What is the difference between a wine fermentation tank and a beer fermentation tank?

1. The fundamental difference between the two from the perspective of fermentation process

Wine fermentation: natural, low pressure, slow

Wine fermentation generally starts after the grapes are crushed. During the process, a lot of stirring is not required, and too much pressure will not be generated. In particular, red wine may be exposed to the air during the fermentation process to promote oxidation reactions. This process emphasizes gentle, low intervention and natural reactions. Therefore, wine fermentation tanks have relatively low requirements for structure and pressure, but have high requirements for the inertness and hygiene of materials, as well as high requirements for fermentation tanks and cip control systems.

Beer fermentation: precise, high pressure, strict control

Beer fermentation is completely different. After the wort is cooled and yeast is added, a violent biological reaction will occur in the fermentation tank, producing a large amount of carbon dioxide. Therefore, the tank body needs to have a certain pressure resistance and good sealing performance to prevent contamination. In addition, beer fermentation usually requires temperature control, exhaust, and even secondary fermentation, which puts higher technical requirements on the equipment.

2. Differences in tank structure and shape

Most wine fermentation tanks are vertical cylindrical, and some high-end red wine wineries also use open tanks for manual "capping". These tanks are usually simple in design, focusing on temperature management and easy cleaning. Wine fermentation tanks are more common in small and medium-sized brewing companies or brewing equipment.

If you look at beer fermentation tanks alone, they generally adopt a cone bottom design, also known as a "conical fermentation tank". This structure makes it easy for yeast and sediment to concentrate at the bottom, which is convenient for discharge and recycling. It is also a standard configuration of modern fermenter brewery systems. They are often equipped with functional components such as cooling jackets, pressure valves, and sampling ports, especially in medium and large industrial brewing equipment.

3. Differences in material selection

In terms of material selection, although both use stainless steel 304 or 316 to support the fermentation tank equipment, the alias of wine fermentation tanks is called stainless steel wine fermentation tanks, and then some other places or small wineries and entry-level enthusiasts may also choose plastic wine fermentation tanks for brewing. Although plastic tanks are cheap and light, suitable for short-term use or test brewing, they are not recommended for long-term or high-frequency use because plastic is porous and easily retains odor or breeds bacteria. In addition, it has a greater impact on fermentation and cannot be completely fermented by wine, which makes the taste different from what is expected.

However, beer fermentation tanks are almost all made of stainless steel, especially in commercial systems provided by beer brewing equipment manufacturers. Using stainless steel as a fermentation container not only has stronger corrosion resistance and mechanical strength, but also meets the needs of frequent cleaning and high-pressure environments. It is the first choice for professional home brewing equipment and commercial brewing systems.

4. Temperature and pressure control

Although temperature control is also required during wine fermentation, in most cases it can be controlled by external cooling plates or room temperature. Some white wine varieties may require more precise temperature management, but the overall pressure requirements are very low, so there are no particularly strict requirements for stainless steel fermentation tanks.

Beer fermentation requires extremely high temperature and pressure control. Too high temperature will cause yeast to "run out of control" and produce bad flavors; too low temperature will inhibit the fermentation process and fail to complete the fermentation. In order to maintain consistency and efficiency, commercial breweries usually use conical fermentation tanks or beer fermentation tanks with automatic temperature control systems and pressure regulating valves. This type of tank is already very popular in modern industrial brewing equipment, and most brewers will choose this fermentation tank to ferment beer.

5. Capacity and application scenarios

The capacity of wine tanks ranges from hundreds of liters to tens of thousands of liters. Large wineries use customized stainless steel fermentation tanks with gravity fermentation systems for brewing. Small wineries tend to be flexible in configuration, adapting to different grape varieties and brewing batches, so the requirements for fermentation tanks are not so strict. Plastic fermentation tanks can be used. Stainless steel fermentation tanks, or even conical fermentation tanks can be used.

