MICROBREWERY BREWING EQUIPMENT

Introduction to Microbrewery Equipment

If you’re dreaming of starting your own microbrewery, one of the most crucial aspects is selecting the right equipment. Your equipment choices will have a significant impact on your brewing process, product quality, and overall success. So, let’s dive in and discuss the essential microbrewery equipment you’ll need to get started.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Equipment

Selecting the appropriate equipment for your microbrewery will not only ensure the efficiency of your brewing process but also maintain the desired quality and flavor of your beer. Investing in high-quality equipment will also help minimize maintenance costs and reduce downtime.

Essential Microbrewery Equipment

Brewing System

The heart of any microbrewery is the brewing system, which includes several key components:

Mash Tun

The mash tun is where the mashing process takes place. It’s designed to hold the grain and water mixture, called the mash, and maintain a consistent temperature to facilitate the conversion of starches into fermentable sugars.

Lauter Tun

The lauter tun is used to separate the sweet liquid, called wort, from the spent grain. It features a false bottom with slits or perforations to allow the wort to pass through while holding back the grain.

Boil Kettle

The boil kettle is where the wort is boiled and hops are added. Boiling serves to sterilize the wort, concentrate the sugars, and extract bitterness and aroma from the hops.

Whirlpool

The whirlpool is used to separate hop matter, proteins, and other solids from the wort. By creating a whirlpool effect, the solids are forced to the center of the vessel, making it easier to transfer clear wort to the fermentation tanks.

Fermentation and Storage

After the brewing process, the wort needs to be fermented and stored:

Fermenters

Fermenters are vessels where the wort is mixed with yeast and fermentation occurs, converting sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. They are typically made from stainless steel and feature a conical bottom to facilitate yeast harvesting and removal of sediment.

Bright Beer Tanks

Bright beer tanks, also known as serving or conditioning tanks, are used to store the beer after fermentation and filtration. These tanks allow for carbonation and clarification, and they maintain the beer’s freshness and flavor before packaging.

Filtration, Carbonation, and Packaging

To ensure the final product is clear and carbonated, additional equipment is needed:

Filters

Filters are used to remove any remaining yeast, proteins, and other particles from the beer, resulting in a clear and bright final product. There are various types of filters available, such as plate and frame filters, cartridge filters, and diatomaceous earth filters.

Carbonation Equipment

Carbonation equipment allows you to control the level of carbon dioxide dissolved in your beer. This can be achieved through natural carbonation during fermentation or by using a carbonation stone, which forces CO2 into the beer under pressure.

Kegging and Bottling Systems

Once your beer is filtered and carbonated, it’s ready to be packaged. Kegging systems enable you to fill kegs with beer, while bottling systems allow you to fill bottles or cans. Both systems ensure minimal oxygen exposure, maintaining the freshness and quality of your beer.

Additional Microbrewery Equipment

Besides the core equipment, there are other essential items for your microbrewery:

Cooling and Temperature Control

Temperature control is crucial throughout the brewing process. Glycol chillers and heat exchangers are commonly used to maintain the desired temperatures during mashing, fermentation, and storage.

Cleaning and Sanitation

Keeping your equipment clean and sanitized is vital to prevent contamination and ensure the quality of your beer. Invest in cleaning equipment, such as chemical cleaning agents, spray balls, and CIP (clean-in-place) systems.

Quality Control and Lab Equipment

Quality control is essential for consistent, high-quality beer production. Basic lab equipment, such as hydrometers, refractometers, and pH meters, can help you monitor and control important parameters like gravity, alcohol content, and acidity.

