Brewing with Propane in a Garage

General Homebrew Discussion
1

I’ve finally moved, and I’m thinking of starting back up brewing. Our new home has a nice garage, and I’m trying to decide if I want to build a brewing sculpture that can be wheeled out into the driveway, or just brew in the garage.

I know there are safety considerations with burning propane in the garage, but I don’t know any more than that. Getting the moisture from the boil out of the garage will be really important as well, I don’t want to rust any of my tools.

Can anyone who’s looked at this sort of decision chime in with what they ended up doing, and why?

2

Is your garage detached or attached?  Burning down your garage is not that a big deal compared to burning down your house.

While I don’t brew in a garage - I brew in a basement - CO monitors are key.  I use two for redundancy.

3

I have a large sliding door on one side of the garage and windows on the other.  I open them all when I brew.  If it’s really cold, not al the way.  I also have a CO monitor which I feel is invaluable, as well as a fire extinguisher handy.

4

I have the CO2 monitor, but not a fire extinguisher. Top priority before I brew again. Side note: CO2 monitors/smoke alarms/fire extinguishers have an expiration date. 10 years typically for smoke alarms, 5-15 depending on your fire extinguisher.

I’m currently planning a stand (BIAB, looking at a propane tank weight sensor, table/drawers for brew day gear, mill, etc.). I usually brew in my garage, which is fine and comfortable. Crack the garage door and the rear exterior door in the winter, wide open in the summer. I brewed a batch with a buddy in my backyard (extract), and it was SO much nicer: 1. Not being in a garage (It’s usually pretty clean, but still), and 2. Being fully outside, in the woods. I’d say if you can figure out how to get to the backyard/deck/patio, do it.

5

I brew in an attached garage that has a small window. I open the window and open the garage door about a foot from the ground. Never had an issue. I also have two fire extinguishers nearby. I suppose a CO monitor is a good idea…

6

Like Denny, I have a large garage door, window and service door.  I use a CO detector and a fan for better ventilation…but I recently went electric.  After installing a controller and GFCI at the breaker, I still use everything but the CO meter (it’s there, but I have no worries about propane now - ventilation is just for steam venting).  Go for it…safely!

7

So, basically make sure there’s plenty of ventilation, and use a CO detector.

Garage is an attached three car with a window and back door, so ventilation won’t be a problem. I’ve already got a couple fire extinguishers out there, since I do auto work out there those aren’t optional.

Might be able to score a nice used system…if that works out I’ll likely just wheel it out front to keep any sticky messes off the garage floor.

8

That’s what I’ve done for years and no problems.  Of course, if you are storing other flammables in the garage, I’d suggest outside brewing.  Best of luck to you - I hope your new arrangement works out.

9

I hope you mean CO and not CO2.

10

Ive brewed in the attached garage for 2 years now no problems. Door stays open garage door about a foot but all the way when the full boil happens too much team to get rid of. By the way dont store you propane tanks in the garage either.

11

Aside from a tin of denatured alcohol and a stock of motor oil, no. Gasoline and lawn mowers NEVER belong in a garage, let alone one where any real work gets done.

I’m hoping to have an arc welder shortly, so I’m becoming a stickler about flammables…

12

I’m so glad I don’t proof read my posts! Good catch Denny.

Whats the plan for the welding gear? Welding SS, or for working on cars?

13

I did it once when it was raining outside.  Large garage door. two windows and smaller door open.  Good cleanup before firing up propane burner.

No sweat, but I prefer to brew outside and have  done it in somewhat cold weather–okay, not cold by N. Dakota standards.

14

Hopefully both, but definitely more on the car side.

+1. Brewing in Maryland cold can be fun.

15

I’ve brewed in the garage for many years without even cracking the door, but our garage is not insulated and has vented soffits, so there is a lot of airflow.  I’ve never felt weird or anything.  The moisture is kind of a concern, but with the vented soffits I think it’s a non-issue.  Better safe than sorry, though.  A bit of prevention goes a long way.  Recently I bought a Grainfather, so I’m shifting to indoor electric brewing, and it is soooo sweet.  Be safe out there, fellas.

16

I’d guess you’ll be fine. I’m brewing in my attached greenhouse, which isn’t much bigger than a one-car garage. I open the window and the window in the screen door (not even the door itself) and the meter has never even chirped.

17

I might be sensitive and/or my burner might not be efficient, because I can’t get away with this… I feel pretty crummy, light headed dizzyish when I burn in the garage.  Outdoors for me, it’s usually more enjoyable out there anyway!

18

Well I scored a used brewing sculpture for a price that was too good to pass up. Since it has wheels, I don’t intend to brew in the garage. Any vapors, and sticky messes, will be out in the driveway.