So, the iGulu F1 showed that smart home brewing doesn’t have to mean buckets, timers, and sticky floors. It proved you could brew like a pro without turning your kitchen into a science lab.
But not everyone has space (or the need) for a big setup.
Enter iGulu S1. It’s the F1’s smaller, sleeker sibling, made for small-batch brewers and countertop brewers. Brew, ferment, chill, and pour—all from one compact little unit that costs less than $600 and actually fits next to your toaster.
In this article, we’ll break down what makes the S1 such a standout, so let’s dive straight in.
Core Specifications and Hardware
When it comes to homebrewing, it's important to balance precision, convenience, and compact design, and iGulu S1 tackles this head-on. Designed to make brewing easier without giving up control, this machine has many cool features that make it stand out.
Starting with the capacity, the S1 comes with a 1-gallon fermenter. This is just the right size for test batches or limited kitchen space. Whether you're experimenting with a new hop blend or brewing your first beer, this setup keeps things manageable.
Equipped with a 60 W semiconductor cooler, the S1 can maintain fermentation temperatures anywhere between 37.4°F and 86°F. This range covers everything from lager and IPA to cider and kombucha, allowing you to brew any fizzy drink you like.
The system supports 0–24 psi using its integrated air pump or an optional CO₂ adapter. This pressure is ideal for fermentation, natural carbonation, and closed transfers—techniques that can improve flavor stability and reduce exposure to oxygen or bacteria.
The iGulu S1 can bring the brew down from 86°F to 37°F in roughly 24 hours at room temperature. It’s not about speed here, but maintaining a stable, energy-efficient environment to ensure consistent fermentation and cold crashing.
Brewing is straightforward: add water, pour in the brew kit, and press “Start.” That’s it. This makes the S1 beginner-friendly, but it still offers enough flexibility for more experienced homebrewers to tweak and test their own recipes.
You can control the brewer directly through the built-in OLED display or by using the iGulu mobile app. You can check in on fermentation progress, adjust temperature settings, and receive alerts—all from your phone, meaning you don’t have to sit around and wait for your brew.
External CO₂ Adapter (Sold Separately)
The iGulu S1 is fully functional out of the box. You can upgrade your carbonation and storage game with the external CO₂ adapter—sold separately. This simple plug-and-play add-on allows you to use up to three units at once, which is particularly useful for those brewing multiple batches.
Basically, the adapter gives you better control over forced carbonation, helping you dial in precise CO₂ levels based on the style you're brewing. Whether you’re going for the crisp carbonation of a pilsner or a more subdued mouthfeel for a stout, you can achieve that precision with this simple tool.
Of course, it’s not just about carbonation. The CO₂ adapter also helps preserve finished batches. Keeping a layer of gas on top of the beer inside the fermenter prevents air from contacting it and causing oxidation. This is especially useful if you plan to store a batch before consumption.
And of course, for those brewing more than one batch at a time, the adapter allows you to connect up to three iGulu S1 units, making it a practical investment. You’ll only need one device to handle pressure control across all your brewers.
Brewing Power and Recipe Support
The iGulu S1 home brewing system isn’t limited to just one kind of drink. In fact, the brewer can handle a wide variety of drink styles right out of the box.
A crisp pilsner, a smooth porter, a refreshing wheat beer, or even non-beer options like kombucha or hard cider–the S1 comes pre-loaded with guided recipes to make any of these beverages, without having to research or fine-tune your settings.
All you have to do is select the style, add your ingredients, and the system will take care of temperature, time, and pressure automatically.
That might not sound too exciting if you’re a more experienced brewer. In your case, a more impressive feature might be the Master Mode.
This option gives you full control over the most important parameters like fermentation temperature, pressure, and timing. You can build and save your own recipes, adjust these parameters as needed, and run side-by-side comparisons to refine your brew.
Of course, the S1 isn’t just for beer. Its fermentation range and pressure support also make it ideal for brewing other fermented beverages, so you can expand your options beyond hops and barley.
iGulu S1 Advantages
The iGulu S1 smart beer brewer isn’t just yet another gadget for homebrewers. This smart, well-thought-out setup that combines automation, control, and safety is a strong contender for anyone brewing at home. Here’s what makes it great:
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One-Tap Brewing: Brewing with the S1 is as straightforward as it is. Just add your ingredients, hit “Start,” and let the system handle the rest.
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Flexible Fermentation Options: The S1 supports a wide range of fermentation styles, from ale to kombucha. Advanced users can switch to Master Mode to fully control temperature, pressure, and timing.
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Integrated Cooling System: You don’t need external chillers or refrigeration. The built-in cooling keeps temperatures steady for fermentation and cold crashing, making the process more efficient and reliable.
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Space-Saving Design: With just 1-gallon capacity, the S1 fits easily on most countertops. This makes it ideal for apartment living or brewers who want to run small batches without taking up too much room for brewing equipment.
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Remote Monitoring: You can control the S1 remotely through the mobile app or use the onboard OLED display for quick adjustments. You’ll receive notifications, progress updates, and full control without needing to be physically present.
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Simplified Cleaning Process: The keg liner and internal components are easily accessible, making cleaning fast and manageable.
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Built-In Safety Features: Pressure relief mechanisms and stable electronics help protect both the brewer and the brew. The system monitors itself and ensures everything runs smoothly during fermentation.
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Beverage Range Support: The S1 is built to handle everything from traditional beers to mead, wine, hard cider, and fermented teas.
