My system is similar to others but unique in many ways. I have limited space and generally brew in smaller 1 to 3 gallon batches with an occasional 5 gallon batch.
Basics for the system I use for 3-5 gallon batches is a single-tier 2 vessel system designed after the Brutus 20 for 3-5 gallon batches. Both the mash-tun and boil kettle are 7.5 gallon Blichmann Boilermakers. The 7.5 gallon size is great as it allows for larger grain bills of high gravity beers and full batch boils up to 6 or so gallons if needed.
I’m using the recirculating mash process where the full wort volume is constantly pumped into the boil kettle from the bottom of the mash tun, heated if needed, and returned to the top of the grain bed in the mash tun. At the end of the mash all the wort is pumped to the boil kettle and the boil begins. The boil kettle is heated with a Blichmann 2200W BoilCoil electric element.
Controller for both systems are based on the BrewBoss and PIDs but never fully automated just because I enjoy being part of the brewing process. Just enough automation/control to help maintain consistency from batch to batch.
Recently with my love of small batch brewing I have added a single vessel BrewBoss and PID controlled BIAB setup, for 1-2.5 gallon batches, and I’m enjoying that a lot. Very easy to use and setup in a small space not to mention every time I brew with it I see ideas I can implement with the 2 vessel system while I’m completing it.
I am also starting to brew on a used PicoBrew Pico I picked up and so far I am impressed and will continue to experiment with it.
Stay tuned, check back and follow me for the constant evolution of my home brewing setup.
My collapsible bucket and sanitizing tub…
My favorite 12V pump for small batch brewing. Tiny and quiet.
Small Batch Home Brewing 
Cool,when will the first batch be ready???
Not soon enough, about to just brew a simple extract recipe on the stovetop just to get something going.
Hi I live in a small apartment. I´m looking for tiny equipment. Can you upload some photos in order to see the equipment you use?
I uploaded some pics of my equipment. Is there anything in particular you are looking for? I currently live in a tiny 270 sq ft studio and still brewing. I will be presenting at this years Homebrew Con in Portland and will be discussing brewing small batches and brewing in small spaces. If you can’t make it they will be posting video from the presentations online after the conference. After the conference I will be posting more here about brewing in small spaces.
Thank you very much for your coment. I will wait for your post after the presentation.
Just curious for more detail on how you mounted the piece above the plate chiller. I have done something similar but am stuck there. Recommendations? I know you said you had it welded but would you mind showing a close up of that? Thanks!
Hi Lucas. I had two thread stainless studs welded to two of the clamps. That allowed me to attach the assembly to the side of the cart with nuts. Worked well. They also make sanitary pipe brackets for the different sizes of triclamp fittings, I have see them on eBay. Try searching “sanitary pipe bracket”.
I added a picture of the clamps with mounting studs to the page on my system.
Where did you get the box for all the electronic brew hardware
Hi Chad,
That began it’s life as a stand of some type in a lab setting. Bought it at a thrift store thinking maybe I’ll find a use for it…3 years later lol
Thanks for putting this info out there. I started brewing, it quickly ran out of room…I’m hoping your notes can help me consolidate my equipment, process and cleaning strategies!
Hi Clayton and you are welcome. Hopefully some of my info can be of help. I will be posting more soon as well as starting a podcast. Thanks for checking out my blog!
Hey! This is really cool, can’t believe I only just stumbled upon this. I have to ask where you got some of your equipment as I would love to build something similar to your BIAB rig. Mind if I ask where you got the kettle and basket?
Thanks for checking out my blog. The kettle began as a Winco 20 quart double boiler and Arbor Fabrication modified the double boiler insert with stainless mesh.