PicoBrew Z Series User manual

Z SERIES
PICOBREW
USER’S MANUAL | V.19.309.18

PicoBrew Z Series
Safety Information
What’s in the Box
Assembly
Connecting to a Network
First Rinse
Let’s Brew Beer
Brewing Z Kits
Brewing PicoPaks
Brewing Coee
Distilling
Sous Vide
Group Brewing
Care and Maintenance
Menu Overview
Customer Care

PICOBREW Z SERIES SAFETY INFORMATION | 3
Important Safety
Information
• Exercise common sense while operating the Z.
• Always use the keg cozy to shield the hot metal of the keg.
• Close supervision is needed when used around children.
• Allow Z machine to fully cool before removing or replacing
parts.
• Do not operate with a frayed cord or broken plug.
• Do not remove Step Filter from the Z unless in pause mode
or brew cycle is completed.
• The Step Filter and contents may be hot when removing
from the Z machine.
• Do not immerse or soak 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 the keg attachments while brewing.
• Use only the recommended cleaning agents for your Z.
Do not use PBW, StarSan, OneStep, OxyClean, or similar
products. Do not soak the step lter in these products,
which may lead to cracking.
• Do not seal the keg with the metal lid while running a
brewing session, cleaning cycle, or rinse cycle.

PICOBREW Z SERIES SAFETY INFORMATION | 4
• Do not make any modications to your Z or any of its
components. Doing so can be dangerous, will void your
warranty, and may cause damage to your Z or aect its
performance.
• Avoid exposing your Z to rain, moisture, or other 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-screen
instructions, always follow the on-screen instructions.

PICOBREW Z SERIES WHAT'S IN THE BOX | 5
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
BOX #1
• Z Heating Module
• Heating Module Power
Cord
BOX #2
Brewing Ingredients Module
w/installed Drip Mat
Step lter with step lter
components
• Step lter lid
• Step lter
• Top mash screen
• Adjunct insert
• Hops cage and lid x 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 lter 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 gallon)
• Metal keg lid
• Fast Fermentation adapter
• Air Lock
• Keg Seal
• Keg seal plug

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 specic 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 ttings. (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 specic alkaline cleanser such as Powdered
Brewery Wash (PBW) for cleaning kegs (Do not use for
cleaning cycles or plastic components)
• A homebrew specic sanitizer such as StarSan. (Never use
bleach!)
• Food grade Gypsum and Calcium Chloride, and Irish Moss
or Whirloc 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

PICOBREW Z SERIES 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.

PICOBREW Z SERIES ASSEMBLY | 8
Assembling the Step Filter
Note: one edge of the Top Mash Screen contains a groove that
ts, facing downward, onto the step lter interior divider.
Note: the order of the Hop Cages is reversed from that of the
Zymatic.
BOTTOM MASH
SCREEN
KEYHOLE
PLUG
TOP MASH SCREENADJUNCT SCREEN
ADJUNCT
INSERT
HOPS CAGES AND LIDS
STEP FILTER
LID
DRAIN TUBE
DRAIN TUBE GROMMET
1
2
3
4

PICOBREW Z SERIES ASSEMBLY | 9
ASSEMBLING Z2–Z4
ASSEMBLING YOUR Z2
To congure two Z units in a stacked Z2 conguration.
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.

PICOBREW Z SERIES ASSEMBLY | 10
Prepare the Top Z Unit
01. For the Ingredients Module of the top unit, remove
the oor by unscrewing the 7 Screws connecting the
Ingredients Module walls to the oor.
Assemble the Top Z Unit
01. Stack the oor-less Ingredients Module on top of the base
Z Unit and assemble with 4 screws.

PICOBREW Z SERIES ASSEMBLY | 11
02. Stack the Heating Module on top and nish assembly just
as you did with the rst 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.

PICOBREW Z SERIES ASSEMBLY | 12
ASSEMBLING YOUR Z3/4
To congure more than two Z units.
You Will Need:
• Heating Module (Box #1) and Ingredients Module (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
conguration - see below)
Choose Your Configuration
Table-top:
To use your Z4 on a table top, we recommend using two Z2
congurations side by side.
Rack Tower:
To use your Z4 in a rack tower, see instructions below.

