BASEMENT HOME BREWERY BUILD COMPLETE!! (For Now) | Full Tour

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

MAJOR BASEMENT BREWERY COMPONENTS: HOOD: amzn.to/3u7jg3Y DUCTING: amzn.to/3ub87ze VENT: amzn.to/3Kb4uPh TABLE: amzn.to/3j6i6zh 120V/20 AMP GFCI RECEPTACLE: amzn.to/371AruS HOSE: amzn.to/3M0bSh5 PULLEY: amzn.to/3DI7sIC COLLAPSIBLE SHELVES: amzn.to/3ub87ze FERMENTATION FRIDGE: amzn.to/3j8VWww

[@kampferpower]

Nice work! I have the same range fan in my kitchen and I plan on moving it to the brewery when we do a kitchen remodel.

[@CanadianBrewingChannel]

I can not believe how close my first brewing room build was to yours! I did start with the Clawhammer 230vac instead of the 120. But I had the fan for condensation similar to you through a window and a pulley system for my BIAB. I moved a few years after I finished it and had to start all over! I still use the Clawhammer controller but had to get a Spike condensate lid because my new space has no window. Also had to buy a spike 20 gallon kettle because the condensate lid would not fit on the Clawhammer kettle so no more using the BIAB. I use a 10 gallon water thermos for mashing and do a fly sparge by using gravity. Hope you can check out both my builds on my channel to see our differences. Love your different styles of beer you do and glad to see you still put out content. I am lagging way behind on my videos and a lot of brewing channels have also gone away. Cheers!

[@campbells4553]

Once I get a bigger house I will definitely take some items from this! Thanks as always!

[@sjporr]

That’s a great space. I’m still trying to work out the hood issue with my system. Cheers

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

My only advice is get way more CFM than you think you need

[@Bullsbrew551]

Thanks for the update things are coming along. Looking forward to watching the first brew video there.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Coming soon!

[@japhethwillmore7538]

HVAC guy here. If you’re looking for a way to drain condensate from the exhaust without a floor drain, use a condensate pump. You can run it to a wash tub if you’ve got one or outside.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Thank you!

[@AddkisonAlesAndLagers]

Really nice setup! I love build and equipment videos just as much as brew days. Cheers!

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Awesome! I'm glad you like that kind of content, trying to keep things interesting during the pause in brewing!

[@PatrickSandy78]

Congratulations on getting everything done and filmed.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Thank you!

[@slowrvr]

Nice set up. Like seeing the progress. You might want to put a cage over that vent or cover the whole window frame with chicken wire as birds know how to open those louvers.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

You're the second person to recommend that, definitely will be doing that

[@evananderson5812]

Good morning Steve. On the electrical stuff, if the panel you'll be getting the 240 volt from isn't already set up for GFCI, you're better off installing an RV style GFCI outlet. In order to install a GFCI breaker, I'm pretty sure the bonding lug has to be inulated (float) from the box itself.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

I'm pretty sure it is since its the main panel for the condo but I will definitely need to look at it further.

[@curtpick628]

Well done Steve. Glad its working out

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Thanks Curt!

[@TroubleBrewing]

Great work! love the setup, enjoy brewing indoors! Personally made it much more enjoyable for me (especially during those cold months)

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Oh for sure!! Its nice to not be constrained by the weather, but I'll probably still do some outdoor brews during the summer months just for fun

[@njpmn]

Hi Steve - Looks like you are getting a nice set-up! You mentioned in this video that you were looking for your upgrade path to 240V. i had been using the 120V Clawhammer for a while and recently took an upgrade path to 240V via buying the 20 gallon kettle (10 gallon system) from Clawhammer. It provides lots of options and redundancy as I now have a 'spare' pump, plate chiller, quick connect tubes..... etc. But most of all, I can use the 240V controller and element in either the 10gal kettle or the 20gal kettle. (the 240V option makes fast work of 5 gallon batch!). I like your pully to lift the grain basket. With a big grain bill on a 10 gallon batch, I have found that a block and tackle on that overhead makes life even easier. I have a few fan favorites that are worth a 10 gallon batch (2x more beer for same amount of cleaning!), but also plan to do things like brewing a 10 gallon base of porter and then splitting into 2 boils in the two different kettles to do 5 gal each of trying a peanut butter and a coconut (5 gallons each). Still just an idea, but this upgrade path opens up the options. Looking forward to seeing where you take your set up. Cheers!

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Thanks for the info! If I stick with clawhammer I would most likely be keeping the kettle but swapping out the controller/elements like you said. I'm still pretty hesitant to move to a 10 gallon batch size since I just like to brew something different every few weeks. Cheers and I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@HopsANDgnarly]

Nice setup! Is there any chance for a brewery sink down there? That would make things even more convenient

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Eventually I'd like to tap into those PEX lines above the washer/dryer and set up a sink, but that's going to require a sump pump that can handle solids and some careful drainage work to run it into the sewer tack. That's a bit more money and effort than I have time for right now but in the future I would like to prioritize it!

[@karlbratcher6482]

Looking great! Some new overhead lighting will make it look even better on video. Keep up the good work.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Definitely something I want to work on. While they aren't turned on in this video, I still have my light stands from before that work out nicely during the brew day

[@domenicomonteleone3055]

Theapartmentbrewer amazing picture 📷 you have purchased a House and rough in a Brewery in the Basement excellent idea 💡 my I ask what you have brewed in your Brewery I have alot of respect for you I want to wish your wife a Happy Mother's Day to her from 🇨🇦 #YSW respect back to you 🙏 both 😊

[@brewingbadTN]

Nice setup! All you need now to keep from having to go outside is a water connection and a drain. I know that’s been a lot of work but you will enjoy the benefits. Looking forward to seeing the basement brew vids.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

I think eventually there will be that water connection setup but it will be a while. Regardless I'll make a video on it when the time comes. Cheers!

[@Jango1989]

Looking great. Nicely organised and definitely +1 for the stainless steel table; they are so good!

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Thanks! I didn't expect the table to be as awesome of an upgrade as it was!

[@ronnyskaar3737]

Great. Very practical and to the point. Congrats!

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Thank you!

[@fredmarzillier750]

Awesome brewery! I love it

[@johnrettner4907]

I highly recommend the ratcheting pulleys. They basically eliminate the chance of the rope slipping and dropping the basket back in :)

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Yes, this is something that I'll be upgrading soon. The existing pulley is in there since I realized last minute I didn't have one ready on brew day and had to go to the hardware store!

[@raulromero6462]

Nice👌 Legally does the outlets have to be water proof like a IP69 or IP55?

[@tooidiotsbrewingcompany8137]

The Basement Brewery is looking awesome. I love brewing in the basements. I am going to have to check out your hood/fan since I am only using a old basic hood/fan that use to be in my kitchen. It is not enough to not keep the smells from going upstairs.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Thanks! So far I've been pretty happy with the hoods performance! Just make sure you duct it properly and have return airflow

[@X_TheHuntsman_X]

Man, if I was your neighbor, I'd love the smell of beer brewing. Haha! Brings me joy! :)

[@RiggerBrew]

Looks like you are well on your way to be a basement dweller ;) Looking forward to seeing how well this setup works for you long term.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Definitely!! I'll be slowly working on improving the space more as time goes by. Cheers!

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

Looks awesome Steve! Glad you were able to get some brews in. Looking forward to both those vids in the future!

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Thanks man!! I did my first brew last week so I'm hoping to get that content finished up soon!

[@jackhandy7237]

Nice brewery! I am almost done with my setup (working on finishing up the keezer). I brew in the basement and vent outside. However, unlike you I went cheap on the range hood and found out that 250 CFM is not enough. I saw the guy from Trouble Brewing using it in his brewery so I thought I would do the same. I think I should have went more towards 700 CFM to make sure I get most of the steam and smell out. The kids don't like the smell.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Thanks! Yeah that was my initial plan as well but I wanted to be damn sure I had enough CFM, and this hood does the trick! The longer the duct is and the more curves you have the slower the airflow will be

[@user-nb5un4bz8l]

I’m interested in knowing how the water in the new place compares to that at the old apartment.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Hey!! I haven't tested the tap water yet, I just use distilled or spring water for the most part now. When I used to live in Boston I remember the water being pretty good for brewing!

[@PartyTimeBrewing]

Awesome overview of the brewery, it'll be nice to have that setup! I'm hoping to start working on my venting solution soon. And I need to GFCI protect myself sometime soon as well... Cheers!

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Thanks! I'm pretty happy with it! Make sure you get on that GFCI!!

[@kennethstilwell2694]

upgrades look good

[@BEERNBBQBYLARRY]

I missed something prior to this video. Are you no longer an apartment brewer? I've never seen a basement come with an apartment. Did you buy a house? What state do you live in? I'm curious about the electrical building code there. In Illinois, all wiring must go through conduit which makes projects like this much harder to do.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Hey Larry! Yep, long story short I moved into the condo my fiancee owns in Massachusetts and the basement has great brewing potential. I made a playlist with the other videos from this series in it if you want more details. I checked the code and there is no conduit requirement, that sounds like a pain to work with!

[@oneoeightales2772]

Looks super functional in its infancy. Wish I could brew in place and not have to bring everything upstairs and outside every time I brew. Cheers!

