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Technology advancements have brought me many new and innovative products that make my life easier. The best BIAB system is one of those products.
BIAB is an acronym for Brew In A Bag. It is a type of all-in-one brewing system that makes it easy to brew your own beer at home and is great for the brewing process.
Contents
- My Top BIAB System Recommendations
- Best BIAB System Overall: Anvil Foundry 10.5 Brewing System With Pump
- Best Easy BIAB System: Brewer’s Edge Mash and Boil
- Best BIAB System for Beginners: The Grainfather G30 Connect
- Best BIAB System for Advanced Brewers: Klarstein Maischfest Bockbier
- Best BIAB System for Professionals: Blichmann Engineering Riptide Brewing Pump
- Best Entry-level BIAB System: Northern Brewer Gigawort Electric Boil Kettle
- Features to Consider Before Buying a BIAB System
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
My Top BIAB System Recommendations
There are many different BIAB systems on the market, so choosing the right one for your needs can be difficult. In addition, you need to consider the size of the system, the type of beer you want to brew, and the accuracy of the system. This way, you can be sure to get the right BIAB system for your home brewing needs.
Best BIAB System Overall: Anvil Foundry 10.5 Brewing System With Pump
Anvil Foundy is a well-known name in the brewing world and for a good reason. It is one of the greatest all-in-one brewing systems on the market and perfect for those who want to get into home brewing.
This system boasts a 10.5-gallon brew kettle that is great for larger grain batches of beer. It also has a built-in pump that recirculates the wort during brewing, ensuring that your beer turns out perfectly every time. Unlike Edge Mash and Boil, this system is switchable between 120V with an output of 1,600 watts or 240V with an output of 2800 watts. This allows for faster heating and boiling times.
Like the Northern Brewer Gigawort, this system comes with an Anvil digital temperature controller. This allows you to have complete control over the brewing process and ensures that your beer turns out perfectly every time. The system includes a false bottom and ball valve for easy draining. The only downside to this system is that it can be difficult to clean due to its size.
Pros
- It has a built-in stainless steel immersion chiller that helps to cool the wort quickly.
- The system is very easy to use and perfect for beginners
- It comes with an Anvil digital temperature controller for complete control over the brewing process.
- It also has a false bottom and ball valve that allows for easy draining and cleanup.
Cons
- When left without supervision, the system has a tendency to boil over the sides leading to a mess.
- Most parts are not dishwasher safe and need to be cleaned by hand.
- Switchable Between 120V, 1600W, and 240V, 2800W, for Faster Heating and Better Boils.
- Unique High Flow 16lb Capacity Grain Basket with 150% More Perforations to Virtually Eliminate Stuck...
- Double Wall Insulation Maintains Mash Temps and Increases Heating Speeds.
Best Easy BIAB System: Brewer’s Edge Mash and Boil
Brewer's Edge is one of the most popular names when it comes to brewing systems, and for a good reason. The Brewer’s Edge Mash and Boil is an all-in-one system that’s designed to make brewing as easy and streamlined as possible. Like others on the list, it runs on 110v power, making it easy to use in any home kitchen, and it has a built-in heating element that allows you to mash and boil your wort in the same vessel.
The stainless-steel double-wall construction ensures that your wort will stay at a consistent temperature, and the included thermometer makes it easy to monitor the temperature of your mash. Unlike others, Mash and Boil also come with internal sparging baskets that make it easy to sparge your wort without having to remove the lid, and the built-in pump makes it easy to transfer your wort to your fermentation vessel.
It has a capacity of 7.5 gallons, making it perfect for small-batch brewing, and the included step filter allows you to remove spent grains and hops from your wort easily. This feature also makes it capable of making a mash of up to 16 pounds of grain, making it perfect for brewing high-gravity beers. The only downside of the Mash and Boil is that it doesn’t come with a chiller, so you will need to purchase one separately.
Pros
- Its built-in heating element allows you to mash and boil your wort in the same vessel.
- The stainless-steel double-wall construction ensures that your wort will stay at a consistent temperature.
- It comes with internal sparging baskets that make it easy to sparge your wort without having to remove the lid. This also means adding more water to your mash without having to remove the grain.
- The built-in pump makes it easy to transfer your wort to your fermentation vessel.
Cons
- It does not come with a chiller, so you will need to purchase one separately.
- The stainless-steel construction makes it heavier than some other models on the market.
- The pump is not as powerful as some other models, so you may need to upgrade if you plan on brewing larger batches.
- Mash up to 16lb of Malt
- Maximum Capacity of 7.5 Gallons
- Double Wall, Stainless Steel Construction
Best BIAB System for Beginners: The Grainfather G30 Connect
Beginners have a lot to consider when choosing a brewing system, and the Grainfather G30 Connect is a great choice for those just starting out. Just like others on the list, the G30 Connect is an all-in-one system that can mash, boil, and ferment your beer. It is constructed from high-quality 304 stainless steel, making it durable.
The heating element on the G30 Connect is very powerful, allowing you to boil the wort in as little as 30 minutes. The system also comes with a MagDrive pump that is very quiet and easy to use. This system also has a connect controller that makes it easy to control the temperature of your mash, and the connected app allows you to monitor and control the brewing process from your phone.
Unlike others on the list, it has a counterflow wort chiller that attaches to the pump, making it easy to chill your wort quickly and efficiently. The tempered glass lid found on the G30 Connect is also a nice touch, allowing you to see the process as it happens. The only downside of the system is the occasional clogging or stuck sparge of the pump.
Pros
- The tempered glass lid allows you to see the process as it happens. The glass also ensures that your wort will not be exposed to too much light, which can cause off-flavors.
- The heating element is very powerful, allowing you to boil the wort in as little as 30 minutes.
- The system comes with a MagDrive pump that is very quiet and easy to use.
- You can easily monitor and control the brewing process from your phone with the connected app.
Cons
- The pump can occasionally get clogged or stuck when sparging. This can be frustrating and cause delays in the brewing process.
- The connectivity between the app and the controller can sometimes fail, leading to frustration.
- Use the Connect Control Box in conjunction with the Connect App and Grainfather Brewing Community...
- Grainfather Grain Kit recipes provided in the app Ability to import recipes (Beer XML files) - NOTE:...
- A 6 Watt, 1,800 RPM magnetic powered pump has been fitted to recirculate the wort through the grain...
Best BIAB System for Advanced Brewers: Klarstein Maischfest Bockbier
If you are an advanced brewer looking for a system that can handle larger batch sizes, the Klarstein Maischfest Bockbier is a great choice. Unlike others on the list, this system comes in three sizes, 6.6 gallons, 7.9 gallons, or 9.25 gallons, making it perfect for those brewing 10-gallon batches or larger.
Like others on the list, this system is made of high-quality 304 stainless steel making it durable and non-reactive. It has a 1600-watt heating element that can quickly boil your wort, and the built-in pump makes it easy to transfer your wort to the fermenter. It is also programmable, so you can set it to mash and boil your wort on a schedule. The only downside of the system is that the control system sometimes has issues, causing the system to overheat or boil over.
Pros
- The system is available in three sizes, making it perfect for advanced brewers brewing larger batches.
- The system is made of high-quality 304 stainless steel, making it durable and non-corrosive
- The 1600-watt heating element can quickly boil your wort.
- The system is programmable, making monitoring the progress of the brew easy.
Cons
- The control system can sometimes overheat or boil over. This can be frustrating and cause delays in the brewing process.
- Over-heating can also lead to off-flavors in your beer if not carefully monitored.
- VERSATILE: Whether you prefer light or dark, top or bottom fermented, wheat or pilsner, with the...
- COMFORTABLE: Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hobby brewer, the mash kettle provides a...
- INTUITIVE OPERATION: A clearly arranged touch panel with LCD display makes it possible to set the...
