plug to each Z system unit Please ensure that your electrical supply is sufficient and in compliance with local electrical codes Important Electrical Safety Information Z power cables should always be plugged directly into an outlet never use an extension cord or power strip An adapter cannot be used to safely convert other styles of outlets such as 3 prong 240V to NEMA L14 30 Failure ...

Page 17: ... password for your WiFi network and click OK Z will then connect to your network To connect to ethernet 01 Connect an ethernet cable to your router and connect the other end to the ethernet port on the back of your Z 02 Power on your Z You will see the Z logo and then a network connection prompt 03 Select Ethernet from the network connection options To add your Z to your PicoBrew account Once you ...

Page 18: ...cause the flow from the nozzle to look erratic This is normal pulling air through the Z machine aids in removing buildup Wash and Rinse Screens 01 Wash and Rinse or clean in dishwasher the Top Mash Screen Bottom Mash Screen Adjunct Screen Hops Cages and Lids and Adjunct Insert 02 Set aside to dry STEP FILTER SET UP The Keyhole Plug is inserted in the hole at the bottom of the Step Filter interior ...

Page 19: ...t and right sides of the Step Filter are pushed in completely Rinse set up 01 Fill your keg with approximately 2 gallons of clean hot tap water Place the keg either on the floor or on the counter next to your Z 02 Connect the BLACK Ball Lock Fitting to the keg post labeled OUT Lift the outer ring of the Ball Lock Fitting place it on the appropriate keg post press down firmly then let go of the out...

Page 20: ...h soap solution and rinse well so that no soap residue is left behind 03 Remove the in line filter screen from its housing clean and reinstall making sure that the housing cap is screwed down tightly 04 Disconnect the Z hoses from your keg and keg wand To remove the ball lock fittings lift the outer ring of the fitting and remove 05 Empty any liquid from your keg and rinse well 06 Empty the wastew...

Page 21: ...the mash compartment Press down firmly so that it rests level on the bottom ledge of the Step Filter with no gaps Pour grain into the mash compartment on top of the Bottom Mash Screen 05 Level the grain with your hand Do not compact Place the Top Mash Screen on the top ledge of the Step Filter so it rests above the grain Make sure that the groove in the edge of the Top Mash Screen faces downward f...

Page 22: ... is aligned with the Step Filter Drain 11 Place lid onto step filter making sure that the drain tube is inserted through the hole in the Adjunct Screen and that the holes in the lid align correctly 12 Slide the step filter into your Z making sure that it is completely pushed in on both sides 13 Fill your keg with the amount of water listed in your recipe Use a gallon jug and measuring cup or a sca...

Page 23: ...le on top of the felt washer long side of spindle pointing down Insert the assembled Foam Trap into the hole in the Keg Seal 17 Connect the BLACK Ball Lock Fitting to the OUT keg post and the GRAY Ball Lock Fitting to the IN keg post of your keg While your Z brews you can watch its progress online Log in to your picobrew com account select the BrewHouse tab Look for Now Brewing in your sessions 4 ...

Page 24: ...sh compartment on top of the Bottom Mash Screen 04 Level the grain with your hand Do not compact Place the Top Mash Screen on the top ledge of the Step Filter so it rests above the grain Make sure that the groove in the edge of the Top Mash Screen faces downward fitted onto the top of the divider that separates the mash and adjunct compartments 05 Place the Adjunct Screen in the bottom of the Adju...

Page 25: ...y pushed in on both sides 12 Fill your keg with the amount of water listed for your recipe Use a gallon jug and measuring cup or a scale to measure your water 1 US gallon of water 8 34 lbs If you use a scale to measure your water don t forget to tare it to your container before adding water Accurate water measurement is important to ensure the best results for your brew 13 Place the Keg Cozy aroun...

Page 26: ...eal 16 Connect the BLACK Ball Lock Fitting to the OUT keg post and the GRAY Ball Lock Fitting to the IN keg post of your keg While your Z brews you can watch its progress online Log in to your picobrew com account select the BrewHouse tab Look for Now Brewing in your sessions ...

Page 27: ... the Drain Tube indentation Place the Bottom Mash Screen into the mash compartment so that it rests on the bottom ledge of the Step Filter 04 Important you will NOT use the Adjunct Insert Hops Cages or Top Mash Screen when brewing a PicoPak 05 Insert the PicoPak Adapter into the step filter Note that it goes in the back most and left most corner of the Step Filter with the built in hops clamp in t...

Page 28: ...k and continue on to step 12 10 If your PicoPak DOES NOT have a push tab patterns in the top 11 Place two keg wands on their sides to either side of the Grain Container top hole see illustration 3 This will ensure that there is adequate space for wort flow over the top of the PicoPak Note when using this technique the lid will press directly against the keg wands on top of the PicoPak It is normal...

