Essential Brewery Equipment List: Equipment Needed to Start a Brewery

Embarking on the journey of starting a brewery is indeed a substantial and potentially rewarding investment. However, to ensure a successful venture, it is crucial to make informed decisions about the equipment you invest in.

This ultimate equipment guide serves as your indispensable companion, providing invaluable insights and recommendations to set up your brewery for triumph.

From choosing the right brewing systems and fermentation tanks to selecting essential kegging and packaging machinery, this guide equips you with the knowledge needed to optimize your brewery’s operations.

With careful consideration of the equipment that aligns with your brewing goals and budget, you’ll be on the path to crafting exceptional brews and positioning your brewery for a prosperous future

Essential Brewery Equipment List (Appliances, Tools, Essentials)

The ancient art of brewing has undergone a remarkable transformation with advancements in technology and upgrades in rbrewing equipment over the centuries. With the aid of contemporary brewing equipment, your new brewery will be capable of producing flawlessly crisp pilsners and extraordinary IPAs that captivate beer enthusiasts.

As many breweries venture into the realm of restaurant experiences, offering delectable beer flights alongside scrumptious food, investing in both brewing and restaurant equipment becomes essential.

As you craft your brewery’s business plan, this comprehensive guide will assist you in meticulously planning and budgeting for the fundamental restaurant and brewery equipment needed to create an unforgettable experience for your customers.

Embrace the fusion of tradition and innovation to pave the way for a thriving and successful brewery-restaurant venture.

What Equipment Do You Need In a Brewery

To ensure your brewery’s success, essential equipment such as fermentation tanks, a bottling system, and an ample supply of kegs to match production demands are indispensable.

Brewing Systems

Pilot System	Bottling System	Gloves	Serviceware
Brewing System	Kegging System	Aprons	Glasses
Fermentation Tanks	Safety Equipment	First Aid Kit	Coasters
Heat Source	Gloves	Date Labels	Table service essentials
	Aprons	Sani-buckets	Paper boats, plates, or clamshells
	First Aid Kit	Bar rags	Utensils
	Date Labels	Food grade cleaning supplies	Napkins or linen
	Sani-buckets	Chemical Safety Data Sheets
	Bar rags	Sinks
	Food grade cleaning supplies
	Chemical Safety Data Sheets
	Sinks

If you plan to also operate a restaurant kitchen to accompany your brewery and allow you to serve food, there are a few other essentials to add to the list.

How much is equipment for a brewery

Here are some examples and estimated costings for different types of brewery equipment in the UK:

1. Small Craft Brewery (Microbrewery):
   • Brewing System (5-barrel capacity): £20,000 – £50,000
   • Fermentation Tanks (3-5 units): £5,000 – £15,000
   • Bottling System: £5,000 – £10,000
   • Kegging System (5-10 kegs): £3,000 – £6,000
2. Medium-sized Brewery:
   • Brewing System (20-barrel capacity): £100,000 – £200,000
   • Fermentation Tanks (10-20 units): £30,000 – £60,000
   • Bottling/Canning Line: £30,000 – £50,000
   • Kegging System (20-50 kegs): £10,000 – £20,000
3. Large Commercial Brewery:
   • Brewing System (50-barrel capacity): £500,000 – £1,000,000
   • Fermentation Tanks (50-100 units): £100,000 – £500,000
   • High-speed Bottling/Canning Line: £100,000 – £500,000
   • Automated Kegging System (100-500 kegs): £50,000 – £200,000

Please note that these costings are rough estimates and can vary based on factors such as brand, quality, additional features, and the specific needs of each brewery.

It’s essential for brewery owners to research different suppliers, seek quotes, and consider the long-term benefits and ROI of their equipment investments. Additionally, costs for installation, utilities, permits, and other operational expenses should be factored into the overall budget.

Things to consider before buying brewery equipment

Securing the proper equipment for your brewery is a crucial step in ensuring your business thrives. You must strategize on which elements to allocate your resources to and identify those that could accommodate some level of compromise in terms of your equipment budgeting.

1. Emphasizing Quality

Quality is key in brewery equipment as it can directly influence the taste of your brew and its reception in the marketplace. Aim to choose highly durable and top-tier quality equipment, thoroughly reviewing significant purchases prior to finalizing any decisions. Contemplate the personnel responsible for equipment maintenance and their level of comfort with any potential repairs.

2. Space Requirements

The available space in your brewery, bar, or kitchen dictates your production limits. Many breweries function within spacious warehouse environments to enable large-scale brewing and production. Take into account the necessary room for a bar or kitchen, as well as workspace for your brew masters and bartenders.

3. Kitchen Planning

Enlist the help of a professional kitchen planner to maximize your brewery’s layout and operational efficiency. An ideal space should be easily navigable for both customers and staff, facilitating optimal business operations.

4. Usage and Maintenance

With proper care, stainless steel brewery equipment can prove long-lasting. Consider building a relationship with a local repair specialist for equipment upkeep. It may be beneficial to familiarize yourself with the maintenance and cleaning processes of your equipment. Ensure your food equipment bears the NSF symbol, an assurance of adherence to food safety certification standards.