Beer fermentation tanks are mostly modular in design, and work together with malt saccharification pots, boiling pots, sake tanks, etc. to form a complete beer making equipment commercial system. Breweries often arrange multiple fermentation tanks according to the brewing cycle to increase production capacity, and they will be equipped with fermentation tanks from 500L to 5000L. In particular, tonsen can produce fermentation tanks with an annual output of hundreds of thousands of tons.

6. Cleaning and hygiene management

Hygiene management is crucial for the beer brewing system and the entire brewing process. Raw materials such as yeast, sugar and protein are very easy to cause contamination, so beer fermentation tanks are usually equipped with CIP (online cleaning) systems, high-pressure spray balls, polished inner walls and other technical configurations, which can not only prevent the raw materials from being contaminated but also ensure the perfect operation of the brewing system, thereby brewing delicious beer.

Wine fermentation tanks also have requirements for hygiene, but because the sugar content of grape juice is relatively low, the risk of contamination of raw materials is slightly smaller than that of beer, so most winemakers will not choose the same brewing steps as the beer brewing system, and most wine tanks are cleaned manually or semi-automatically. For this situation, tonsen not only brews wine fermentation tanks but also red wine fermentation tanks, and integrates perfectly with the brewing market as much as possible, providing more brewing equipment and fermentation equipment.

7. Automation and modernization degree

With the development of the industry, more and more brewing companies have introduced intelligent systems:

Automatic temperature control and pH monitoring

Digital data recording

Cloud remote control

In this regard, the degree of automation of beer fermentation systems is generally higher than that of wine fermentation systems, especially in the field of medium and large fermenter brewery and industrial brewing equipment. Brewing equipment is becoming more and more advanced. Although the current wine industry is also gradually transforming, the proportion of retaining manual traditions is still high.

8. How to choose a suitable fermentation tank?

If you are a craft brewery:

It is recommended to purchase with:

Conical bottom structure

Double-layer jacket temperature control system

Pressure release device

Sanitary cleaning system

It is recommended to cooperate with experienced beer brewing equipment manufacturers for procurement, such as the fermentation tanks and brewing systems produced by tonsen, which can meet all requirements.

If you are a boutique winery:

Consider:

Open or closed stainless steel tanks, or 1000L fermentation tanks. If it is a small winery or home brewing, you can also choose tonsen's 500L brewing system.

Temperature control cooling system

Structure that can be cleaned quickly, such as with a home brewing system and cip automatic cleaning system.

The capacity can be flexibly configured according to different grape varieties. If the budget is limited, plastic wine fermentation tanks can be used for experimental production.

IX. Industry trends and environmental protection development

The environmental protection trend is constantly strengthening in both industries. Stainless steel fermentation tanks are increasingly made of recyclable materials, and energy control systems emphasize energy saving. In the wine field, steel-wood hybrid tanks (stainless steel shell + oak core) have appeared, which not only retain the flavor but also achieve efficient cleaning. The beer industry promotes green technologies such as solar heating and intelligent temperature control.

X. Conclusion: Choose the right tank and make good wine

Whether you focus on the fruity Cabernet Sauvignon or challenge the high-alcohol IPA, choosing the right fermentation tank is the first step to success. From wine fermentation tanks to professional home brewing equipment, as well as beer fermentation tanks and saccharification equipment, each equipment carries a combination of technology and process.

A deep understanding of the differences between wine and beer fermentation tanks can not only help you save investment costs, but also improve the stability and market competitiveness of your products.

FAQ

What materials are good for wine fermentation tanks?

It is recommended to use stainless steel wine fermentation tanks, which are acid-resistant and corrosion-resistant and suitable for long-term use.

Are plastic fermentation tanks reliable?

Plastic wine fermentation tanks are suitable for entry-level and testing purposes, but not for long-term high-frequency brewing.

Can wine tanks be used for beer brewing or beer fermentation systems?

Not recommended. Pressure and CO₂ are generated during beer fermentation, and wine tanks generally do not have relevant structures and safety configurations.

Where can I buy professional fermentation tanks?

You can contact experienced beer brewing equipment manufacturers or brewing equipment suppliers such as tonsen to obtain customized solutions, and provide 24-hour service and free design drawings.