I've seen some reviews for Pico Brew, I think Mecca Grade uses it for test batches but I'm not sure thats the type of system I'd want to use. Ideally I'd like to still be able to make up to 5 gal batches again but with a smaller footprint. I currently have zero outdoor space at the moment and would be brewing in my enclosed patio. Do any of you have any experience with Brewer's Edge or similar? https://www.homebrewing.org/Brewers-Edge-Mash-Boil-All-Grain-Brewing-System_p_7497.html
I think "compact brewing systems" is a loaded term. Remember you also have to ferment your beer and clean up afterwards. An electric brewing setup might help a little if you are in a small apt., but it's not a panacea. I brewed in my kitchen on a gas stove for many years before my wife exiled me to the garage (along with the old stove). Good luck with whatever you decide.
I know totally what you mean, fermentation I'd do in a 5.0 cu ft deep freezer/kegerator combo. I had a full setup before but its been a couple years and now I know I can't use that same scale setup with the space that I have. Just trying to create a small of a footprint as possible.
I brew in an apartment on my gas stove. 42qt aluminum kettle that I added a ball valve, whirlpool, thermowell, and recirculation (CIP ball) to using a cheap solar pump from amazon. The kettle covers 2 gas burners and I also have a "hotrod." due to space limitations, I use 2.5G kegs, so generally only get 3.5G or so to fermenters. Based on boil intensity, the double burner + 1500w hot rod can definitely do 5G batches. When it comes to clean up, all tubing, pump, giant whisk, etc all fits inside the kettle. If i was more confident in my electrical knowledge, I would add a 1500w element to the kettle and control it for mash via a ibp-16 (which i did recently pick up for $80) and boil with that element and the hot rod. While all in, the mash and boil and robo brew are cheaper than what I put together (SS disconnects are surprisingly expensive), I understand that their temperature holds can be a bit finicky.
As an E-2, E-3 in the military and constantly moving I had a real Spartan system. I had(still have!) an 8 gallon pot, a strainer/sieve, a bottling bucket with gallon measurements on it, and a carboy. I made 5 gallon all grain batches and bottled into used soda 2-liter bottles. 5 gallon batches require big fermentors and bottling buckets.
