What items are needed to brew beer?

1. Mashing and filtration equipment

Mashing is the key process of converting malt starch into fermentable sugars, which is often completed in a dedicated mash tun.

Insulated mash tun

Mostly stainless steel or food-grade polypropylene is used as the inner tank, and the outer layer is covered with high-efficiency insulation materials, which can control the temperature fluctuation within ±1-2°C within one to two hours to ensure the uniform enzymatic reaction.

False bottom and wheat filter tube

During the discharge process, the false bottom or special filter tube will form a natural filter bed, effectively isolating the solid dregs and ensuring the clarity of the wort. The pore size and surface roughness of the filter tube directly affect the recovery rate and flow rate.

Automatic stirring and reflux system

High-end configurations are usually equipped with programmable stirring devices, and the primary filtered wort can be refluxed to the dregs layer to improve saccharification efficiency. This allows multiple insulation processes to be seamlessly completed in the same equipment to meet the temperature requirements of different styles of beer.

Through these devices, brewers can precisely control temperature and residence time to optimize the saccharification process for various beer styles.

2. Fermentation equipment

Fermentation is the core stage of beer flavor formation. The main equipment forms include conical fermenters, pressure fermenters and unitank fermenters, and are equipped with efficient cooling and temperature control systems.

1. Conical Fermenter

The conical design at the bottom allows yeast and sediment to concentrate naturally, simplifying the defermentation process; primary fermentation and secondary clarification can be completed in the same tank, reducing floor space and pipeline connections.

2. Stainless Steel Pressure Fermenter

It can withstand an internal pressure of 10–15 PSI, achieve pressure fermentation and direct carbonization; use the natural carbon dioxide solubility to accelerate beer clarification and reduce the need for subsequent carbonization equipment.

3. Unitank Fermenter

Integrates fermentation, aging and bright beer storage in one unit, and can be switched freely at different stages through PLC automatic control; greatly reduces pipeline complexity and space occupation, and improves operational flexibility.

4. Cooling and temperature control system

The plate or coil heat exchanger can quickly cool the wort to the optimal temperature zone for yeast; the matching temperature control unit (TCU) accurately adjusts the fermentation temperature through the tank jacket or built-in coil to ensure yeast activity and stability. The combination of these fermentation equipment and systems allows breweries to achieve fully automatic and traceable production from primary fermentation to aging.

3. Cleaning and disinfection equipment (CIP system)

The Clean-In-Place system is the key to preventing microbial contamination and ensuring sanitary quality in modern brewing workshops.

Circulation cleaning pump: forms a high-pressure cycle inside the fermentation tank, pipeline and valve, which can be thoroughly cleaned without disassembly;

Multi-stage cleaning agent delivery: automatically delivers alkaline, acidic cleaning agents and disinfectants according to the program, and performs multiple cleaning and inactivation of organic dirt, mineral deposits and microorganisms;

Automatic valves and controllers: after the cleaning process is preset, one-button starts the full-line cleaning, and records the temperature, flow rate and cleaning agent concentration to ensure that each disinfection is documented;

Manual auxiliary tools: special brushes and scrapers are used for supplementary cleaning of dead corners such as interfaces and valve covers.

The CIP system can complete full-line cleaning and disinfection in a short time, which not only saves manpower, but also greatly reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

IV. Overview of major equipment suppliers

In the brewing equipment market, the following suppliers are representative. Their product range, technical features and price range can provide reference for brewing projects of different sizes:

V. Tonsen

Products range from 100L pilot brewing machines to 10,000L industrial-grade whole-plant systems, including saccharification pots, boiling pots, plate exchangers, conical fermenters, Unitank and pressure fermenters. Its equipment is ISO9001, CE and PED certified and supports high customization. The price range of the whole system can range from tens of thousands of yuan to millions of yuan depending on the scale.

SS Brewtech

Focus on home and small commercial fermenters and cooling coils, 304 stainless steel, equipped with LCD temperature control system and dual valve design. The price of a 7-gallon (about 26L) conical fermenter is generally around 5,000-6,000 yuan.

Spike Brewing

Provides professional-grade 304 stainless steel Unitank fermenters, all flange connections are full triangular flanges, supporting 15 PSI pressure fermentation. The standard 7-gallon tank is priced at about RMB 4,000-5,000.

GrainFather

Home-use integrated fully automatic saccharification system, integrated Bluetooth App remote control, and cone bottom design for easy slag discharge. The price of the 7-gallon set is usually in the range of RMB 4,500-5,500.

Domestic custom manufacturers (such as a local brand)

With many years of industry experience and flexible factory capacity, they can design and manufacture complete plant equipment according to project requirements, covering saccharification, boiling, fermentation, CIP, cooling and packaging lines. The total investment of the project ranges from hundreds of thousands to millions of RMB depending on the scale.

V. Tonsen and its global partner network

Shandong Tonsenbrew has become a benchmark enterprise in the field of home, craft and industrial beer equipment with advanced laser welding, automated polishing technology, and multiple international certifications such as ISO9001, CE, and PED.

Product Coverage

The product range ranges from 100L experimental brewing machines to 10,000L whole plant systems, covering mash pots, boiling pots, heat exchangers, fermentation tanks (including cone, pressure, Unitank) and fully automatic CIP cleaning systems.

Technology and Services

Provide one-stop consulting, design, manufacturing, installation and commissioning, equipped with professional process engineers for formula optimization and employee training to ensure rapid commissioning and smooth operation of the project.

Overseas Partners

Tonsen maintains long-term strategic cooperation with well-known breweries and craft breweries in more than 20 countries including Europe, America, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, helping customers customize equipment and processes on demand in different regions and support localized production. Its equipment has successfully helped many breweries in Sweden, the United States, Vietnam, Brazil, Australia and other places to launch a number of award-winning beers.

Global Service Network

After-sales centers and spare parts warehouses have been established in major markets to ensure that customers can obtain timely technical support and parts supply locally.