iGulu F1 vs S1 Home Beer Brewer: Which Home Brewing System is Right fo

Introduction

Over the last few years automated beer brewing has begun to rise in popularity and is still a relatively new industry but it’s slowly becoming more accessible and easier than ever before. Especially with the introduction of our iGulu All-in-One Automated Beer Brewing Systems. It has been our mission to create an automated beer brewer that makes home brewing easy, fun, and enjoyable. We first achieved this with our iGulu F1 Beer Brewer which automates the brewing process for you from beginning to end. The iGulu F1 is a sleek, compact, all-in-one countertop brewer that makes homebrewing effortless—no experience needed, just great beer every time. We launched our F1 Beer Brewer last year and have sold over 3,000 units to date. Now, we are also introducing our S1 Beer Brewer which has all of the same essential features the F1 offers but at a much more affordable price. In this article, we will dive into the differences between the two units to help you determine which brewer will best suit your needs.

1. Fermentation: Precision and Control

The foundation of each brewer when it comes to the fermentation process, precision, and control is the same. Both brewing machines have the same advanced brewing capabilities that allow you to use our iGulu Brewing Ingredient Kits, RFID technology, custom brewing recipes, and unlimited fermented beverages such as beer, mead, cider, wine, and kombucha . Additionally, the brewing process when using our Brew Kits or your own recipe is the same for both smart brewers. Therefore, both brewers offer a premium and easy-to-brew experience that guarantees a perfect beer each time.

2. Tech Design

Before we explore the tech design differences between the two brewing machines, let's discuss the similarities first. They are both WiFi enabled and connected to the iGulu App, and each comes with a replaceable handle that allows you to customize your brewer’s handle. Our automated beer brewers also support RFID sensing for one-touch brewing, multi-step intelligent temperature control, automatic pressure release, and a Master Mode that allows you to customize your brewer and provides the necessary tools to create personalized recipes. Now that we have covered the similarities in tech design, let’s dive into some of the differences between the at-home beer brewers.

F1: Brewing Made Smarter with a Color LCD Touch Screen

The F1 is designed for users who value modern, tech-forward features in their brewing experience. Here are the benefits of a Color LCD Touch Screen:

Interactive Brewing: Navigate through brewing steps with ease using the responsive touch interface. Adjust settings like brewing time, temperature, or cooling mode with just a tap or swipe.
Visual Brewing Guides: Full-color visuals and animations guide you through every step, making the brewing process feel intuitive—even for beginners.
Aesthetic Appeal: The vibrant screen adds a premium, sleek touch to your brewer, making it a centerpiece in your kitchen or home bar.

Best For: tech-savvy brewers or for those who want a visually rich experience

S1: Simplicity and Efficiency with a Monochrome OLED Screen

The S1 is built for brewers who appreciate straightforward functionality and durability. Here's what the Monochrome OLED Screen offers:

Minimalist Brewing Experience: The clean black-and-white interface displays essential brewing details—like time, temperature, and progress—without distractions.
Efficient Use of Power: OLED technology consumes less energy, meaning the S1 can operate efficiently without compromising performance.
Readability Anytime: The high-contrast screen ensures clear visibility, whether you're brewing in low-light settings or a sunny kitchen.

Best For: Practical brewers or users who prioritize efficiency over aesthetics

3. Beer Preservation: Keeping the Brew Fresh

When it comes to beer preservation, the F1 and S1 take two distinct approaches. Here's a detailed breakdown of how they differ:

F1: Advanced Cooling and Long-Term Freshness

The F1 is designed with premium features to ensure your beer stays fresh and perfectly chilled for as long as you need:

Cooling Method: Equipped with a micro DC compressor, the F1 delivers powerful and efficient cooling for consistent results.
Temperature Control Range: With a wide range of 35.6°F - 86°F, you can fine-tune the settings to suit any beer type, whether it’s a crisp lager or a hearty stout.
Cooling Efficiency: The F1’s advanced compressor can lower keg temperature from 86°F (30°C) to 35.6°F (2°C) (or even lower) within 4 hours. To prevent freezing, the F1’s minimum temperature is 35.6°F (2°C). This ensures optimal freshness and flavor retention for your beer.
Built-in CO2 Adapter: The F1 includes a built-in CO2 adapter compatible with SodaStream canisters, allowing you to preserve your beer for up to 30 days after brewing.

