Looking for input

[Jrl1775]

I want to move to all grain, I can brew in my basement the biggest issue I am having is heating the wort and liquor. Propane is an option I believe, however electric would be ideal but it seems pretty costly. Any suggestions would be great. Most of the threads I am finding seem to be outdated. TYIA

 

[deadwolfbones]

I want to move to all grain, I can brew in my basement the biggest issue I am having is heating the wort and liquor. Propane is an option I believe, however electric would be ideal but it seems pretty costly. Any suggestions would be great. Most of the threads I am finding seem to be outdated. TYIA

Depending on batch size, you can do BIAB electric affordably with an induction plate ($50ish) and a compatible kettle ($150ish). You can also add a sous vide wand ($80ish) to recirculate/stabilize the mash.

Another option would be an electric all-in-one system like the Robobrew or Grainfather ($300 and up).

 

[Jtvann]

I want to move to all grain, I can brew in my basement the biggest issue I am having is heating the wort and liquor. Propane is an option I believe, however electric would be ideal but it seems pretty costly. Any suggestions would be great. Most of the threads I am finding seem to be outdated. TYIA

Either type of brewing will require major ventilation. Propane could be deadly from carbon monoxide. Both forms will produce massive amounts of steam. You'll need to figure both of those steps out. Electric with a steam condenser is probably the easiest and cheapest.

 

[deadwolfbones]

What kind of volumes are you working with where steam is a concern?

 

[Dlawrence529]

If you only have access to a 120v outlet, BIAB with an induction burner may be difficult. It takes a while to heat a lot of water. Ive only ever brewed extract recipes with a partial boil on mine.

 

[Jrl1775]

What kind of volumes are you working with where steam is a concern?

I plan on maxing our at 10 gallons. Not concerned with steam, more worried about a burner in the basement rated for what we need

 

[Staticsouls]

You can install a stainless water heater element in an existing kettle with no controller to get started for less than $50. Then just brew and save until you can make or buy a controller and pump. Gtg

 

[Staticsouls]

That is how this rig started off. After several upgrades its a 120v 1 tier herms.

 

[Jrl1775]

That is how this rig started off. After several upgrades its a 120v 1 tier herms.View attachment 613640View attachment 613641

Holy ****! So just let the element stay on? Or do you manually turn on and off?

 

[Staticsouls]

Holy ****! So just let the element stay on? Or do you manually turn on and off?

At first it was full power on when plugged in, and of when unplugged. But once I got the controller I have full control of power. During my boils I would just let it go full power on till flame out, where I'd pull the plug and begin steps or cooling.

 

[Jrl1775]

At first it was full power on when plugged in, and of when unplugged. But once I got the controller I have full control of power. During my boils I would just let it go full power on till flame out, where I'd pull the plug and begin steps or cooling.

Good to know, sorta thought that could work but some manufacturers state they need to be used with a controller..... to have full control not functionality I guess hahaha! Thanks!

 

[Jrl1775]

I guess my next question is, how big of an element to do 10gal batches? Will 120v be capable?

 

[Staticsouls]

Here is and inside look. Hlt mt bk

 

[Staticsouls]

I do use 2 elements and 2 circuits, because I dont own or have 220 available. 10 gallons is easy.

 

[Jrl1775]

I do use 2 elements and 2 circuits, because I dont own or have 220 available. 10 gallons is easy.

Good to know, I appreciate the knowledge!

 

[Jtvann]

What kind of volumes are you working with where steam is a concern?

I consider any volume of steam to be a concern. Even a half gallon boil off can turn an enclosed area into a sauna.

 

[Tyler Hurst]

I use a brewers edge mash and boil eBIAB and I love it. I brew inside every time. The amount of steam might be considered if you don’t have drywall/paint/primer on your basement ceiling.

 

[odie]

I have a single 1550watt/120v element and it works fine. Not a super rolling boil but it does bring 8+ gal to boil for full BIAB mashing. If I leave the lid on it will bring the full 14 gal kettle to boil. Not fast but it gets there

 

[Granite03]

Low budget option for newbie all grain would be brew in a bag. If you’re going to be in the brewing game long term go Grainfather.