Anyone who is interested in starting their own brewery should be aware of the equipment needed to do so. This equipment can be expensive, so it’s important to understand what is necessary before making the investment. In this article, we will outline the equipment needed for a brewery and discuss some of the associated costs.
Malt Mill/Grain Mill
A malt mill is used to crush the grain so that it can be mashed. The type of malt mill you need will depend on the type of brewing system you are using. The two most common types are roller mills and hammer mills. Roller mills are more expensive, but they are also more efficient. Hammer mills are less expensive, but they can be more difficult to use. Roller mills will cost between $600 and $1,200, while hammer mills will cost between $300 and $600.
Mash Tun
The mash tun is where the mashing process takes place. This is where the malt is mixed with water and heated to extract the sugars.
The type of mash tun you need will again depend on the type of brewing system you are using. The two most common types are cylindrical and rectangular. Cylindrical mash tuns are more expensive, but they are also more efficient. Rectangular mash tuns are less expensive, but they can be more difficult to use. Cylindrical mash tuns will cost between $1,000 and $2,000, while rectangular mash tuns will cost between $500 and $1,000.
Filtration System
The filtration system is used to remove any impurities from the wort before it is fermented. The type of filtration system you need will depend on the type of brewing system you are using.
The two most common types are plate and frame filters and centrifugal filters. Plate and frame filters are more expensive, but they are also more efficient. Centrifugal filters are less expensive, but they can be more difficult to use. Plate and frame filters will cost between $1,500 and $3,000, while centrifugal filters will cost between $500 and $1,500.
Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is used to cool the wort before it is fermented. The type of heat exchanger you need will depend on the type of brewing system you are using.
The two most common types are plate and shell heat exchangers and tube and shell heat exchangers. Plate and shell heat exchangers are more expensive, but they are also more efficient. Tube and shell heat exchangers are less expensive, but they can be more difficult to use. Plate and shell heat exchangers will cost between $2,000 and $4,000, while tube and shell heat exchangers will cost between $1,000 and $2,000.
Fermentation System
The fermentation system is where the fermentation process takes place. This is where the yeast is added to the wort and the fermentation process begins.
There are a few types of fermentation systems, but the two most common are open and closed. Open fermentation systems are less expensive, but they can be more difficult to control. Closed fermentation systems are more expensive, but they are also more efficient. Open fermentation systems will cost between $500 and $1,000, while closed fermentation systems will cost between $2,000 and $4,000.
Hydrometer or Refractometer
A hydrometer or refractometer is used to measure the specific gravity of the wort. This is important in order to determine when the fermentation process is complete. A hydrometer will cost between $20 and $40, while a refractometer will cost between $100 and $200.
Brite Tank
A brite tank is where the beer is carbonated and clarified. The type of brite tank you need will depend on the type of brewing system you are using. However, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 for a brite tank.
Cooling System
The cooling system is used to cool the beer after it has been fermented. The type of cooling system you need will depend on the type of brewing system you are using.
The most common types are glycol systems and cooling jackets. Glycol systems are more expensive, but they are also more efficient. Cooling jackets are less expensive, but they can be more difficult to use. Glycol systems will cost between $3,000 and $6,000, while cooling jackets will cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
Valves And Hoses
Valves and hoses are used to transfer the beer from one tank to another. You will need a variety of valves and hoses, depending on the type of brewing system you are using. You can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 for valves and hoses.
Controllers
Controllers are used to automate the brewing process. The type of controller you need will depend on the type of brewing system you are using.
The most common types are PID controllers and programmable logic controllers. The difference between the two is that PID controllers are more expensive, but they are also more accurate. Programmable logic controllers are less expensive, but they can be more difficult to use.
CIP Tank
A CIP tank is used to clean the brewing equipment. Without proper cleaning, the equipment can become contaminated, and the beer will not taste good. You can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 for a CIP tank.
Packaging Equipment
Packaging equipment is used to package the beer once it is brewed. This equipment consists of bottles, cans, and kegs.
The type of packaging equipment you need will depend on the type of beer you are brewing. For example, if you are brewing a light beer, you will need less equipment than if you are brewing a dark beer. On average, you can expect to spend between $10,000 and $20,000 on packaging equipment.
Cellar Equipment
Cellar equipment is used to store the beer once it is brewed. This equipment includes refrigerators, freezers, and kegs. The type of cellar equipment you need will depend on the type of beer you are brewing. On average, you can expect to spend between $5,000 and $10,000 on cellar equipment.
Conclusion
Starting a brewery can be a costly endeavor. However, if you are passionate about beer and brewing, it can be a very rewarding experience. With the right equipment, you can produce high-quality beer that your customers will love. Hopefully, this article gave you an idea of the equipment you need to start your own brewery and the costs associated with each.