5. Sourcing from Suppliers

Numerous towns and cities host local restaurant supply stores that, for a membership fee, provide high-end commercial equipment at nearly wholesale prices. Superior suppliers typically also offer services such as installation, maintenance, and repairs. The procurement of equipment is a significant part of the process. Once you’ve compiled a thorough list and visualized your fully-equipped bar, begin to compare prices. Local restaurant wholesalers often provide competitive deals, alternatively, consider leasing from a trustworthy online retailer or renting equipment until you’re financially ready to invest.

Investigate your local brewery equipment store and establish contact to ascertain if they can meet your needs. Even if only a hobby brewer’s supply store is available nearby, they might guide you towards a large-scale brewing equipment supplier.

New vs. Used Equipment

While new equipment may seem like the ideal choice, certain vital and costly pieces might be more cost-effective if purchased second-hand. Think about acquiring a well-maintained oven or deep freezer, which could yield savings initially and throughout your business operation. However, ensure purchases are from reliable sources and consult with your peers regarding their choices between new and used items.

6. Cost Considerations

The prices for brewery equipment typically remain consistent across various suppliers. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to compare prices to guarantee you’re getting the best value, especially when making significant investments.

7. Financing or Leasing Options

Choosing to finance or lease equipment could be a viable strategy to kickstart your business while minimizing risk until you’ve validated the success of your business model

Ultimate brewery equipment checklist

1. Brewery Systems

The cornerstone of your investment in your brewery lies in commercial brewery equipment. These stainless steel components, whose price rises as their size increases, necessitate consistent maintenance and cleaning to ensure your beer remains tasty and safe for consumption.

Pilot System A pilot system represents a compact brewing system that enables speedy brewing of small batches, perfect for trialing new recipes or introducing microbrews to the market.

Brewing System A brewing system comprises a heat source, a boiling tank, and a fermentation tank, all crucial stages in the brewing process. Some commercial brewery equipment producers offer and service complete brewing systems that are optimized for performance and efficiency, ready for immediate use.

Designing and engineering your own brewing systems could be a cost-saving approach, provided adequate research is undertaken.

Brewing Accessories It’s imperative to include in your budget essentials like PH test strips, malt mills, filters, valves, and carbon monitors, among others. Also, make provision for replacing smaller, easily misplaced items, and ensure that there are backups for crucial equipment.

2. Bottle and Can System

A bottle or can system facilitates the distribution of your brews. It would be wise to invest in a system that can accommodate your intended production volume to prevent any bottlenecks. Also, plan how you will label your products to appeal to customers while adhering to legal alcohol labeling guidelines.

3. Kegging System

The necessary equipment and storage for kegging allow for filling and charging kegs for distribution to local restaurants and taprooms. This also brings you a step closer to offering kegs to patrons at your brewery. Make a quality kegging system a priority and ensure you have sufficient space to store kegs at a cool temperature before distribution.

4. Safety Equipment

All restaurants must adhere to food safety standards and should have specific equipment at hand, including:

• Gloves
• Aprons
• First Aid Kit
• Date Labels
• Sani-buckets
• Bar rags
• Food grade cleaning supplies
• Chemical Safety Data Sheets

5. Sinks

Sinks, vital for preparation, cleaning, and waste disposal, are required, and in kitchens, they must be reserved for specific uses. Your brewery should be equipped with a few sinks, plus additional ones in the kitchen.

Compartment Sinks Three-compartment sinks often satisfy food safety standards for cleaning and sanitizing cutlery, serviceware, and kitchen equipment – wash, rinse, sanitize.

Disposal Sinks Disposal sinks or bar sinks, conveniently located to dispose of any discarded liquids from washing or unwanted drinks.

Handwashing Sink Employees should have access to dedicated handwashing sinks in a kitchen or bar area to uphold safe food handling standards.

6. Serviceware

Ensure your brewery guests have all the essentials for an outstanding experience. Select items that encapsulate the aesthetic feel of your brewery, contributing to a memorable experience. Consider the durability of your chosen pieces under the demands of constant use by employees and customers.

• Glasses
• Coasters
• Table service essentials
• Paper boats, plates, or clamshells
• Utensils
• Napkins or linen

7. Point of Sale System

Point of sale systems offer a technological solution to many complexities inherent in operating a brewery venture. They integrate inventory management, budgeting, sales reporting, and streamline communication between front-of-house and back-of-house operations. Keep your operations running seamlessly with advanced service interfaces and handy logistical solutions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the importance of selecting the right equipment for a brewery cannot be overstated. Your equipment list should incorporate high-quality brewing systems, including a pilot system for recipe testing and a larger system for mass production. Essential brewing accessories, a robust bottle and can system, and a reliable kegging setup are all integral components.

Safety equipment and food-grade sinks are also paramount to meet industry standards and ensure efficient operations. Moreover, remember to provide suitable serviceware that resonates with your brewery’s aesthetic, contributing to the customer experience.

Lastly, a modern restaurant point of sale system can significantly streamline your operations, consolidating numerous aspects of managing your brewery. Ultimately, the successful operation of your brewery hinges on a well-planned and comprehensive equipment list.