Table of Contents
Brewhouse
The brewing pot is the core equipment in the beer brewing process. It undertakes the key steps from malt crushing to mash, boiling, and hop addition. The brewing of fresh beer usually requires a long boiling process to ensure that the flavor of the beer is strong enough and the sugar in the malt is effectively extracted.
Functions and selection of brewing pots
The main functions of brewing pots include mash, boiling, hop addition, etc. When choosing a suitable brewing pot, restaurants or small bars should consider the following aspects:
- Capacity: The capacity of the brewing pot should match the size of the restaurant. If it is a small bar or restaurant, a 5-30 gallon (19-114L) brewing pot may be sufficient; if it is larger, the capacity can be 50-100 gallons (190-380L) or larger.
- Material: The material of the brewing pot is usually stainless steel and 304 stainless steel is the most common choice because it is corrosion-resistant and easy to clean.
- Heating method: The heating methods of the brewing pot include electric heating, gas heating, and steam heating. Electric heating is simpler and suitable for small brewing; gas heating and steam heating are suitable for systems that require larger heating capacity.
- Tank design: Most brewing pots use a jacketed design, which can help better control temperature and improve the efficiency of mashand boiling.
Brewing pot price
Depending on the capacity and degree of automation, the price of a brewing pot ranges from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Small manual brewing pots (5-10 gallons) cost about $2,000 – $5,000, while large-scale automated brewing pots (50 gallons and above) may cost $20,000 – $50,000 or more.
Fermentation Tank
The fermentation tank is an indispensable equipment in the brewing process. It is used to mix the saccharified wort with yeast for alcohol fermentation. Yeast will convert the sugar in the wort into alcohol and carbon dioxide in the fermentation tank.
Function and selection of fermentation tank
- Capacity: The capacity of the fermentation tank needs to match the brewing pot. Generally, the capacity of the fermentation tank should be 10% to 20% larger than the brewing pot to prevent beer overflow during fermentation. For small restaurants or bars, 5-15 gallon (19-57L) fermentation tanks are more common; for large-scale production, 50-100 gallon (190-380L) fermentation tanks can be selected.
- Material: Fermentation tanks usually use stainless steel, and 304 stainless steel is a common choice with good corrosion resistance. Some fermentation tanks may also be equipped with nitrogen or carbon dioxide inflation systems to control internal pressure and temperature.
- Temperature control system: Because temperature is critical to the activity of yeast, fermentation tanks are usually equipped with built-in temperature control systems, which can accurately control the temperature through cooling jackets or cooling coils.
- Pressure control: Some fermenters are equipped with pressure control to regulate the pressure of carbon dioxide produced during fermentation. This is especially important when brewing fresh beer, as too high pressure may affect the taste and flavor of the beer.
Price of fermenter
- Small fermenters (5-15 gallons) cost about $1,000 – $3,000.
- Medium fermenters (30-50 gallons) cost between $3,000 – $8,000.
- Large fermenters (100 gallons and above) usually cost between $10,000 – $25,000.
Cooling System
The cooling system plays a vital role in the beer brewing process, especially during the mashing and fermentation stages. For fresh beer, precise temperature control is a key factor in ensuring the flavor and quality of the beer.
Types of Cooling Systems
- Cooling Jackets: This system is usually used on the outer walls of brewing kettles and fermentation tanks. It can reduce the temperature by circulating cold water or cooling liquid to maintain the optimal temperature during mashing and fermentation.
- Cooling Coils: Cooling coils are embedded in the brewing kettle for direct contact with the brewing liquid, thereby accelerating the temperature reduction.
- Ice Water Systems: For larger breweries, ice water systems can be used for rapid temperature reduction.
Price of Cooling Systems
Filtration Equipment
Filtration equipment is used to remove suspended particles, yeast, and other impurities generated during the brewing process. Fresh beer is not pasteurized, so an efficient filtration system is required to ensure the clarity and taste of the beer.
Types of Filtration Systems
- Coarse filtration: Generally used to remove large particles, such as malt residue, hops, etc.
- Fine filtration: Used to remove smaller particles, including microorganisms such as yeast. This is very important for keeping beer clear and improving the taste.
- Membrane filtration: Filtration using membrane materials can effectively remove yeast and microorganisms, especially suitable for restaurants and bars that require high beer clarity.
Price of Filtration Equipment
- Simple coarse filtration systems generally cost between $500 and $2,000.
- Efficient fine filtration systems cost roughly $3,000 to $8,000.
Packaging Equipment
Packaging equipment is mainly used for bottle, can, or barrel-fermented beer for easy sales and transportation. The choice of packaging equipment depends on the size of the restaurant and the sales channel.
Types of packaging equipment
- Bottle filling machine: suitable for restaurants or bars that bottle beer, which can automatically complete the filling, sealing, and labeling of bottles.
- Canning machine: suitable for restaurants or bars that need canned beer, usually with higher filling efficiency.
- Barrel filling machine: suitable for filling beer into large-capacity beer barrels, suitable for restaurants or bars that mainly provide draft beer.
Price of packaging equipment
- Bottle-filling machine price is usually $5,000 – $20,000.
- The canning machine price is about $10,000 – $30,000.
- Barrel filling machine price is generally $8,000 – $15,000.
Cleaning and Sanitizing Equipment
Cleaning and disinfection of brewing equipment are essential, especially in the fresh beer brewing process, because there is no pasteurization, bacteria, or contaminants that can easily affect the quality of the beer.
Cleaning system
Brewing systems are often equipped with cleaning pumps, spray heads, and sanitizer injection systems for thorough cleaning of fermenters, brew kettles, pipes, and other equipment. These systems can significantly improve cleaning efficiency and ensure equipment hygiene.
Prices of cleaning and disinfection equipment
A cleaning pump and sanitizing system cost approximately $1,000 – $5,000.
Conclusion
The selection of fresh beer brewing equipment is an important decision that restaurants or bars must face when entering the brewing industry. The right equipment can not only ensure the quality and flavor of beer but also improve production efficiency and reduce production costs. By choosing the right brewing pot, fermentation tank, cooling system, filtration equipment, packaging equipment, and cleaning system according to the size and needs of the restaurant, the restaurant can produce high-quality fresh beer that suits the taste of customers, thereby enhancing brand competitiveness and attracting more consumers.
FAQ
What is fresh beer?
Fresh beer usually refers to beer that has not been pasteurized or filtered, which means that it retains more yeast and microorganisms. Because it has not been sterilized, the flavor of fresh beer is fresher, more complex, and layered, and usually has a shorter shelf life.
Can restaurants adjust the flavor of beer according to the season?
Yes, restaurants can adjust the flavor of beer according to the season and customer preferences. This is a common practice for many small breweries and restaurants, which helps to enhance customer interest and loyalty.
How can restaurants ensure sanitary conditions during the brewing process?
When brewing fresh beer, sanitary conditions are extremely important because the quality and safety of beer may be affected by contamination. Clean and disinfect brewing equipment and utensils regularly, and operators should maintain hygiene.
Does fresh beer brewing equipment require regular maintenance?
Fresh beer brewing equipment requires regular maintenance to ensure its normal operation and extend its service life. Regularly clean and disinfect all equipment that comes into contact with beer. Regularly check and calibrate the temperature control system to ensure that the temperature during brewing and fermentation is always within the ideal range. Regularly check the carbon dioxide bottle, regulator, and gas pipeline system to ensure that there is no leakage and maintain the stability of the gas supply.