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

So far so good! Still hauling stuff upstairs and outside to clean so I feel your pain!

[@NikitaVorontsov]

Looks dope! Looking forward to some Limited Edition TheBasementBrewer Merch! Haha but no i'm loving the gym brewery, how often do other people from the building come down into the basement?

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Ha! Maybe I'll put something together to celebrate it? Its pretty much my own space, I put the kegerator upstairs in the main area so I don't expect there would be all that much visiting the brewery

[@tommanning7337]

I like it, cool setup man. 👍🏻👍🏻🍺🍺

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Thanks Tom it's been great so far!

[@bryansnyder9971]

What temp range is your fermentation fridge? I didn't see it on its amazon link. Are you setting it to the exact fermentation temp you want? The only refrigeration unit I've seen that can get temps high enough is the RAPT Fermentation Chamber. Love the channel!

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Originally it was actually a chest freezer, so it can go way down below freezing. I have a seedling plant mat inside though which gradually raises the temps up to as high as the 90s F. I have been measuring the temps from the fermenter wall so it seems to do a pretty good job when hooked up to an inkbird.

[@svega1100]

It's been awhile since I seen any of your recent videos. It seems like you bought a house so I guess that makes you a house Brewer instead of an apartment Brewer LOL. Well congratulations on the new house and I'll be looking forward to more videos in the new brewery. Cheers!

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Welcome back! Its a shared building actually, setup as a condo, moving in with the future wife. Thanks!

[@stevekeller4404]

This looks amazing. I'm not trying to be that guy, but be careful with that hood. 1000cfm is a lot of air. That's more than twice the volume where make up air is required, at least in my state. Just open a window, and in your case seems like an old house, so it's likely ok. But you could pull in your furnace or water heater emissions back into the house! We are all trying to keep you safe. Thanks for the videos

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Yeah that's why I have a two carbon monoxide alarms down there

[@lukedeibert7434]

Awesome setup! I've been enjoying these setup/behind the scenes videos. You mentioned you were mulling over 240V upgrade paths; are you planning to stick with BIAB? Considering a three vessel system at all, whether HERMs, RIMs, or something else? Looking forward to watching the first "Basement Brews"!

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Yep, I think I will. Three vessel would be awesome but I dont think the space will support it right now. Theres a potential two vessel option I've been mulling over but still will involve a BIAB centric design

[@jimleblanc2946]

Fellow New Englander here. I am a 240 volt brewer and was wondering what exhaust hood you would use?

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

I want to say that this one should still be sufficient for a 240V system, but I have yet to brew with it with 240V. Hopefully soon I'll get a 240V upgrade going and can really test it out

[@matthewkaiser310]

Hello Steve! Just wanted to see if you have tried any 240v brews yet with this hood? I'm moving from the garage to the basement and want to find a decent hood. I'm also upgrading to 240v and I don't want to steam up the basement or make the house smell. Cheers!!

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Yup! Two in fact. And it holds up!!

[@mikes1430]

Hood did not have any condensate drips back in kettle? Martin Keen had a hood but his dripped condensation.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Yeah there is some but its not enough to worry about

[@mikes1430]

@@TheApartmentBrewer That's good to hear. I had thought about adding a vent hood in my basement, but after seeing Martin's video about the condensation, I had real reservations. Now that you seem to have no real issues, I might have to re-think this. Thanks!

[@chrisparisi7291]

I'm getting ready to set up an Anvil Foundry in my basement. I don't plan on brewing more than once a month, if that - really wondering whether I need the ventilation like you have. I've got a dehumidifier down there already.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

If its a 120V boil and you're really only brewing once a month, you'll probably be fine, but its the long term effects that you'll want to worry about. I brew roughly every two weeks and will eventually be moving to a more vigorous 240V powered boil so that demands ventilation. When you think about it, thats 1 or more gallons of sugar water thats getting absorbed into the building if you don't ventilate

[@chrisparisi7291]

@@TheApartmentBrewer Good points all around, thanks.

[@GentleGiantFan]

Looks good. What size is that stainless rack and where did you get it?

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Its something like 4 ft x 7 ft x 1 ft, but there are a lot of configurations, and they come smaller and larger. I got mine at target, and you can find them at many different hardware stores but this is pretty similar if you want to stick with online: amzn.to/3ub87ze

[@GentleGiantFan]

@@TheApartmentBrewer Thanks. I'm a garage brewer that's downsized a lot. A couple of those on some casters will be perfect for my needs.

[@adamgodofwar666]

Nice setup! I'm glad your hoodfan really sucks!!! Ventilation is something I need to work on to keep my wife quiet, for a minute!

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Hahaha yeah man that hood sucks big time!

