perfect guide of Pub Beer Brewing Equipment

Beer brewing is an intricate process that requires the right equipment to produce high quality brews. For pubs and microbreweries looking to craft their own beers on-site, having the proper brewing system is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key equipment needed for pub beer production, from mash tuns and brew kettles to fermenters and serving tanks. We’ll explore the different types of equipment available, their key features, and how to select the right components for your brewhouse setup. Whether you’re outfitting a new pub brewery or upgrading existing equipment, use this as your go-to reference for understanding pub beer brewing hardware.

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Overview of Pub Beer Brewing Equipment

Crafting beer on a pub scale requires a brewhouse setup with equipment for mashing, lautering, boiling, fermenting, conditioning, and serving. Here are the key pieces of hardware involved in pub beer production:

Table 1: Key Pieces of Pub Brewing Equipment

Equipment Purpose Mash tun Mixes milled grains with hot water to extract sugars, starches, colors, and flavors Lauter tun Separates sweet wort from spent grains Brew kettle Boils wort with hops to develop bitterness, flavor, and aroma Wort chiller Quickly cools boiled wort before fermentation Fermenter Provides closed environment for yeast to ferment sugars into alcohol and CO2 Brite tank Allows conditioning and carbonation of fermented beer Glycol system Maintains precise temperature control of fermentation and storage tanks Serving tanks Dispenses finished beer to taps while keeping oxygen exposure minimal

Within each equipment category, pub brewers can choose from various setups and features to build a customized brewhouse. Key considerations include batch sizes, level of automation, and budget. We’ll now explore popular equipment options for each process in more detail.

Mash Tun Types for Pub Brewing

The mash tun is one of the most important vessels for influencing beer recipe development. This is where milled grains are mixed with hot water and converted into sweet wort through natural enzymes. For pub systems producing 5-15 barrel batches, here are common mash tun configurations:

Table 2: Popular Pub Brewhouse Mash Tuns

Type Features Batch Size Suitability Single infusion mash tun Simple insulated vessel with mixing paddle or rake arms Up to 10 barrels Infusion mash tun with external heating Insulated mash tun with external heat exchanger to maintain target temperature 10-15 barrels Steam-jacketed mash tun Internal steam coils or jacket for direct heating 10-20 barrels Automated mash tun Programmable temperature controls and automated mixing 10-30 barrels

• Single infusion mash tuns are economical and well-suited for pub batches under 10 barrels. They rely on a single temperature rest for starch conversion.
• External heating configurations allow better temperature control across a mash. The separate heating system provides flexibility for step mashes.
• Steam-jacketed mash tuns quickly achieve desired temperatures. But this direct heating requires vigilant monitoring to avoid scorching.
• Fully-automated mash tuns simplify multi-rest recipes. But the computerized controls come at a higher equipment cost.

Mash tun selection depends on production goals, staff skills, and budget. Small pub brewers may opt for manual operation, while larger 15+ barrel systems justify automated temperature and stirring functions.

Lauter Tun Designs for Pub Beer Production

After mashing, the grain slurry must move to a lauter tun for wort separation. Filtering sweet wort from spent grains is vital for efficiency and avoiding stuck mashes. Pub-scale lauter tun options include:

Table 3: Pub Brewhouse Lauter Tun Styles

Type Method Advantages Disadvantages Grant Batch sparging Simple, manual operation Slow wort collection False bottom Fly sparging Faster runoff, better efficiency Prone to channeling Slotted manifold Fly sparging Even wort distribution Potential to overflow Rotating racking arm Fly sparging Self-leveling collection Complex, expensive

• Grants rely on multiple batch sparges. These compact manual systems are ideal for small pub installations.
• False bottom lauter tuns have slots that distribute sparge water. Helpful for 5-10 barrel systems.
• Slotted manifolds improve flow distribution for efficient fly sparging. Popular for 10-15 barrel batches.
• Rotating racking arms self-adjust to collect the clearest wort. Advanced feature for 15 barrel+ automated brewhouses.

Ideally, the lauter tun size matches the mash tun capacity for seamless transfers. Consider ease of operation and maintenance when selecting a sparging setup.

