Do you want to brew beer at home? If yes, then you should consider investing in an electric brewing system.
Electric brewing systems are very convenient because they don’t require electricity or gas to operate. They also allow you to control the temperature and pressure of your wort.
Electric brewing systems come in various sizes and shapes. The most common types include countertop units, tabletop units, and mobile units.
Countertop units are usually large enough to fit a standard keg. They are typically designed to produce 12 to 20 gallons of beer per batch. Tabletop units are smaller and can only accommodate 2 to 4-gallon batches.
Mobile units are portable and can be moved from place to place. They are perfect for camping trips and tailgating events.
There are several things to consider before buying an electric brewing system. These include the size of the unit, its portability, and whether or not it has a built-in CO2 tank.
Some models have both options, while others do not. There's a lot of information, and it can be overwhelming, which is why, at the end of our reviews, we've put together a buyer's guide to let you know what to look for.
Until then, here are 5 of the best electric brewing systems for making alcohol at home.
OUR TOP PICK
The Brewzilla electric brewing system is designed to be a great brewing system for novice to intermediate homebrewers. It has a capacity of 9 gallons which can create a batch size of up to 5-6 gallons.
The Brewzilla has a programmable timer and mash schedule to help you control the temperature.
The chiller is an immersion chiller which is excellent for the fermentation process. The standard Brewzilla runs on 110v, but there is also a 220v option available. By increasing the amount of voltage, they've sped up the brewing process.
It has an inbuilt wort chiller. The result is that the Brewzilla can complete the entire process, aside from fermentation, in one single tin.
Brewzilla's inbuilt control panel also means you don't have to stress about downloading apps to help control the brewing system. However, it does mean that you cannot remotely check on it. The Brewzilla also comes with a pump included.
Pros
- Pump included
- Programmable timer
- Mash schedule
- Two power options are available
- Immersion chiller
- Wort chiller
- Inbuilt controls
Cons
- Cannot check on it remotely
EDITORS CHOICE
If you want something that will last forever, then the Grainfather is the way to go. It's a fully automatic home brewing system that comes with everything you need to get started.
It's made from aluminum and has a sturdy design. This means that it won't break down after years of use. It's also dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning it a breeze.
The Grainfather 670 is designed to be the godfather of home brewing systems. It has a capacity of 18 gallons which leads to a whopping batch size of 15 gallons.
The Grainfather is for serious brewers. It includes all the features you need to make professional-quality beer. It has a built-in controller and a digital display screen. This makes it easy to monitor the progress of the brewing process.
The Grainfather controller is fully programmable to a brew schedule, and the interface uses wireless connectivity. This means that you can connect to the Grainfather remotely and check on your brew progress from afar.
You can even set it to automatically start brewing when you turn on the tap. If you're looking for a high-quality product, this is definitely the way to go.
The Grainfather also has a built-in water filter. This helps keep the water clean and free of impurities. In addition, the grain bed is removable, so you can easily replace it if needed.
The Grainfather has stainless steel construction and is made out of high-grade aluminum. It has a powerful motor which allows it to run smoothly without any issues.
The Grainfather uses propane as fuel, which is more efficient than using natural gas. This helps reduce carbon emissions.
The Grainfather also has a built-in wort chiller that keeps your beer cold during the fermentation process.
If you want something more affordable than the Grainfather G70, the Grainfather G60 is the right choice. It has a capacity similar to that of the Grainfather G70.
It also has the same features, including remote monitoring and a removable grain bed.
Pros
- Built-in controller
- Digital/wireless display screen
- Stainless steel construction
- High-grade aluminum
- Powerful motor
- Propane fuel
Cons
- Expensive
BEST VALUE
For its capacity and yield, the Clawhammer supply is surprisingly well priced. The Clawhammer is available in a 10-gallon system or a 20 gallon one, which means it's got you covered if you want to brew casually or professionally.
It has a stainless steel body and a durable plastic lid. The lid has a mesh design that lets air flow through while keeping bugs out.
It also has a built-out temperature gauge which shows the current temperature of the mash tun.
There are two different types of settings available. One setting will allow you to adjust the temperature manually. Another setting will let you use a preprogrammed schedule. Both methods work just fine.
You can also add other accessories like a thermometer probe and a hydrometer cup. These come at an extra cost though. They do not include a sparge arm, but they do have a spigot attached to them.