Best For: Users who prioritize advanced cooling, precise temperature control, and long-term beer freshness. Ideal for parties, gatherings, or for those who like to enjoy their brew over time.

S1: Stable Cooling for Immediate Enjoyment

The S1 takes a simpler approach to beer preservation, focusing on practicality and energy efficiency:

Cooling Method: Features a solid-state semiconductor cooling system, perfect for stable temperature management.
Temperature Control Range: With a range of 37.4°F - 86°F, it’s ideal for standard brewing and chilling needs.
Cooling Efficiency: The S1 cools more slowly and steadily, taking up to 24 hours to reduce keg temperature from 86°F (30°C) to 37.4°F (3°C) in a 77°F (25°C) ambient environment. In warmer conditions, cooling may take longer. This makes it ideal for users who don’t mind waiting and prioritize energy efficiency.
External CO2 Adapter (Sold Separately): While the S1 does not include a built-in CO2 adapter, its external CO2 adapter can connect up to 3 brewers with just one adapter. This offers flexibility and value for users brewing multiple batches.

Best For: Practical brewers who consume their beer within a shorter time frame and don’t need advanced cooling or preservation features.

4. Dispensing: Smooth and Effortless for Both Units

No matter which brewer you choose, both the F1 and S1 deliver a hassle-free beer dispensing experience. Here's what they have in common:

Air Pump Support: Both brewers come with air pump support to ensure smooth and consistent beer flow during dispensing. This feature guarantees every pour is effortless and mess-free.
Equal Pressure Filling: With equal pressure filling technology, you can count on optimal pressure levels for dispensing beer without losing carbonation or altering the flavor.

Universal 5L Keg Adapter

The F1 comes with a Universal Keg Adapter that allows you to use the brewer as a fridge for your favorite ready-to-go 5L beer keg. For the S1, the Universal 5L Keg Adapter is sold separately.

5. F1 vs S1 Comparison Table

Conclusion

Both the F1 and S1 excel at completing the fermentation process, ensuring a high-quality at-home brewing experience. However, they cater to different needs and preferences.

Here’s a quick recap:

F1 Highlights:
The F1 stands out with its Color LCD Touch Screen, micro variable-frequency DC compressor for rapid cooling, and built-in Universal 5L Keg Adapter for third-party keg compatibility. It offers precise temperature control, fast cooling efficiency, and long-term beer preservation for up to 30 days with its built-in CO2 adapter.

Best For: Brewers who value premium features, flexibility, and the ability to enjoy beer over an extended period. It’s perfect for hosting parties, experimenting with various kegs, or catering to diverse brewing preferences.

S1 Highlights:
The S1 offers a monochrome OLED screen, energy-efficient thermoelectric cooling system, and the option to use an external CO2 adapter (sold separately), which can support up to 3 brewers. While it cools more steadily and takes longer (up to 24 hours), it’s a cost-effective choice for short-term beer storage and immediate consumption.

Best For: Practical brewers seeking an affordable, straightforward solution for smaller batches and quick enjoyment.

Final Recommendation

When choosing between the F1 and S1, consider your brewing goals, lifestyle, and budget. If you value advanced features, precise control, and long-term freshness, the F1 is the ideal choice. For those seeking simplicity, energy efficiency, and great value for money, the S1 is a solid option.

No matter which brewer you choose, both models are designed to help you craft great beer with ease, ensuring that your at-home brewing experience is both fun and rewarding.