Brew Kettle Options for Pub Beer Production

The brew kettle is the heart of the brewhouse where wort from the lauter tun gets boiled with hops. Kettles must be sized appropriately for each batch and have features to support recipe goals. Pub brew kettles typically range from 5-30 barrels with direct or indirect heating:

Table 4: Pub Brewhouse Kettle Types

Type Heating Method Batch Size Suitability Direct fire kettles Gas burner below kettle 5-15 barrels Steam-jacketed kettles Enclosed steam coils 10-30 barrels External kettle boiler Pumped hot water circulation 15-60 barrels

• Direct fire kettles are affordable and heat quickly. But they require monitoring to prevent scorching.
• Steam-jacketed kettles evenly distribute heat. Condensate must be drained to prevent boil overs.
• External boilers provide the most precision temperature control for large batches. Requires pumping hot water to the kettle.

Other key brew kettle features include bottom drainage valves, heating ramp controllers, automatic mixing, and programmable recipe profiles. Kettles should be constructed of stainless steel.

Essential Pub Brewery Ancillary Equipment

In addition to the core mash, lauter, and kettle vessels, pub breweries need various other ancillary equipment for production:

Table 5: Critical Pub Brewery Ancillary Equipment

Equipment Purpose Mill Crushes malt grains for mashing Heat exchanger Boosts temperature of sparge water Whirlpool Separates hops and coagulated proteins from wort Wort chiller Quickly cools boiled wort before fermentation Pumps Transfers liquids between vessels Piping Moves liquids around the brewery Gauges and sensors Monitor flow rates, pressures, and temperatures Cleaning and sanitation Cleans and sanitizes equipment

Proper sizing of these supporting items prevents bottlenecks. Consider upgrade potential when selecting pumps, piping, controls, etc. Pick equipment constructed of durable, non-reactive stainless steel. Prioritize ease of maintenance and inspection.

Fermentation and Serving Equipment

After wort production comes fermentation and storage. Pub breweries require specialized equipment for this stage as well:

Table 6: Fermentation and Serving Vessel Equipment

Equipment Purpose Key Features Yeast propagation Grows yeast for pitching Temperature control, aeration Fermenters Provides closed environment for primary fermentation Temperature control, variable pressure release Brite tanks Allows secondary fermentation, clarification, and carbonation Pressure rating, glycol cooling, carbonation stone Serving tanks Dispenses finished beer with minimal oxygen pickup Glycol jacket, high pressure rating, beer out post, sight glass

Proper fermenter and brite tank sizing prevents bottlenecking batch workflow. Jacketed, stainless steel vessels with programmable temperature control and pressure relief deliver the most flexibility. Serving tanks require sound construction to maintain carbonation and prevent oxygen ingress.

Key Considerations for Selecting Pub Brewing Equipment

When outfitting a pub brewery, keep these guidelines in mind for choosing equipment:

Table 7: Pub Brewery Equipment Selection Criteria

Factor Reasoning and Tips Production goals Size equipment based on target batch sizes and annual barrelage. Allow room to grow. Budget Weigh capital costs against labor savings of automation. Start semi-automated and upgrade later. Ingredient flexibility Seek equipment accommodating various mash schedules, recipes, and beer styles. Quality and consistency Pick sturdy stainless steel components that are easy to clean, maintain, and calibrate. Staff skills Balance manual operation against cost of automated controls. Prioritize user-friendly. Physical space Carefully measure floorspace and prioritize compactness. Consider height for gravity flow. Upgrades Select equipment with upgrade potential. Oversize motors, pumps, and piping. Choose modular.

Take time to test equipment and train staff before full production. Prioritize quality, efficiency, and consistency when engineering your pub brewhouse. Carefully designed equipment is essential for crafting great beer.

FAQ

Q: What size mash tun do I need for a 10 barrel pub brewery?

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A: For a 10 barrel brewhouse, a 10-15 barrel mash tun allows adequate room for mash liquor and grains. Oversize your mash tun volume by 50-100% compared to batch sizes.

Q: Should I choose manual or automated pub brewing equipment?

A: It depends on your budget and staff skills. Semi-automated equipment with programmable pumps and temperature controls provide a good balance for many pub brewers starting out. You can upgrade to more automation later as production increases.

Q: What material should pub brewing equipment be constructed from?

A: Stainless steel is by far the best material for durability, cleanliness, and corrosion resistance. Many alloys are available, including 304, 316, and high-nickel alloys. Pick at least 304 stainless for good value and performance.

Q: How many fermenters and brite tanks do I need for pub-scale production?

A: Plan for at least three fermenters and two brite tanks per 10 barrels of production capacity. This allows one batch to ferment while another batches conditions and a third serves. Utilize conicals for combined fermentation and conditioning.