PICOBREW Z SERIES ASSEMBLY | 13
Before you Begin
• To mount a Z4, we recommend using a 42U, 4-post, 19”
wide, open rack. Not all racks are identical in depth or
mounting hardware. Not all shelves and rails mount in the
same way.
• The front of your machine has pieces of Stainless Steel
which show a cosmetic brushed nish. Installing brackets
against this surface will result in wear marks being created
on the cosmetic surface.
• The provided stabilizing brackets are not designed to
support the weight of the machine. They are designed to
keep the machine in place 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 room
for each Z unit. Keep in mind that not all rack shelves and
rails are the same thickness, so your installation spacing
may vary.
• We do not recommend installing any shelves or rails more
than 56” o the ground, to ensure that brewing hoses can
reach standard 5G corny kegs.
Once your Rack is fully built and properly installed, you’re
ready to add your Zs.

PICOBREW Z SERIES ASSEMBLY | 14
Prepare Individual Z Units
Before rack-mounting, fully assemble each of your Z Units
following instructions above.
Add Brackets to Each Z Unit
• 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 nal 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.

PICOBREW Z SERIES ASSEMBLY | 15
Depending on the size and desired spacing of your shelves or rails
you may want to remove the rubber feet from the oor of the Z
unit. Unit must sit level on the shelf without putting pressure on
front lip and without support from the stabilizing brackets.
• Screw stabilizing 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
instructions below for Box #4a (Power Cable) to supply power
to your Z Units and you’ll be ready to brew.

PICOBREW Z SERIES ASSEMBLY | 16
Z POWER CABLE
If you purchased a 110V Z2-Z4, you will also receive an
additional box:
• 110V Z2 orders receive Box #4 - 110V Z3-4, Box #4a
• These include a Power Distribution Cable to properly supply
power to multiple Z units.
Power Requirements of your Z
System
Each of your Z system units requires a dedicated 120V /
15A electrical circuit. For Z2-Z4 systems, the included Power
Distribution Cable provides power from a 240V/30A circuit
(L14-30 plug) to each Z system unit. Please ensure that your
electrical supply is sucient 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
to use a correct power source is extremely dangerous and
could result in damage to your Z’s, property, and may cause
injury or death. Please consult with a licensed electrician if
you have any questions or concerns about the power being
used for your Z’s.

PICOBREW Z SERIES CON | 17
Connecting Z to
Your Network
To connect to WiFi:
01. Power on your Z. You will see the Z logo and then a
network connection prompt.
02. Select ‘WiFi’ from the network connection options.
03. Select your WiFi network from the list of available
networks. If you do not see your network listed, check to
see if your wireless router is connected correctly.
04. Enter the 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 have successfully connected Z to your home
network, you will need to add the Z to your account on
picobrew.com. Follow prompts on the Z screen in order to add
your Z to your account.

PICOBREW Z SERIES FIRST RINSE | 18
First Rinse
Before you start your rst brew, run a quick rinse cycle using
an empty 5 gallon bucket, your keg, and the keg wand. You
may notice the keg running empty, which can cause the ow
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 divider

PICOBREW Z SERIES FIRST RINSE | 19
Step Filter set-up:
01. Ensure that the Step Filter Keyhole Plug is securely in
place.
02. Insert the Drain Tube and Drain Tube Grommet into the
Step Filter Lid as shown in the ‘Assembling the Step Filter’
illustration above.
03. Place the Step Filter Lid on top of the Step Filter, ensuring
that the holes are aligned correctly.
04. Slide Step Filter into Z. There should be a little resistance
as the drain slides into place and the Step Filter presses
against the back of the Z. Ensure that both the left 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 oor 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 rmly
then let go of the outer ring. The Ball Lock Fitting will click
when it ts into place.
03. In the same manner, attach a Keg Wand to the GRAY Ball
Lock Fitting. Allow the gray hose to hang into an empty 5
gallon bucket.
04. Power on your Z. From the main menu, select Utilities,
then select Rinse by clicking the Control Knob. Follow the
on-screen instructions.

PICOBREW Z SERIES FIRST RINSE | 20
After rinse cycle has completed:
01. Some water will remain in the step lter after the rinse
procedure. Remove the step lter and empty any water.
02. Wash your step lter with a mild dish-soap solution, and
rinse well so that no soap residue is left behind.
03. Remove the in-line lter 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 ttings, lift the outer ring of the
tting, and remove.
05. Empty any liquid from your keg, and rinse well.
06. Empty the wastewater from your bucket.