Author: Henry Chen Publish Time: 2026-01-20 Origin: Jinan Cassman Machinery Co., Ltd.
Selecting a brewhouse is like choosing a business partner: you need reliability, efficiency, and a relationship that lasts. The most critical technical decision you will make is choosing your heating source. Should you go with traditional Steam, Direct Fire Gas, or the increasingly popular Electric?
While electric systems have revolutionized the craft beer industry—particularly for breweries under 20 BBL—they are not a "one-size-fits-all" solution.
In this complete buyer's guide, we provide an honest, transparent breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of Cassman Electric Brewhouse Systems. Our goal is to help you cut through the noise and make the best decision for your business model.
For many modern craft breweries, especially those in urban environments, the benefits of electric systems far outweigh the drawbacks.
The physics of electric heating are undeniable.
How it works: Immersion elements are placed directly inside the liquid.
The Benefit: There is virtually zero heat loss. Unlike gas burners, which waste up to 50% of their energy heating the air and the metal pot, electric elements transfer nearly 100% of the energy into the wort. This lowers your carbon footprint and reduces the strain on your facility’s HVAC system.
Great beer requires consistency.
The Tech: Cassman Electric Systems utilize advanced PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controllers.
The Benefit: You can maintain mash temperatures within 0.1°C. The system pulses power gently to maintain the set point without the massive temperature swings common with on/off gas burners. This precision is critical for complex mash schedules and repeatable recipes.
This is often the deciding factor for startups.
No Boiler Room: You do not need to build a fire-rated room, install expensive steam piping, or manage condensate return lines.
No Flues: You do not need to cut holes in your roof for massive exhaust stacks.
The Benefit: You save tens of thousands of dollars on building renovations and permitting.
To make an informed choice, you must also understand the limitations.
The Challenge: Heating water takes a lot of energy. A 10 BBL electric brewhouse requires a significant amount of amperage (often 3-phase power).
The Reality: If your building only has residential-level power, upgrading the electrical panel can be costly.
The Solution: Before buying, request a spec sheet from Cassman. Compare the cost of an electrical upgrade against the cost of installing a steam boiler. Often, the electrical upgrade is still cheaper.
The Challenge: Electric heating is linear. To heat a 50 BBL tank, you would need an enormous number of elements and massive power cables.
The Reality: Electric is generally not efficient for mega-breweries (30 BBL+).
The Verdict: Electric is the "Sweet Spot" king for systems ranging from 1 BBL to 20 BBL. If you plan to brew 100,000 barrels a year, steam is likely better. If you are a brewpub or production microbrewery, electric is ideal.
The Challenge: Electric elements can scorch wort if not cleaned properly or if the flow rate is too low.
The Solution: This is a management issue, not a hardware flaw. By following standard CIP (Clean-In-Place) protocols and using Cassman’s polished sanitary elements, cleaning is straightforward and effective.
One common criticism is that high-quality electric vessels can have a higher sticker price than simple direct-fire pots.
This is where Cassman changes the equation.
By purchasing Factory Direct, you eliminate the importer's markup.
The Math: Even if an electric system costs slightly more to manufacture than a gas kettle, buying direct from Cassman often brings the price below what you would pay for a domestic gas system.
The Result: You get the premium features of electric (efficiency, precision) at a price point that makes your ROI (Return on Investment) extremely attractive.
Choose an Electric Brewhouse if:
You are opening a brewery in a city center, retail space, or historic building.
Your system size is between 1 BBL and 20 BBL.
You want to minimize installation headaches and permitting delays.
You value precise automation and repeatability.
Reconsider if:
You are building a massive industrial facility (30 BBL+) with cheap natural gas access.
Your building has severely limited electrical capacity that cannot be upgraded.
At Cassman, we believe in the power of electric brewing. It is cleaner, smarter, and—thanks to our Factory Direct model—more affordable than ever.
Still unsure? Send us your building's power specs and your production goals. We will give you an honest assessment of whether electric is your best path forward. Contact Cassman Today.
Q: Does electric brewing taste different?
A: No. Heat is heat. However, because electric elements have a lower surface temperature than a gas flame (which can reach 1000°F+), electric brewing actually reduces the risk of scorching, often resulting in a cleaner malt profile.
Q: What happens if an element fails during a brew?
A: Cassman systems are designed with multiple elements. If one fails, you can usually finish your brew day (albeit slower) using the remaining elements. Replacing an element is a simple 10-minute job once the tank is empty.
Q: Is electricity more expensive than gas?
A: It depends on your region. However, because electric is 99% efficient (vs 50% for gas), you use half the energy units to do the same work. This often equalizes the operating cost.
