How Much Does Commercial Brewing Equipment Cost?
Synopsis
Breweries around the world come in different sizes and types. Some are big while some are operating on a small level. Their operations, cost, and revenues depend on their size mainly. Let’s say a microbrewery would fit only in one room and all procedures will be handled by only one person. As for a large commercial multinational brewery, they will have many employees working in different departments. Each department in this brewery will be dedicated to one type of operations and the employees working in that particular department will make sure their operations get done for their phase only. Despite the variability in size, the basic biochemical process is the same for beer brewing. Recently, before the outbreak of the coronavirus, people from different backgrounds have been establishing large breweries in their towns enjoying the low interest rates at the banks. These are not as big as the multinational brewing companies, but they certainly have made their cut in nearby bars and pubs. If you are thinking to opening a large brewery in your area then you need to buy commercial brewing equipment , because large brewery need to handle different scale of operation. But how much does commercial brewery equipment cost? *We haven’t blogged yet about microbrewery equipment cost so if you are interested to know how much new or used microbrewery equipment cost or will cost you, feel free to ask our sales reps, or alternatively visit our microbrewery equipment page for more info. 
The cost of commercial brewing equipment
The cost of commercial brewing equipment can vary widely based on several factors, such as the size of the brewery, the type of brewing system, and the specific components you require. Here is a general breakdown of costs for various types of commercial brewing systems:
(1 to 3 barrels): $10,000 to $50,000 Nano breweries are small-scale operations, typically producing less than 1,000 barrels per year. These systems are a popular choice for startups or brewpubs due to their lower upfront costs.
(5 to 15 barrels): $50,000 to $200,000 Microbreweries typically produce between 1,000 and 15,000 barrels per year. These systems are popular among small to medium-sized independent breweries that distribute their products regionally.
(15 to 60 barrels): $200,000 to $1,000,000 Regional breweries produce larger volumes of beer, generally between 15,000 and 500,000 barrels per year. These systems are more complex and require a more significant investment.
(60+ barrels): $1,000,000 and up Large-scale breweries produce high volumes of beer, usually over 500,000 barrels per year. The costs for these systems can run into the millions of dollars, depending on the size, technology, and automation involved.
Keep in mind that these costs are rough estimates and can vary depending on factors such as the specific equipment and components you choose, as well as any customizations, shipping, and installation costs. It’s essential to work closely with brewing equipment manufacturers to get accurate quotes based on your specific needs and requirements.
commercial brewery equipment
Basic factors that affect brewing equipment cost
3 basic factors affect brewing equipment cost in 2021, which includes:
- What kind of brewery equipment material you use?
- Do you take brand new brewery equipment or second hand?
- What is the size of your brewery business plan?
Brewery equipment material:
Let’s talk about the 1st factor which is brewery equipment material. Just like in a kitchen, we have utensils of different materials, like we have glass, china clay, stainless steel, and nonstick utensils for different purposes, the same way, a brewery has kettles made from either copper or stainless-steel material.
- Copper brewery equipment: Copper brewery equipment has been used in beer brewing for centuries because of its properties. It transfers heat quickly and evenly in the kettle to boil the wort. Traditionally, people started off making beer in copper utensils because it is highly desirable for boiling wort at high temperatures.
But copper tends to react with other chemicals easily and give a metallic taste in beer. Also, different cleaning and sanitization processes can change the color of beer made in copper kettles. Copper is a way cheaper option in comparison to stainless-steel.
- Stainless-steel brewery equipment: In the modern world where we are all about the end product, all big commercial breweries use stainless-steel brewery equipment in the modern times.. Although the kettles used in there are not completely made of stainless steel, they have copper cladding on each kettle to ensure the traditional appearance, but it doesn’t interfere with the taste unless it’s the bleach.
Stainless-steel material doesn’t actively react with chemicals, but it tends to react with chlorine, so proper sanitization won’t affect the quality of beer made in stainless-steel brewing equipment. Also, stainless-steel is a stronger material than copper, so it doesn’t get pressurized when worts are boiled at high temperatures. Stainless-steel is expensive but it will be a durable choice in a brewery.