The Clawhammer also has a built-to-order kit option. This gives you the chance to customize the kit based on your needs. You can choose between an immersion heater or a radiant heat source.
The Clawhammer comes with everything you need to get started except yeast. However, there are many options available online.
Pros
- 10-gallon capacity
- 20-gallon capacity
- Durable plastic lid
- Mesh lid design
- Temperature gauge
- Two different temperature settings
Cons
- No sparging arm included
- Not recommended for beginners
RUNNER UP
Klarstein Mundschenk Beer Brewer, aside from having a name that’s fun to try saying over again, is actually a great home brewing system.
The Klarstein Mundschenk comes with loads of accessories, including a temperature probe, grain basket, and lots of other things.
Though it doesn't include a counterflow wort chiller or pump, it does give you the option to buy those as extra.
The Klarstein Mundschenk comes in a 30litre capacity and can brew up to 8 gallons.
It has a unique LED interface that lets you know what’s going on inside and allows you to adjust the settings as you brew.
It comes with a digital display screen which makes it easy to monitor the progress of your brew day.
There is also an inbuilt control which makes managing your brew baby a total breeze.
The tank, though it may be big, is incredibly durable.
Made from stainless steel, it’s designed to be taste-neutral so it doesn’t leave an aftertaste in your brew.
It also means this brewer is very easy to clean and keep hygienic. Stainless is a great material for killing unwanted bacteria.
One thing that stands out about the Klarstein Mundschenk is how simple it is to set up. Once you've put together the Klarstein Mundschenk, you're ready to go.
Pros
- Inbuilt control
- Easy setup
- Compact size
- Stainless steel, taste neutral tank
- Digital display screen
Cons
- Expensive
RUNNER UP
Digimash is a company that specializes in home brewing systems. Their products range from kits to complete systems.
Many of their products feature an integrated controller which makes it easier than ever before to monitor your process.
Their most popular product is the Digimash Electric Brewing System. This is a good starter kit for anyone who wants to learn more about home brewing. It includes everything you need to start right away.
The Digimash Electric Brewing System is made of stainless steel and features a removable top. It's dishwasher safe and easy to clean. It has a 9-gallon capacity that yields up to 5 gallons of alcohol.
On the inside, the Digimash Electic brewer features a whopping 35-liter fermentor with a removable lid. This allows you to easily access the fermentation chamber.
Moreover, its capacity allows it to make up gallons and gallons of homebrew.
The Digimash Electric brewer has a built-in temperature sensor that monitors the temperature of the water. This helps you keep track of the temperature throughout the entire process.
The Digimash Electric Brewing System also comes with a stainless steel mesh filter. This is one of the best parts of this kit because it ensures that you don't lose any hops during the boil.
The Digimash Electric Brewing System also has a built-in regulator that controls the pressure of the CO2 gas. This makes it possible to carbonate your beer without using a separate compressor.
All around, this is probably one of the most affordable kits out there. However, it doesn't come with a chiller, and a pump is an optional extra.
Pros
- 9-gallon capacity
- Stainless steel construction
- Removable top
- Built-in temperature sensor
- Filter
- Integrated controller
- Lifetime support
Cons
- No chiller
- Doesn't come with a pump
Best Electric Brewing System Buying Guide
Buying the right electric brewing system can be tricky. Especially when you don't know what to look out for. That's where our handy buyer's guide comes in.
Here, we'll tell you all about the things you should look out for when buying an electric brewing kit. (FAQ)
Type Of Electric Kit
Did you know not all home brewing kits are the same? There are different types for different occasions. Here are the main ones you'll encounter:
Countertop Units
Countertop units are probably the most popular type of electric brewing system. They are available in different heights and widths.
Most models are made with stainless steel and aluminum. They are generally heavy, but some manufacturers offer lighter versions.
Portable Units
Tabletop units are small enough to fit on any kitchen table. They are great for parties and camping trips. Portable units are lightweight and compact, so they are easier to move around than larger countertop units.
Mobile Units
Mobile units are ideal for camping trips and tailgate parties. They are lightweight and portable. You can take them anywhere and set them up wherever you want. Mobile units tend to have smaller capacities than tabletop or countertop units.
Kitchen Units
Kitchen units are usually large and bulky. Some even include a refrigerator. Kitchen units are perfect if you're planning on making multiple batches at once.