Page 29: ...best results for your brew 15 Place the Keg Cozy around your keg 16 Insert the black Keg Seal by inserting one end and firmly pressing around the edge of the seal until it has been pushed into place Use caution as the edges of the keg opening may be sharp 17 Slide the step filter into your Z making sure that it is completely pushed in on both sides 18 Connect the BLACK Ball Lock Fitting to the OUT...

Page 30: ...t Coffee Hybrid or Custom 02 Set the Batch Size which is the amount of Coffee you will be making As you set the Batch Size notice that the display shows the amount of Start Water that will be required and the amount of ground Coffee that will be required for that Batch Size This is an ideal starting point for amounts but feel free to add more or less coffee to suit your tastes 03 For Hot and Hybri...

Page 31: ... mash compartment directly on top of the Bottom Mash Screen 11 Place the Top Mash Screen on the top ledge of the Step Filter so it rests above the coffee Make sure that the groove in the edge of the Top Mash Screen faces downward fitted onto the top of the divider that separates the mash and adjunct compartments 12 Insert the Drain Tube into the Drain Tube Grommet and then fit the assembled Drain ...

Page 32: ...y pressing around the edge of the seal until it has been pushed into place Use caution as the edges of the keg opening may be sharp Leave the hole in the Keg Seal open do not use a Foam Trap 18 Connect the BLACK Ball Lock Fitting to the OUT keg post and the GRAY Ball Lock Fitting to the IN keg post of your keg While your Z brews you can watch its progress online Log in to your picobrew com account...

Page 33: ... 2 inches of water in the Step Filter 03 Insert the Step Filter into the Z with the lid on 04 Follow the instructions in the PicoStill Instruction Manual to set up your PicoStill 05 Power on the PicoStill 06 Attach the Pico C Keg Adapters to the ends of the appropriate Z hose ball locks Gray IN to Gray IN and Black OUT to Black OUT 07 Connect the Z IN and OUT hoses to their corresponding parts on ...

Page 34: ...ert Step filter with lid into Z 04 Fill keg with 3 gallons of preferably warm tap water 05 Connect IN Gray and OUT Black hoses to the keg 06 Set the sous vide cooking temperature on the Z display 07 Set the sous vid cooking time on the Z display 08 Press the control knob to start cooking You can press the control knob at any time during cooking to Pause Adjust Temperature Adjust Time or Drain the ...

Page 35: ...Z of the network it will be offered to all other Z s on the network The user can then elect to Start the session on the other Z by pressing the Control Knob Cancel the offer by selecting Exit with the Control Knob Allow the offer to time out by doing nothing Group brewing works for all forms of recipe brewing as well as built in functions such as cleaning and rinsing ...

Page 36: ... to time out on its own Cleaning the Z Rinsing will automatically start after every brew and we recommend you do not skip this important step see Rinse procedure instruction above Water and rubbing alcohol are recommended for cleaning the outside of the Z Do not use abrasive materials or cleaners Do not use cleaners on the OLED display screen OUT BLACK FITTING POST ASSEMBLY GREY FITTING NOTCHED IN...

Page 37: ...ou notice a residue staining the step filter after repeated use a paper towel or cloth with a 1 1 water distilled vinegar solution can be used to occasionally wipe out the step filter followed by a thorough rinse Keg Wands and Racking Assembly can be sanitized in a StarSan solution but should not soak for longer than 5 minutes Longer may cause the plastic to break down and crack and can damage the...

Page 38: ...gel coated tablets CAUTION The Clean cycle heats water to boiling temperature do not use any unsafe cleaning agents 01 In the Utilities menu select Clean and click to begin 02 Fill a keg with 1 5 gallons of Water 03 Place the dishwasher tablet in the keg see above for approved types 04 Place keg cozy on keg and insert a Keg Seal into the mouth of the keg The foam trap is not necessary for this ste...

Page 39: ...sure that it is inserted completely 09 Press continue to start hot Clean cycle The hot Clean cycle will be followed by steps to thoroughly rinse the step filter and keg and then run 4 gallons of clean water through the Z to remove all cleaning solution Discard the rinse water at the end ...

Page 40: ...er a Recipe ID as found on the PicoPak Box See Brewing PicoPaks above Z Kits most recently released Z Kits and the ability to enter a Recipe ID as found on the PicoPak Box See Brewing Z Kits above PicoStill allows your Z to control the PicoStill Accessory See Distilling above Sous Vide allows your Z to cook sous vide foods in the Step Filter See Sous Vide above Coffee Cold Brew Standard 90 minute ...

Page 41: ... on how to rack your beer from a fermentation keg to a carbonation and serving keg using your Z Circulate This utility moves liquid from the Keg to the Step Filter and back to the Keg in a continuous circular path It can be important to aerate some beverages Settings Network connect to WiFi or Ethernet Units Set Imperial or Metric Units Language Set English Espanol or Francais Language Slideshow D...

Page 42: ...PICOBREW Z SERIES Customer Care 42 Customer Care If you experience any problems with your Z Series brewing system please log in to your picobrew com account and visit picobrew com help ...

Reviews: