Discover the secret to brewing delicious beer in even the smallest of spaces!
Home brewing beer can be a fun experience, but many don’t know that it can be done in small spaces. Brewing beer doesn’t have to require an entire room dedicated to the process. This article will cover tips on how to home brew in small spaces. You’ll learn the necessary steps to take, along with helpful advice on what equipment to choose, and how to keep the process simple and mess-free. So, if you’re looking to craft your own beer without taking up a lot of space, then get ready to learn the essentials to home brewing in small spaces.
Tips for Home Brewing in Small Spaces
Brewing beer at home is an increasingly popular hobby. Not only is it cheaper than purchasing craft beer from the store, but it’s a satisfying and enjoyable experience that allows you to make exactly the type of beer you want. If you’re fortunate enough to live in a home with enough space to dedicate a brewing area, congratulations! You’ll have much more room to work with than someone living in a cramped apartment.
That doesn’t mean that those living in small spaces can’t enjoy home brewing, though. Here are some tips so you can brew some delicious beer while you’re in tight quarters.
Choose the Best Equipment for the Space You Have
The good news is that home brewing equipment comes in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll be able to find something that fits your space. Since there’s less square footage to work with, you may want to opt for a smaller brewing kit. That means bypassing the 80-quart mash tuns and going with a much more manageable five- or 10-gallon one. To save space, you can also look for a three-piece ball valve as opposed to three single valves.
You’ll also want to stock up on appropriate containers. Many brewers prefer carboys and buckets, but those take up a ton of space. Try square or rectangular containers instead. Better yet, consider demijohns, which are small and easy to store. When picking bottles, opt for the 12-ounce size instead of the 22-ounce ones. Not only will they store more easily, they’ll also provide you with manageable portions to share with friends or enjoy yourself.
Set Up an Efficient Brewing Area
Choose a spot in your home that makes the most sense and is easy to clean up. This could be your kitchen, living room, or even a closet — wherever it’s convenient for you. There are kits that offer all-in-one brewing systems that you can easily fold up and store when you’re finished working. Whatever spot you decide is best, make sure you’re able to pull out the equipment you need without knocking over or spilling any of the ingredients. Organization is key — and it’s one of the most efficient ways to take advantage of a small area.
Choose Your Equipment Carefully
Is your stove top crowded? It may be time to upgrade to a propane burner. A good burner will give you much more control of the heat. Plus, since it’s so much lighter than a stove, you can easily move it around and tuck it away in a corner when you’re done. That’s a great way to free up much-needed space.
You can also look for ways to multi-task with your gear. Adapters and racking tubes with built-in manifolds are two good examples. The more efficient you are with your equipment, the easier it will be to maximize the space you have.
Make Good Use of Wall Space
Let’s face it: your walls are relatively untapped real estate. Hooks, knobs and shelves are great ways to make use of wall space, giving you the opportunity to hang items that you usually have lying on your counter top.
- Hooks can be used to hang your hydrator, mash paddle, mash tun, and sparge arm.
- Knobs can be used to hang your measuring spoons and thermometers.
- Shelves can be used to store ingredients and tools.
Brew in Batches Instead of Full Batches
When your space is limited, you may want to consider brewing in batches instead of full batches. This means halving your recipes and producing half the amount you would normally make. That way, you don’t feel like you’re wasting excess ingredients. Not to mention, you’ll have more room in your oven or stove to work with. However, be sure to double-check all of your measurements when you’re using smaller numbers.
Be Smart About Storage
When you’re in a small space, it’s important to be smart about storage. Look for ways to organize your brewing area so all of your items have