An electric brewery gives you the option of brewing inside year-round. There are some nice commercial electric systems and components available that let you do anything from a brew-in-a-bag single-vessel brew to a full three-tier RIMS/HERMS system, to an all-in-one system. Here are some of the things to consider when planning an electric system.
Brewing all-grain inside any time of the year can be a real joy. You can set up a permanent brewing area with easy access to water, ingredients, and equipment. Electric systems are silent, efficient, and require no propane. Setup times can be significantly reduced, and you don’t need to worry about outdoor “elements” flying into your pot. Since it is more convenient to brew, you may brew more often, so you can consider a smaller system.
An indoor brewery requires some planning and setup. You need to find a suitable space for brewing and storing equipment inside. Electricity can be a major concern, and you may need to hire an electrician to install a new circuit, outlet, or breaker to ensure you have a protected circuit with enough capacity for your heating element. Power outlets should have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet (the outlets with the small test/reset buttons) or a GFCI breaker installed with sufficient amperage to support your heating element. When brewing, you are mixing water and electricity, so you don’t want to skimp on safety—a GFCI is truly required.