Equipment & Setup
All-in-One Electric Brewing Systems
The Modern Brewery in a Box
All-in-one (AIO) electric brewing systems combine a kettle, heating element, mash basket, and temperature controller in a single vessel. They enable all-grain brewing indoors with minimal space, no propane, and automated temperature control.
How They Work
AIO systems use a recirculating mash process: a pump continuously circulates wort from the bottom of the kettle through the grain basket and back over the top. This maintains uniform temperature throughout the mash and acts as a continuous vorlauf for clear wort.
After mashing, the grain basket is lifted out (like a giant tea infuser), the wort drains into the kettle, and the built-in heating element brings it to a boil. Hop additions, cooling, and transfer follow conventional procedures.
Popular Systems
Grainfather G30/G70 — the pioneer of the AIO category. Bluetooth app control, built-in pump, and a well-designed grain basket. The G30 handles 5-gallon batches. Counter-flow chiller and accessories available. $500-700.
Anvil Foundry — Blichmann's entry in the AIO market. Available in 6.5 and 10.5 gallon sizes. 120V or 240V options. Recirculating pump, adjustable grain basket, and whirlpool port. Competitive pricing at $350-500.
Clawhammer Supply — a 120V system designed for apartment brewers. Compact, well-built, and produces excellent beer. Built-in pump and temperature control. $500-600.
Spike Solo — premium build quality, modular design, and 240V heating for faster boils. Made in the USA. $600-800.
120V vs 240V
120V systems plug into standard outlets but take longer to heat and boil. A 1650W element struggles with vigorous boils above 5 gallons.
240V systems require a dedicated outlet (like a dryer plug) but provide 3500-5500W, enabling fast heating and a vigorous boil. If you have access to a 240V outlet, the upgrade is worthwhile.
Advantages of AIO
- All-grain brewing in a kitchen or small apartment
- Automated step mashing with programmable temperature profiles
- Built-in recirculation for consistent mash temperatures
- No propane tanks, no outdoor setup
- Easy cleaning — one vessel to wash
Limitations
- Limited batch size (most max out at 5-6 gallons)
- 120V systems boil slowly
- Cannot do decoction mashing easily
- Higher upfront cost than a DIY three-vessel system
Who Should Buy One
AIO systems are ideal for apartment brewers, brewers without outdoor space, and anyone who values convenience and compactness. They produce beer equal in quality to any three-vessel system.