Q: Should I lease or buy new pub brewing equipment?

A: Purchasing equipment provides the most control and customization for growth. But leasing can conserve capital in early years. Weigh the benefits – newer gear and warranties with buying vs. lower startup costs with leasing.

Q: Where can I find good deals on pub brewing equipment packages?

A: Check for used deals from other breweries upgrading systems. Or look for equipment package deals from reputable suppliers. Joining the Brewers Association provides access to the trading post and classifieds.

Q: What maintenance is required on pub brewing equipment?

A: Daily and weekly cleaning and sanitizing is critical. Inspect fittings, gaskets, hoses regularly. Lubricate valves and seals. Calibrate sensors annually. Major maintenance comes every few years – repassivating stainless, replacing gaskets, servicing motors.

Q: Should I upgrade to automated brewing equipment?

A: Automating recipe control, temperature management, mixing, and transferring can improve consistency and free up labor once dialed in. Carefully evaluate costs against potential benefits for your brewhouse setup and staff.

Know More Brewing equipment

 

Choose In-stock Commercial Brewing Equipment or Custom Designs

 

There are a million different ways to build a brewery and like any good beer, each brewery has its own unique character.  What is yours?  Will you be brewing lagers, ales, ciders or many flavors?  Do you prefer insulated or non-insulated kettles?  Jacketed or non-jacketed conical fermenters?  How many BBLs do you want to produce each year?  Do you prefer a turnkey brewing system?  Let's discuss options and work together to find the right commercial brewing equipment for your needs. 

 

All of our commercial beer brewing equipment is made from premium virgin 304 stainless steel, offering superior sanitation and easy cleaning. Safety is a critical aspect of all of our pro beer brewing equipment designs, keeping brewers safer and helping to avoid major hassles at inspection time. Our micro brewing systems are used around the world, and our unique turnkey systems are built specifically to meet the needs of microbreweries, providing sophisticated controls normally only seen in very large commercial breweries.

 

Why Choose our Commercial Brewing Equipment for your Brewery?

• HEAT CONTROL: 
  Our commercial beer brewing equipment provides the ability to control heat from 0 to 100% (either in 1% increments on our Advanced panel, or infinitely adjustable with the dial on our basic panels).
   
• SAFETY: 
  Our GFCI are the safest in the industry, breaking at around 5mA within 1/40th of a second.  These GFCI breakers meet the NEC requirements for protection of human life on each element circuit for safety and better reliability in a wet brewery environment.

• PERFORMANCE: 
  Our pro brewing equipment has separate GFCI breakers.  On the rare chance that an element fails, your panel will still function, and your brew session can continue.
   
• INNOVATIVE DESIGNS, LARGE BREWERY TECHNOLOGIES: 
  Our brewing systems for sale have all of the features and benefits of industrial scale brewing equipment, engineered into small brewery systems.  We can even customize tanks to fit your specific needs as a brewer.
   
• EASY TO CLEAN: 
  Our systems have sanitary construction with food grade valves, sanitary welds and tri clamp fittings. Spend less time cleaning, and more time brewing delicious brew.
   
• DURABILITY: 
  Our brewing systems are engineered to commercial standards and are built to last years of brewing.  
   
• WORT PROTECTION: 
  Our Ultra-Low watt density elements, plus our ability to lower the element's power (which makes the watt density proportionally lower with our 0-100% adjustment), there is no scorching or off flavors.
   
• UL/cUL DEPENDABLE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS:  
  Unlike our competitors, our commercial brewing systems have solid state relays, with no moving parts. These relays have a much longer lifespan, and will require little to no maintenance in the future.
   
• LOW COST TO VENT THE STEAM:
  With our stainless steel commercial grade brew kettles, you use a low cost condensate stack or steam condenser to vent the steam. Steam MUST be properly ventilated to avoid serious mold and potential health safety issues in your building.

 

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Opening a new brewery or expanding current production? Let us help you cost it out. Our team of experienced brewery consultants can help you design your brewery the way you want it, and get you the best value for your needs.  Former brewers themselves, they have helped build hundreds of breweries, and will work with you to do it right.

 

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Whether you choose to open a brewery with us or not, we want to make sure you do it right.  We stand by the quality of our brewing equipment and are confident that when comparing apples to apples, no one can compete with our quality, price, and amazing customer service.

Resources for Opening a Brewery:  

Educated decisions are the best decisions. After you have requested your FREE quote, take some time to view the following resources.  Let us know if you have any questions.

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