Brewfather is a versatile and user-friendly app that can be used for free with most of its features and calculators. However, if you want to unlock additional features and take advantage of 3rd party integrations like Tilt monitoring, you will need to upgrade to a premium plan. The annual cost for a premium plan is $19.99, which is quite reasonable considering the value it adds to your brewing experience.
I have personally used Brewfather for both my winemaking and brewing endeavors, and I must say that the free version is already quite impressive. It allows you to create and store up to 10 recipes, which is great for hobbyists or those who brew occasionally. The app provides you with a range of calculators such as ABV (Alcohol by Volume), IBU (International Bitterness Units), and even water chemistry calculations, which I find incredibly useful.
However, if you are a serious brewer or someone who enjoys experimenting with different recipes, the premium plan is well worth the investment. With the premium plan, you get access to unlimited recipe storage, which means you can create and store as many recipes as you want without any limitations. This is particularly beneficial for those who like to document and keep track of their brewing history or have a vast repertoire of recipes.
In addition to unlimited recipe storage, the premium plan also unlocks several advanced features. For example, you can integrate the Tilt hydrometer into the app, which allows you to monitor your fermentation progress wirelessly. This feature alone has been a game-changer for me, as it eliminates the need for manual measurements and provides real-time data on the fermentation process. It has greatly improved my brewing accuracy and efficiency.
Another noteworthy feature of the premium plan is the ability to customize and print professional-looking brew sheets. This is especially handy if you like to share your recipes with fellow brewers or simply want to have a neat and organized record of your brewing process. The brew sheets include all the essential information such as ingredients, mash schedule, fermentation details, and even tasting notes.
While Brewfather can be used for free with most of its features, the premium plan offers significant advantages for those who are serious about brewing. For a cost of $19.99 annually, you gain access to unlimited recipe storage, 3rd party integrations like Tilt monitoring, and the ability to create professional brew sheets. I highly recommend considering the premium plan if you are passionate about brewing and want to take your craft to the next level.