New or secondhand brewery equipment:
The production costs of commercial brewery equipment also depends on whether you buy the new equipment or used brewery equipment for your startup. The new equipment will be expensive than the secondhand equipment, of course, but it won’t affect your brewing at all if your used commercial brewing equipment is in good shape (make sure you check it before paying that guy from craigslist). Despite the copper and stainless-steel boilers and kettles, major equipment in a commercial beer brewing systems includes the following.
- Fermentation tanks: Fermentation is the next step after your wort is been boiled. Fermentation tanks hold the wort while yeast converts into sugar in the wort along with alcohol and carbon dioxide. They usually have a cone-shaped bottom. The jacketed fermenter is best in use, A ½ bb non-jacketed cost about $400 and jacketed fermenter of 1 bb can cost you $3,200
- Kegs: Kegs are important because you need to store beer in a keg before moving it into the bottles or cans. A ½ bbl. The keg is the most common size, it cost you $125 and buying them in a bulk will get you discount. They need to be washed properly so you will need a keg washer which comes under $300.
Other equipment include refrigerators, bottling, filters, and cleaning supplies.
Size of your brewery:
The size of the brewery is a major factor in determining the cost of commercial brewery equipment. If you have a larger operation going on, you will be needing the bigger equipment and bigger brewhouse. A brewhouse features a mash mixer, hot liquor tank, whirlpool, boiling kettle, and lauter tun. Usually, the capacity of the brewhouse is determined in barrels (bbl.) unit. Different companies like us manufacture the brewhouse in different barrel capacities depending on the client’s needs. The retail prices of brewhouses are also different from size to size. The smallest brewhouse costs about $50,000.
Cost of commercial brewing startup:
Depending on your brewery size, acquiring a license and buying the good quality commercial brewing equipment, we can roughly estimate that it can go from $100,000 to $1million easily. Again, this is only a ballpark figure. For a person who is new to this brewing, the microbrewery option is far better. It is slightly smaller, but you will oversee everything in your own space. You can produce less than 15,000 barrels and 75 % of beer will be sold offsite. It will be a commercial venture and you can buy all the commercial equipment for a microbrewery in less than $100,000. The small equipment will take less space in the house. This will save you some major real estate costs and tax amounts. Your license cost will certainly get reduced. The further plumbing, electrical works, and flooring cost will eventually reduce because you are renting a small space. Day to day operation will be easy to handle, you can take a few employees to help you out as well. Finally, starting your brewery is an expensive and challenging task, you need to be committed and have a plan to manage the hurdles on the way. But good business always flourishes so hope for the best.
Customization of Commercial Brewing Equipment
In the brewing industry, each brewery has its unique needs and objectives. Therefore, customized commercial brewing equipment has become an increasingly popular choice. Customized equipment can better meet the specific needs of the brewery, improve production efficiency, and also create unique products. Here are some major considerations for customizing commercial brewing equipment.
1. Equipment Type
The first thing you need to determine is what type of equipment you need. This will depend on the scale of your brewery, the type of product you produce, your production volume, and other factors. For instance, if your brewery is small-scale, you might need a compact brewing system. If you plan to brew a variety of craft beers, you might need a versatile mashing system that can handle different brewing methods. If you have a large production volume, you might need a fermenter with a large capacity. In a more detailed scenario, if you are a small-scale brewery that focuses on producing a variety of craft beers, you might need a brewing system that is compact yet versatile. This system should be able to handle different brewing methods, such as infusion mashing, decoction mashing, and step mashing. It should also be equipped with a variety of brewing vessels, such as a mash tun, a lauter tun, a boil kettle, and a whirlpool. Each of these vessels should be designed to handle different brewing tasks, and they should be easy to operate and clean.
2. Equipment Functionality
What functionalities do you want your equipment to have? This will depend on your brewing process and your product requirements. For example, if your brewing process involves multi-step mashing, you might need a mashing system that can handle different temperature rests. If your product requires fermentation at low temperatures, you might need a fermenter that can accurately control the temperature. To elaborate, if you are brewing lagers, which require a multi-step mashing process and fermentation at low temperatures, you might need a mashing system with advanced temperature control features. This system should be able to accurately maintain different temperature rests, such as protein rest, beta-amylase rest, and alpha-amylase rest. It should also be equipped with a powerful heating system to quickly raise the temperature between rests. For the fermenter, it should be well-insulated to maintain low temperatures for extended periods, and it should be equipped with a reliable cooling system to quickly cool down the wort after boiling.
3. Equipment Material
What material do you want your equipment to be made of? The material of the equipment will directly affect its durability, cleanability, and the quality of the beer brewed. For example, stainless steel equipment is corrosion-resistant and easy to clean, making it a common material for brewing equipment. Copper equipment can provide a unique visual effect but requires more maintenance. For instance, if you prioritize durability and cleanability, you might want your equipment to be made of stainless steel. Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion, which is important for brewing equipment as it is often exposed to acidic wort and cleaning chemicals. It is also easy to clean, which can help prevent contamination and ensure the quality of your beer. If you want your brewery to have a traditional look, you might want some of your equipment, such as the brew kettle, to be made of copper. Copper has excellent heat conductivity, which can help achieve a more even boil. However, it requires regular polishing to maintain its shiny appearance, and it needs to be lined with tin or stainless steel to prevent the beer from coming into contact with the copper, which can cause off-flavors.
4. Equipment Design
What design do you want your equipment to have? The design of the equipment can not only affect its operation and maintenance but can also affect the visual appeal of your brewery. For example, you might want your equipment to have a user-friendly control panel for easy operation. You might also want your equipment to have a unique appearance to attract customers’ attention. For instance, if you want your equipment to be easy to operate, you might want it to have a control panel with clear labels and intuitive controls. The control panel should display all the important information, such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate, and it should allow you to easily adjust the settings. If you want your brewery to stand out, you might want your equipment to have a unique design. This could be a sleek and modern design with clean lines and polished surfaces, or it could be a rustic and traditional design with copper accents and wooden details.
5. Equipment Supplier
Choosing a reliable commercial brewing equipment supplier is key to customizing equipment. A good supplier can not only provide high-quality equipment but can also provide professional customization services, helping you design and manufacture equipment that meets your needs. When choosing a supplier, you need to consider their experience, technical capabilities, service quality, and other factors. For example, you might want to choose a supplier with many years of experience in the brewing industry. They should have a deep understanding of the brewing process and the needs of breweries, and they should be able to provide valuable advice on equipment design and selection. They should also have strong technical capabilities, with a team of skilled engineers and craftsmen who can design and manufacture high-quality equipment. In terms of service, they should provide comprehensive after-sales service, including installation, training, maintenance, and repair, to ensure that your equipment operates smoothly and efficiently.
How Much Does Commercial Brewing Equipment Cost in 2024?
The cost of commercial brewing equipment in 2024 has been influenced by several factors, including evolving technology, supply chain disruptions, and the increasing demand for more efficient systems. While prices have generally risen due to inflation and material shortages, there are still a variety of options available depending on your brewery’s size, goals, and budget.
Below, we’ll break down the cost of different essential brewing equipment categories to give you a clear guide for your commercial brewery setup in 2024.
1. Brewhouse Systems
The brewhouse is the heart of any brewery, where the beer is mashed, boiled, and prepared for fermentation. The size of the brewhouse system you need will depend on your production scale, with systems typically measured in barrels (1 barrel = 31 gallons or 117 liters).
| Brewhouse Capacity | Cost for New Equipment (USD) | Cost for Used Equipment (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-5 Barrel System | $50,000 – $80,000 | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| 5-10 Barrel System | $100,000 – $150,000 | $60,000 – $100,000 |
| 10-20 Barrel System | $150,000 – $300,000 | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| 20-30 Barrel System | $300,000 – $500,000 | $200,000 – $350,000 |
| 30+ Barrel System | $500,000+ | $350,000+ |
Considerations:
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Persistent global supply chain challenges have increased the cost of manufacturing and shipping equipment, particularly for imported systems.
- Technological Advancements: Many systems now come with advanced automation features that can reduce labor costs in the long run, but these features can significantly increase upfront costs.
- Used Equipment Market: With more breweries closing or upgrading due to market saturation, the second-hand equipment market remains active. However, you should factor in potential refurbishment costs.
2. Fermentation Tanks
Fermentation tanks are where the beer ferments and matures. The size and number of tanks you need will depend on your brewing capacity and the number of different beers you plan to produce simultaneously.
| Fermentation Tank Capacity | Cost for New Equipment (USD) | Cost for Used Equipment (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-5 Barrel Tanks | $8,000 – $15,000 | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| 5-10 Barrel Tanks | $15,000 – $30,000 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| 10-20 Barrel Tanks | $30,000 – $50,000 | $20,000 – $35,000 |
| 20-30 Barrel Tanks | $50,000 – $80,000 | $35,000 – $60,000 |
| 30+ Barrel Tanks | $80,000+ | $60,000+ |
Considerations:
- Capacity Expansion: Many breweries in 2024 are opting for larger fermentation tanks to increase production without needing to upgrade the brewhouse. This can be a cost-effective way to scale your operations.
- Temperature Control: Advanced temperature control systems are often integrated into fermentation tanks, adding to the cost but providing better quality control for your beer.
3. Bright Tanks
Bright tanks are used for carbonating and clarifying beer before packaging. They are crucial for ensuring the quality and consistency of the final product.
| Bright Tank Capacity | Cost for New Equipment (USD) | Cost for Used Equipment (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-5 Barrel Tanks | $5,000 – $10,000 | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| 5-10 Barrel Tanks | $10,000 – $20,000 | $7,000 – $15,000 |
| 10-20 Barrel Tanks | $20,000 – $35,000 | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| 20-30 Barrel Tanks | $35,000 – $55,000 | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| 30+ Barrel Tanks | $55,000+ | $40,000+ |
Considerations:
- Carbonation Systems: High-end bright tanks come with integrated carbonation stones, which allow for fine-tuned carbonation control.
- Space Efficiency: Breweries with limited space may opt for horizontal bright tanks, which can be more expensive but offer better space utilization.
4. Bottling and Canning Lines
Packaging beer is a critical part of the brewing process, and the type of bottling or canning line you choose will significantly impact your costs. Canning has become increasingly popular in the craft beer industry, but both systems remain a viable option depending on your target market.
| Packaging System Type | Cost for New Equipment (USD) | Cost for Used Equipment (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Bottling Line | $10,000 – $30,000 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Semi-Automatic Bottling Line | $50,000 – $100,000 | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Automatic Bottling Line | $100,000 – $300,000 | $70,000 – $150,000 |
| Manual Canning Line | $30,000 – $50,000 | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Semi-Automatic Canning Line | $100,000 – $200,000 | $70,000 – $150,000 |
| Automatic Canning Line | $200,000 – $500,000+ | $150,000 – $350,000+ |
Considerations:
- Canning Popularity: Cans are continuing to dominate the craft beer market due to their portability, recyclability, and superior light protection. This makes canning lines a popular choice, but they carry higher upfront costs.
- Automation: Automation in both bottling and canning lines is becoming more affordable, which can reduce labor costs and increase production efficiency.
5. Kegging Systems
For breweries that plan to distribute beer to bars, restaurants, or directly to consumers in kegs, a kegging system is essential. Kegging remains a staple in draft beer distribution.
| Kegging System Type | Cost for New Equipment (USD) | Cost for Used Equipment (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Kegging System | $5,000 – $15,000 | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Semi-Automatic Kegging System | $20,000 – $50,000 | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| Automatic Kegging System | $50,000 – $150,000 | $35,000 – $100,000 |
Considerations:
- Keg Types: Stainless steel kegs are still the industry standard, though more breweries are exploring the use of one-way plastic kegs as a cost-saving measure for certain distribution methods.
- Cleaning Systems: Many kegging systems come with integrated cleaning systems, which are essential for maintaining quality and consistency in your beer.
6. Additional Equipment Costs
Beyond the core brewing system, there are several additional pieces of equipment that are essential for operating a commercial brewery.
| Equipment Type | Cost for New Equipment (USD) | Cost for Used Equipment (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Grain Mill | $2,000 – $10,000 | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Water Filtration System | $5,000 – $15,000 | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Glycol Chilling System | $10,000 – $50,000 | $7,000 – $30,000 |
| Steam Boiler | $15,000 – $60,000 | $10,000 – $40,000 |
| CIP (Clean-in-Place) System | $10,000 – $30,000 | $7,000 – $20,000 |
Considerations:
- Energy Efficiency: In 2024, there’s a growing emphasis on energy-efficient equipment to reduce operational costs and meet environmental regulations. Investing in efficient boilers, chillers, and filtration systems can reduce long-term utility costs.
- Automation: Many supporting systems, such as CIP and glycol systems, are becoming more automated, which can save labor and improve consistency.
The cost of commercial brewing equipment in 2024 varies widely depending on the scale of production and the level of automation. While the global supply chain and inflationary pressures have pushed prices up, the industry’s technological advancements provide opportunities for greater efficiency and quality control.
Here’s a summary of typical costs for setting up a commercial brewery in 2024:
| Equipment Category | Typical Cost Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Brewhouse Systems | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Fermentation Tanks | $8,000 – $80,000+ |
| Bright Tanks | $5,000 – $55,000+ |
| Bottling/Canning Lines | $10,000 – $500,000+ |
| Kegging Systems | $5,000 – $150,000+ |
| Additional Equipment | $2,000 – $60,000+ |
2024 Recommendation: When planning your brewery, carefully consider your production goals, available space, and budget. Investing in energy-efficient and automated systems may raise initial costs but can significantly reduce operational expenses in the long run. Additionally, the used equipment market remains a viable option for cutting down on upfront costs, though you should account for potential maintenance or refurbishment.
Layout and Design of Commercial Brewing Equipment
The
layout and design of your commercial brewing equipment can significantly impact the efficiency of your brewing process, the quality of your beer, and the overall operation of your brewery. A well-planned layout and design can streamline your workflow, reduce labor and energy costs, and improve safety and cleanliness. Here are some major considerations for the layout and design of commercial brewing equipment.
1. Workflow Efficiency
One of the primary considerations for the layout and design of your brewing equipment is workflow efficiency. The arrangement of your equipment should facilitate a smooth and logical flow from one stage of the brewing process to the next, minimizing unnecessary movements and delays. In a more detailed scenario, you might want to place your milling equipment near your grain storage area for easy grain handling. Your mash tun should be located near your hot liquor tank for efficient heat transfer. Your fermenters should be placed close to your brewing vessels for easy transfer of wort. Your packaging equipment should be located near your cold storage area for quick and easy packaging and storage of finished beer.
2. Space Utilization
Space utilization is another critical factor in the layout and design of your brewing equipment. You should make the most of your available space, arranging your equipment in a way that maximizes capacity while allowing for easy access and movement. To elaborate, you might want to consider the vertical space in your brewery. For instance, you could stack your fermenters or use tall, slim fermenters to maximize your fermentation capacity. You might also want to use mobile equipment, such as portable pumps or mobile CIP systems, which can be moved out of the way when not in use. You should also leave enough space for cleaning, maintenance, and future expansion.