Best BIAB System for Professionals: Blichmann Engineering Riptide Brewing Pump
The Blichmann Engineering Riptide Brewing Pump is a great choice for professional brewers looking for a system that can handle large batches. Like others on the list, the system is made of stainless steel and features a 1/2 hp motor that can move up to 18 gallons per minute. It also has a 10 feet cord and a GFCI(ground-fault circuit interrupter) plug for safety.
The system is backed with a stainless-steel head that rotates 360 degrees. This allows you to position the pump exactly where you need it without worrying about kinking or twisting the hose. The pump also comes with a check valve that prevents backflow, making it a great choice for commercial brewing applications.
It is made of high-quality materials and features durable construction that will withstand years of use. In addition, the tri-clamp fittings are easy to disassemble, making the cleaning process hassle-free. The only drawback to the system is that it’s not programmable like the Grainfather G30 Connect
Pros
- The pump is made of stainless steel and features a 1/2 hp motor that can move up to 18 gallons per minute.
- The system is backed with a stainless-steel head that rotates 360 degrees.
- The pump comes with a check valve that prevents backflow.
- The system is made of high-quality materials and features durable construction and easy-to-disassemble tri-clamp fittings.
Cons
- The system is not programmable, making it less convenient to use.
- The pump may be too powerful for some brewers, making it difficult to control the wort flow.
- High performance curved blade impeller and strong rare earth magnets deliver 7 GPM and up to 21ft...
- Tri-clamp head connection fully disassembles in seconds for easy cleaning
- 1/2" NPT inlet and outlet connections
Best Entry-level BIAB System: Northern Brewer Gigawort Electric Boil Kettle
Northan Brewer's Gigawort is an electric all-in-one system, and it’s also very budget-friendly for beginner brewers. It has many great features that make it ideal for those just getting started with brewing. The system has a capacity of 4.4 gallons, so it’s ideal for small batches. Like Blichmann Engineering Riptide Brewing Pump, it is made of 304 stainless steel, so it’s durable and easy to clean.
The 600-watt heating element is located at the base of the kettle, so it heats up quickly and also helps to keep the beer at a consistent temperature. The kettle also has a double-wall construction that helps to keep the heat in, so your beer won’t cool down too quickly.
Unlike others on the list, it has isoflow bulkhead that allows you to transfer your beer from the kettle to your fermenter easily. It also has a pre-set temperature control, so you can easily set the temperature of your beer and forget about it. The only downside to this system is that it doesn’t come with a pump, so you’ll need to purchase one separately.
Pros
- It has a clear LED display for monitoring what is going on with your brew
- Isoflow bulkhead makes for easy transferring
- Pre-set temperature control is a nice touch that ensures your beer will be at the perfect temperature.
- The stainless steel design is both durable and easy to clean
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a pump, so you’ll need to purchase one separately
- The heating element is at the bottom, which can make for inconsistent heating
- Dual element, 1600W for heating to boiling, 600W for maintaining boil
- Double walled construction for better heat retention
- Delayed Start feature, 3.5 hour shut-off to prevent total evaporation and safety.
Features to Consider Before Buying a BIAB System
| Capacity (Gallons) | Heating Element (Watts) | Wort Chiller | |
| Northern Brewer Gigawort Electric Boil Kettle | 4.4 | 600 | No |
| Klarstein Maischfest Bockbier | 6.6-9.25 | 1600 | No |
| The Grainfather G30 Connect | 6.0 | 600 | Yes |
When looking for a BIAB system, there are several things you need to take into account. You don’t want to end up with a system that doesn’t suit your needs, so it’s important to know what to look for. The following are some of the most important factors you need to consider:
Capacity
The capacity of the system is one of the most important things you need to consider. This is because it will determine how much beer you can brew in one go. If you want to brew large batches of beer, then you need to get a system with a large capacity. On the other hand, if you only want to brew small batches, then you can get a system with a smaller capacity.
Most Brewers prefer to have a system with a large capacity since it allows them to brew more beer at once. This saves time and effort since you don’t have to brew multiple batches. For example, the Klarstein Maischfest Bockbier brewing system has a capacity of 9.25 gallons, while Northern Brewer Gigawort Electric Boil Kettle only has a capacity of 4.4 gallons.