Microbrewery equipment manufacturers

There are numerous microbrewery equipment manufacturers worldwide that provide a variety of brewing systems, fermenters, and other essential components for small-scale brewing operations. Here are some of the top manufacturers:

• SS Brewtech (United States) SS Brewtech is a renowned manufacturer of high-quality stainless steel brewing equipment, offering a wide range of products, from fermenters to brewhouses.
• BrewBilt Manufacturing (United States) BrewBilt Manufacturing specializes in the design and fabrication of custom brewing equipment, including brewhouses, fermentation vessels, and other brewing components.
• Blichmann Engineering (United States)  Blichmann Engineering provides innovative, high-quality brewing equipment, such as brewhouses, fermenters, and control systems, for both homebrewers and professional breweries.
• BrauKon (Germany)  BrauKon is a leading German manufacturer of brewing equipment that offers a variety of systems, including brewhouses, fermentation tanks, and milling equipment.
• Yolong Brewtech (China) Yolong Brewtech is a leading Chinese company that specializes in designing and manufacturing brewing equipment for the beer, wine, and beverage industry. Established in 2011, the company has grown rapidly over the years, expanding its reach to over 40 countries worldwide.
• Simatec Impianti (Italy)  Simatec Impianti is an Italian company providing complete brewing solutions, including brewhouses, fermenters, and control systems, tailored to the needs of each client.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are many other manufacturers worldwide. When selecting a microbrewery equipment manufacturer, it is essential to consider factors such as your specific needs, budget, and location to find the best fit for your brewing operation.

Why choose Yolong microbrewery equipment?

YoLong manufactures custom micro brewery equipment on a case by case basis. The size and capacity of the brewhouse depends on what scale beer production is planned by the client. Choosing which micro brewing equipment is best for a micro brewery startup or automated microbrewery can be a fairly complex undertaking. This is why the YoLong help desk is kept busy with craft beer brewmasters’ inquiries about how to build a microbrewery suitable for the premises (size) and output (capacity), whether it is for an expansion or new micro brewery startup cost.

Micro brewing equipment has different levels of automatic control. A higher level of automatic function can save a brewer’s labor, however a fully automated microbrewery does cost more. 

The YoLong team divides the problem of size, capacity, and budget according to expected microbrewery production. 

YoLong microbrewery brewing equipment installation is highly durable and easy to install, no matter where you plan on positioning the setup. We pride ourselves on providing an uncomplicated microbrewery design layout for every YoLong microbrewery system. Craft brewers want perfect results every time, and our systems are designed to facilitate that at each step.

YoLong microbreweries  enable beginner brewmasters and craft beer professionals alike to produce deliciously drinkable beverages every time. Every piece of YoLong microbrewery equipment is custom designed as a combination of the brewers’ ideas and input linked to that special beer formula or recipe you want to create.

These configuration suggestions are great for small to midsize breweries producing up to two brews per day, and will give you an idea of initial layout and design.

Because we specialize in building microbrewery equipment, manufacturing and producing to the highest exact specifications on a global level, we are able to offer microbrewery equipment for sale in almost every part of the world. 

Every stage of our brewery equipment production process is rigorously overseen and seamlessly finished, before being thoroughly tested ahead of shipping and installation approval. Nothing less than absolute engineering perfection is accepted.

No matter how extraordinary your request, we can handle it. At YoLong, we understand there are many beer brewery masters out there, and if you have come up with an ingenious way to brew beer, you can rely on us to bring your dream to reality. We can work off patented blueprints or even help you to perfect your concept, design, or project with our in-house team of experts.

FAQs

• What is the estimated cost of setting up a microbrewery?

The cost of setting up a microbrewery can vary greatly depending on the size and scale of your operation. It can range from $100,000 to over $1 million. It’s essential to carefully plan your budget and consider equipment, building, licensing, and operational costs.

• How much space do I need for a microbrewery?

The space required for a microbrewery depends on your production capacity and equipment size. A small-scale microbrewery might need as little as 1,500 square feet, while larger operations could require over 10,000 square feet.

• How long does it take to set up a microbrewery?

The time it takes to set up a microbrewery can vary depending on factors such as equipment lead times, building renovations, and licensing approvals. It typically takes anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to get a microbrewery up and running.

• What licenses and permits do I need to open a microbrewery?

Licensing and permit requirements vary depending on your location. Generally, you will need a federal brewery permit, state and local licenses, and other permits related to zoning, building, and health regulations. Consult with local authorities to ensure compliance.

• Can I start a microbrewery at home?

While it’s possible to start a small-scale brewing operation at home, you’ll need to comply with local zoning and licensing requirements. Additionally, you may need to upgrade your equipment and infrastructure as you grow.