The heating methods for craft beer are generally divided into direct fire heating, electric heating and steam heating. The heating of beer equipment has evolved from direct fire (wood, coal), steam and electric heaters to indirect heating with heat transfer oil and direct fire heating with burners.
 
Steam heating
Steam is produced by burning electricity, gas, fuel oil, bio-pellets etc. Local electric steam generators are mostly used where powered three-phase electricity is available. The failure rate is low, routine maintenance is less, it is less work and it is in line with national environmental policies.
Oil-fired boilers do not have burners as easy to use as gas boilers. Diesel additions, volatile odour, winter waxing and impurities blocking the oil circuit can occur, but the problem of no gas and no electricity can be solved.
 
Electric heating
Electric heating is used the most, especially in the leaching of the mash a process of brewing equipment, rarely in the mash pot. The heat that accumulates on the surface of the electric heating tube is very large and difficult to conduct out in a short time, which can cause problems with material burning. In addition, the surfaces are difficult to clean and the use of the equipment is decreasing. In some countries, due to the strict regulation of boilers and not wanting to have problems in this area, electric heating tubes, electric heaters and heat transfer oil are available.
 
Direct burner heating
The burner is removed from the boiler and installed at the bottom of the heating pot. The combustion chamber is insulated with refractory material in addition to the bottom of the pan and is also very efficient. The chimney can be fitted with a casing for the discharge of water for heat recovery and reuse. This also avoids legal and regulatory restrictions and saves boiler space, which is much better than with electric heaters. Direct fire heaters are much more expensive than steam heating, so they need to be considered.
 
While there are many heating options available, it is important to consider the energy conditions of the location where the beer equipment is installed and make a decision based on local conditions.
 
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