3. Safety and Ergonomics
Safety and ergonomics should also be considered in the layout and design of your brewing equipment. Your equipment should be arranged in a way that minimizes safety risks and promotes comfortable and efficient work conditions. For instance, you might want to place your brewing vessels at a height that allows for easy monitoring and cleaning without the need for ladders or platforms. You should also ensure that there is enough space around your equipment for safe operation, and that all safety devices, such as pressure relief valves and emergency stops, are easily accessible. You should also consider the ergonomics of your equipment, such as the height of control panels and the placement of valves and handles, to reduce physical strain and improve efficiency.
4. Cleanliness and Maintenance
Cleanliness and maintenance are also important considerations for the layout and design of your brewing equipment. Your equipment should be arranged in a way that facilitates cleaning and maintenance, preventing the buildup of dirt and bacteria and prolonging the life of your equipment. For example, you might want to place your brewing vessels with enough space around them for easy cleaning and inspection. You should also consider the drainage of your brewery, ensuring that all areas can be easily rinsed and that wastewater can be efficiently drained away. You should also consider the maintenance of your equipment, ensuring that all parts are easily accessible for servicing and replacement.
5. Aesthetics and Visitor Experience
If your brewery is open to the public, you should also consider the aesthetics and visitor experience in the layout and design of your brewing equipment. Your equipment should be arranged in a way that is visually appealing and provides an engaging and educational experience for your visitors. For instance, you might want to arrange your brewing equipment in a way that allows visitors to follow the brewing process from start to finish. You could also use visually appealing equipment, such as copper-clad brewing vessels or glass fermenters, to enhance the aesthetics of your brewery. You could also provide viewing areas, information boards, and guided tours to educate your visitors about the brewing process. In conclusion, the layout and design of your commercial brewing equipment is a complex task that requires careful planning and consideration. It involves balancing workflow efficiency, space utilization, safety and ergonomics, cleanliness and maintenance, and aesthetics and visitor experience. By investing time and effort in the layout and design of your brewing equipment, you can create a brewery that is efficient, safe, clean, and engaging for both your staff and your visitors.
How can we help you?
Yolong, as a professional brewing equipment supplier from China, can offer a variety of solutions to visitors interested in commercial brewing equipment. These solutions can include:
- Comprehensive product range: Yolong can provide a wide range of brewing equipment for different sizes and types of breweries, such as nano breweries, microbreweries, regional breweries, and large-scale breweries. This includes brewing vessels, fermentation tanks, heat exchangers, pumps, filtration systems, and more.
- Customized solutions: Yolong can work closely with customers to design and manufacture customized brewing equipment tailored to their specific needs and requirements, taking into account factors such as available space, desired production capacity, and unique brewing processes.
- Quality and materials: Yolong is committed to using high-quality materials, such as stainless steel, in the construction of their brewing equipment. This ensures durability, ease of maintenance, and compliance with industry standards.
- Advanced technology and automation: Yolong can incorporate advanced technology and automation options into their brewing systems to help improve efficiency, consistency, and control in the brewing process.
- Shipping and installation: Yolong can provide support with shipping and installation of the brewing equipment, ensuring that customers receive the necessary assistance throughout the process.
- Technical support and customer service: Yolong offers ongoing technical support and customer service to help customers maintain and troubleshoot their brewing equipment, as well as providing guidance on how to optimize the brewing process.
- Training and consultation: Yolong can offer training and consultation services to help customers better understand the brewing process and how to effectively use and maintain their equipment.
- Ancillary equipment and accessories: In addition to the main brewing equipment, Yolong can also supply ancillary equipment and accessories, such as kegging systems, bottling lines, and laboratory equipment, to provide a complete brewing solution.
- Regulatory compliance assistance: Yolong can help customers navigate local, regional, and national regulations, ensuring that their brewing equipment meets the necessary health, safety, and environmental standards.
By offering these solutions, Yolong can cater to the diverse needs of visitors seeking commercial brewing equipment and provide them with reliable, high-quality, and cost-effective options for their brewing ventures.
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