On to Mashing
On to Mashing!
All-grain brewing is the most traditional, flexible, and rewarding method of making beer, and at the heart of this process is the equipment that enables you to extract fermentable sugars directly from malted grain. Unlike extract brewing—where the conversion work has already been done—brewing all-grain gives you full control over mash temperature, efficiency, and flavor development. Because of this, the equipment you choose has a major impact on consistency, workflow, and the quality of your finished beer.
A classic all-grain setup includes three key vessels: a mash tun, a hot liquor tank, and a boil kettle. The mash tun is where grain and hot water mix to convert starches into sugars. Many homebrewers modify insulated coolers with a false bottom or stainless-steel braid, as they hold heat extremely well and are budget-friendly. Others prefer stainless steel mash tuns with valves, thermometers, and ports for pumps or recirculation—ideal for precise control and repeatability.
Instead of the traditional mash tun, some homebrewers embrace Brew-in-a-Bag (BIAB)—a simplified, highly effective all-grain method. BIAB uses a single kettle and a heat-resistant mesh bag to hold the grain during the mash. After conversion, the bag is lifted out, eliminating the need for a separate mash tun or lauter system. BIAB significantly lowers equipment costs and reduces footprint while making it an excellent entry point into all-grain brewing at a fraction of the cost. Despite its simplicity, BIAB can produce efficiency and quality comparable to more complex systems, especially when paired with a good mill and accurate temperature control.
The hot liquor tank (HLT) holds heated strike and sparge water. While a simple pot on a burner can serve as an HLT, a dedicated vessel helps maintain smooth workflow and temperature accuracy. As your brewing becomes more frequent or batches grow larger, a separate HLT becomes especially practical.
The boil kettle is where the wort is boiled and hops are added. Quality kettles often include ball valves, sight glasses, and ports for whirlpooling or adding electric elements. Accessories like immersion chillers, hop baskets, and trub strainers help streamline the hot-side process and improve clarity.
Additional equipment can further enhance the all-grain experience. A grain mill allows you to customize crush size, which directly influences efficiency. Pumps make recirculation and transferring hot wort safer and easier. Digital thermometers, temperature controllers, and insulated hoses help maintain stable mash temperatures—one of the most critical aspects of all-grain brewing. Advanced brewers may upgrade to HERMS or RIMS systems for ultra-precise temperature management and unmatched consistency.
Whether you choose a full three-vessel system, BIAB, or something in between, the right equipment empowers you to design recipes from scratch, experiment with specialty grains, and shape your beer’s flavor profile at every stage. All-grain brewing opens the door to deeper creativity and control, delivering a more immersive and rewarding brewing experience.
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