Which Type Should I Buy?
If you're looking for something simple and cheap, then a mobile unit might be the way to go. If you're looking for something more elaborate, then a countertop unit might be better suited for you.
Size And Capacity
You will notice that many electric brewing systems have a wide variety of sizes and capacities. The size of the unit depends on how much space you have available. A bigger unit will allow you to make more batches at once.
You should always buy a unit that has a good amount of storage space. It's important to store your ingredients and equipment properly.
Temperature Control
Electric brewing systems come in two varieties. One kind uses immersion heaters, while the other uses external heating elements. Both kinds work well but they do require different amounts of time to reach a certain temperature.
Immersion Heaters
Immersion heaters use hot water to heat the wort. This method works by immersing the copper coil inside the kettle. As the water heats up, it transfers its energy to the wort. Immersion heaters are very efficient and fast.
External Heat Elements
External heat elements use electrical resistance to heat the wort directly. These heaters are slower than immersion heaters because they need to be turned on and off manually. However, they are also cheaper and simpler to install.
Brewing Time
The length of time it takes to brew is another thing to consider. You may want to choose a unit that allows you to brew quickly. Alternatively, you could opt for one which takes longer to brew but gives a much stronger beer.
Best Electric Brewing System - FAQ's
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to electric brewing kits.
What Size Do I Need?
The amount of space you have will determine how large or small you want your unit to be. If you plan on storing the unit outside, then you'll need to make sure that it's big enough to accommodate the tank.
If you're planning on keeping it indoors, then you'll only need to worry about the size of the fermenting vessel. You could even go as far as getting a smaller version if you want to save space.
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices vary depending on the model you choose. Some companies sell kits, while others sell preassembled units.
Kits usually include all the necessary equipment except for the fermenting vessel. Preassembled units often include everything you need including the fermentor.
Some companies offer discounts if you buy more than one kit. Check out our best electric brewing system reviews page to see what we think is the best electric brewing system.
Are There Any Benefits To Using An Electric Brewing System?
Using an electric brewing system can help you get a consistent product every time. It also makes it easier to control the process. Plus, it doesn't involve putting chemicals into your beer.
Do All Electric Brewing Systems Work The Same?
No. There are several types of electric brewing systems. They range from single-use models to ones that can be used over and over again. Some of them even include a fridge so you don't have to worry about keeping your beer cold.
Can I Use My Existing Keg Set Up With An Electric Brewing System?
Yes, this is possible. Most electric brewing systems allow you to connect your kegs to the unit. Some even come with adapters so you can connect multiple kegs at once.
Is An Electric Brewing System Safe?
Absolutely! An electric brewing system uses clean, filtered water. All the components are dishwasher safe. In fact, many manufacturers recommend cleaning them after each use.
Which Type Of Electric Brewing System Should I Buy?
That depends on your needs. We've reviewed several different electric brewing systems. Here are some of the things to consider before buying one.
Single-Use Models
These models are perfect for those who just want to try their hand at home brewing. They're easy to set up and use. They also tend to be less expensive.
Preassembled Units
These models come fully assembled. This means that you won't have to spend hours assembling the parts yourself.
You'll also find that these units are usually of better quality. They're made by reputable brands and are designed to last.
Kit Models
These models are great for beginners. They come with everything you need to start making beer right away. You can easily change the ingredients in order to create new recipes. Kit models are ideal for people who want to experiment with different styles of beer.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing between electric brewing systems, you need to look at the pros and cons of each option before making your decision. We've put together as much information as we can to help you make an informed decision.
But remember, the decision is ultimately yours, and you should make sure to choose the right electric brewing system based on your needs.
Thus, Still Cooker was born. When I first decided that I wanted to study myself up on the consumption business, I found it so difficult to source reliable information. I had to spend all day searching for one topic on how beer was made.
As you can imagine, it was a tireless job and I came close to giving up more than once. This is the exact reason that spurred me to create this website - so that you can enjoy the ease of having all of this knowledge in one place.
I hope you’ll be able to learn as much as you want just from my website. As it grows bigger, I want it to be a single stop on your path to greatness. So, enjoy my content and try not to get drawn into a rabbit hole of how to make your own bar inventory.
- Vevor Still Instructions - June 12, 2023
- Best Proofing Parrots For Home Distilling - February 1, 2023
- What Is A Porter Beer? - June 12, 2022