[@Peter-Southern-Victoria-Aust]

I'm from Victoria south East Australia, I was wondering are you allowed to do your own electrical wiring like adding power points and wiring them up? Because here it is illegal and you must get a electrician in to do it, if you do it yourself you can be fined, the only thing we can do 'legally' here is change a light bulb.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

That's unfortunate to hear, sounds like a lot of regulation in Australia! Here in the US most places allow you to do your own electrical work.

[@tman9338]

Looks good. What is max grain bill for your claw hammer basket?? I just did a 22.5 lb BIAG using nylon bag without pulley and it gets dicey pulling out hot bag.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Thanks! If you adjust the initial amount of strike water and opt for a thicker mash with sparge you can easily get 20+ in there. I just did a Belgian quad with 18 lb of grain and 8 gal strike water with room to spare

[@cmcurran5]

looks awesome man!

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Thanks!

[@westcoastbestcoast7683]

Looks great Steve. Jealous of the dedicated brew cave! I brew 100% outside but built a brew cabinet that I put my fermenters in. I do live in California though so weather isn’t usually an issue! Is this a new apartment or have you had this space ready to use for a while? What options are you weighing up for your 240v upgrade?

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Thanks! It's definitely a nice upgrade to have. This is my fiancee's condo that I'm gradually moving into, so its been in development for a while. For the 240V I'm looking at just setting up a 3500W induction burner first and using that for an HLT and boil kettle while I keep the clawhammer for mashing. But that may change later, we'll see whats on the market at that point

[@tyler8322]

The setup looks good. I just think that hood being so low and close to the kettle would drive me nuts, but you didn’t really have a choice. Is it worth the extra $600 to go to a 240v kettle over a 120v from ClawHammer? Realistically, how much time would I save?

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

It's low for sure, but I dont really mind it. Still plenty of space to add things to the kettle and stir. To answer your question, I think it would be worth it for the time savings and boil intensity upgrades alone. With 1600W it takes about 1 hour to get from room to mash temp, and then another 45 minutes to get from mashout to boil. With a 5500W element its going to take about 20-30 minutes for those steps

[@DangerZONEpixel]

Are you allowed to do your own electrical work in USA without a license?

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Depending on the state, town, and complexity of the work, yes.

[@jazzyboydc]

Can I request a video of a smashable lawnmower beer. I know u have a few already. But would appreciate a new updated video thnx

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

I've got a bunch of low ABV beers coming this year, hopefully a few of those will be similar to what you're looking for

[@vellakoil_Kattuseval]

Great work

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Xlr8ive]

Don't miss that Belgian video everyone

[@glleon80517]

Great progress, Steve! Most jurisdictions will let you do your own wiring but you may need to pull a permit and have a final inspection done to avoid problems with your hazard insurance if there is a fire. You need to be clear on who has the hazard insurance for the building and whether your portion of the basement is covered on your insurance. Former realtor talking here.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

I appreciate the concern, in my town you do not need a permit to simple electrical work like this - all I did was extend an existing circuit. The electrical code is pretty clear on this

[@Will-jd2br]

I hope this is an apartment that you bought and have equity in. Nice setup though.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Its a condo that my fiancee owns and I'm gradually moving into. Cheers!

[@JusBrewing]

Love the Basement Brewery! Does that mean you're the Basement Brewer now 🤔🤔

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

That seems to be what the people want haha

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Hey Steve! So are you changing the channel to be called TheBasmentBrewer in light of the new digs?! :-P Congrats buddy!

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Lol I don't know, maybe I will, but I dont really want to rename everything. Thanks!

[@Bassguitarist1985]

@@TheApartmentBrewer I hear ya! The brewery is looking great! Exciting to see the progress!

[@leroygross9144]

Cooking good 👍cheers 🍻

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Thank you!

[@thehoppyhour6297]

ELECTRICIAN 4 LIFE

[@davekimball3610]

Oh the cat is absolutely a perfect part of the brewery. It'll keep any rodents away free of charge.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Lol he likes to follow me around and see whats going on. Something tells me he's going to be a guest in many future videos haha

[@hottubking1229]

Sorry looks like an interesting video, but I can’t listen to music in background. 😢

[@perrymattes4285]

I saw your vents outside. Maybe put some heavy screen over the vent. It will attract mice and rats to the aroma. And they will eat through the plastic. 🐁

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

I appreciate the heads up! I'll definitely look into that

[@brianlongman9559]

You really need to put that wire in conduit. Seriously, hire a local electrician or at least pull a permit and get it inspected so you can get those violations fixed.

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

As far as I know (and I checked the local codes) conduit is not required in this situation in my municipality so this is not a violation. That being said I understand where you are coming from and it wouldn't be that hard to rerun this through some EMT