Heating Element
The heating element is another important factor you need to consider. This is because it will determine how quickly your wort will boil. If you want to brew high-gravity beers, then you need to get a system with a powerful heating element.
You don’t want your wort to boil too slowly since it can cause off-flavors in your beer. However, on the other hand, you also don’t want it to boil too quickly since it can cause the wort to caramelize.
The best way to know if the heating element is powerful enough is to check the wattage. A system with a higher wattage will have a more powerful heating element. This means that it can boil your wort faster, saving you time. For instance, the Klarstein Maischfest Bockbier brewing system has a heating element with a wattage of 1600, capable of heating your wort quickly.
Control Panel
The control panel is one of the essential parts of the system. This is because it allows you to control the temperature, time, and other settings of the brewing process. It’s important to get a system with a user-friendly control panel so you can easily manage the brewing process.
The Northan Brewer’s Gigawort has a control panel that is very user-friendly. It has a large LED display that shows you the temperature, time, and other settings. It also has a button that allows you to start and stop the brewing process.
Chiller
A chiller is a great addition to any BIAB system. This is because it helps you cool your wort quickly, which is essential for brewing high-quality beer. If you want to brew high-gravity beers, then you need to get a system with a chiller.
Most of these systems come with a wort chiller, which is a great addition. This is because it helps you cool your wort quickly, saving you time. However, some like Brewer’s Edge do not come with a wort chiller. Here, you will need to purchase one separately.
The Pump
A pump is another great addition to these systems. This is because it helps you circulate the wort, which is essential for brewing high-quality beer. If you want to brew high-gravity beers, then you need to get a system with a pump.
Most of these systems come with a recirculation pump, which is a great addition. A well-circulated wort results in a better-tasting beer. Ensure you get a system with a high-quality pump like the ones from Anvil Foundy.
Thermometer
A thermometer will help you monitor the temperature of your wort. This is important since you need to maintain a specific temperature for brewing high-quality beer. No one wants to drink beer that tastes like it was brewed at the wrong temperature.
It’s important to get a system with a built-in thermometer so you can easily monitor the temperature of your wort. The Klarstein Maischfest Bockbier is an excellent option since it comes with a built-in thermometer, and you can monitor everything from the control panel.
False Bottom
A false bottom is a perforated plate that goes at the bottom of the mash tun. It helps you separate the wort from the grains. Most brewers prefer to have a false bottom since it makes the brewing process more efficient.
Ensure that your false bottom is made of stainless steel. This will hinder the unnecessary oxidation of your beer. Also, make sure that the holes are small enough so the grains don’t pass through. An example of a system with a false bottom is the Anvil Foundy.
Sparge Arm
A sparge arm is an ideal addition to these systems as it helps you evenly distribute the hot water over the grains. A quality beer needs to have a well-milled grain bed for lautering. That is why most brewers prefer to have a dedicated sparge arm.
Ensure that your sparge arm is made of stainless steel. You don’t want any off-flavors in your beer. Also, make sure that the arm is adjustable. This will help you customize your sparge for different grain bills. An example of a system with a sparge arm is the Anvil Foundry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIAB Better Than Extract?
Yes, BIAB is better than extract brewing. This is because it results in a more flavorful beer. Extract brewing only uses a small amount of the malt, while BIAB uses the entire grain. This results in a more complex flavor.
Is BIAB All Grain?
Yes, BIAB is an all-grain brewing method. This means that you will be using malt, hops, water, and yeast to brew your beer. This way, you will have complete control over the flavor of your beer and can create any style you want.
What Is the Best BIAB System?
The best BIAB system is the one that meets your specific brewing needs. If you want to brew high-gravity beers, then you need to get a system with a chiller and pump. However, if you only want to brew low-gravity beers, then you can just use a system with a false bottom.
Conclusion
Having the best BIAB system will help you brew beer that tastes great. That is why selecting the right system for your specific needs is important. Make sure to consider all the features that are important to the brewing process. This will help you make an informed decision.