Unboxing and Initial Use
When unpackaging your iGulu S1, here’s what to do to get your first brew underway:
1. Powering On
Inside the box, you'll find the S1 unit, power cord, and starter brew kit. Plug the brewer in and press the power button. The OLED display will light up and prompt you through the initial setup.
2. QR Code & App Pairing
The brewer connects to your 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi network in just a minute—afterwards, it appears in your app dashboard for control from anywhere. Download the iGulu App on your phone, and connect with the unit.
3. Brew Kit Insertion
Pour water and the brew kit into the fermenter. Seal the lid and scan the kit's RFID tag. This will automatically select the required parameters for that specific drink style.
4. Tap “Start”
Press “Start”, either on the OLED screen or in the app. The brewer will kick off temperature regulation and pressure control. There’s a visual indicator that shows the fermentation stage, and the app can track each step in real time. You'll receive alerts when fermentation ends and the chilling cycle begins, so you don’t have to sit and wait nearby.
If you prefer to learn by watching rather than reading, check out this video and see how Austin from 5 Minute Brewery unboxes and sets up his new iGulu S1 smart beer brewer:
Maintenance and Cleaning
Maintenance is key to a long lifespan, and that’s also true for iGulu S1. With regular upkeep and cleaning, you can expect your brewer to last a long time. Luckily, this model is built to make maintenance as easy as possible.
First off, the S1 features a reusable keg liner that can be removed for manual cleaning. So after each batch, simply take it out and rinse thoroughly with warm water. This helps prevent residue buildup, which we don’t want, as it can affect the flavor and fermentation consistency.
Check out how Brian from Benham Brewing cleans his iGulu with ease:
Don’t forget about CO₂ ports, air pump lines, and seals. All of these parts require your regular attention and a little bit of cleaning to work properly. Inspect them after each brewing and wipe to remove any residue. In the case of pump lines, you can rinse the tubing if you notice moisture or discoloration.
When it comes to maintenance, three universal rules apply here:
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Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stick with mild cleaners to preserve the liner and internal components.
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Dry Thoroughly: After rinsing, let all parts air dry completely before reassembling.
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Inspect for Wear: Check seals and lines for cracks or stiffness and replace as needed.
Ideal Users and Use‑Cases
At first glance, you can already see that the iGulu S1 isn’t built for large-scale brewing. This compact countertop beer brewer is optimized for people who value convenience, space efficiency, and recipe flexibility. The design and features of S1 make it an ideal option for several types of users:
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Apartment Brewers & Small-Space Setups: With its 1-gallon capacity and compact design, the S1 is perfect for people living in apartments or small homes. It fits on most kitchen counters, doesn’t require extra cooling equipment, and runs quietly in the background.
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Smaller Households: S1 is ideal for households that drink moderately or want fresh batches more often. One gallon is enough to enjoy a few rounds without overstocking on beer or wasting ingredients.
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Flavor Experimenters: S1 is excellent for trial runs. The small batch size makes experimentation low-risk and cost-effective. Furthermore, Master Mode offers full control over temperature, pressure, and timing, so you can tweak your recipes to perfection.
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Kombucha, Cider, and Mead Enthusiasts: The S1 isn’t limited to beer– it supports other fermented drinks like hard cider, kombucha, and even mead.
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Brew Kit Users Looking for Simplicity: Paired with iGulu's ingredient kits, the system makes brewing as simple as it gets. Each kit is pre-portioned and recipe-ready, so you can brew beer, kombucha, hard cider, or mead without measuring or guesswork.
Let’s Get Brewing
For its size, the iGulu S1 packs a surprising punch. It mixes innovative features with pro-level control and can handle way more than just beer. Want to try new hop combos? Go for it. Brewing up a crisp cider for the weekend gathering? Easy. Craving some fresh kombucha without the sticky chaos? The S1’s got it handled.
And at a price it sells at, you’re getting serious brewing power without draining your beer budget. From one-tap simplicity when you're short on time to full-on custom controls when you're feeling experimental, the S1 is built for both the complete homebrew newbie and the seasoned nerd.
Ready to elevate your brew game? Get the S1 now and get brewing!
FAQ Section
What can I brew with the S1 besides pre-made kits?
With S1, you’re not limited to kits. You can brew traditional beers, ciders, meads, and even kombucha using your own ingredients.
How long does a typical brew cycle take?
A standard beer brew takes around 7 to 14 days, depending on the style.
Can I brew gluten-free beer with the S1?
Absolutely, you can use gluten-free grains like sorghum, millet, rice, or buckwheat. Just load your own recipe and adjust the settings.
Does the S1 handle carbonation automatically?
Yes. The S1 uses built-in CO₂ control to carbonate your brew precisely before dispensing.
What kind of warranty does the S1 come with?
iGulu typically offers a 1-year limited warranty, covering defects in materials or workmanship.
What are the main differences between the iGulu F1 and S1 models?
The main difference between the iGulu F1 and S1 comes down to size, capacity, and who they’re built for. The F1 is the larger model, so it’s a better fit for serious homebrewers who want to produce bigger batches. The S1, on the other hand, is much more compact and made with smaller kitchens, tighter spaces, and casual brewers in mind.
Is there a mobile app for controlling the S1?
Yes, you can use a dedicated mobile app (iOS and Android) to monitor temperatures, start or pause the brewing process, get alerts, and access pre-loaded or custom recipes.
Can I use the S1 to brew kombucha?
Definitely, you can even do secondary fermentation in the same unit if you want extra fizz or flavor.
