Brewery heating options: steam heating VS electric heating VS direct fire heating

Brewery heating options: steam heating VS electric heating VS direct fire heating

In beer brewing equipment, the three most common heating methods are: steam heating, electric heating and direct fire heating. Different heating methods affect the brewing process. For now, there is no way to say which heating method is the best choice, we have to design according to the needs of brewing. If you want to open a craft brewery and don't know which heating method is suitable, our engineers will explain the three heating methods according to the brewing needs, hoping to help you

1. Steam heating

Steam heating systems are a popular choice for large commercial breweries. In the brewhouse equipment, the steam jacket is generally welded to the inner shell. After contacting the equipment, it can achieve the fastest heating speed. When used in combination with the boiler, it can obtain good heating efficiency and reduce energy costs. The downside is that some countries have to obtain high license and inspection fees to be able to operate, thus slowing down the start-up time of breweries.

2. Electric heating

Electric heating system is a popular choice for 200L-1000L brewing system. The mashing equipment includes heating tubes in the kettle to ensure the highest heating efficiency, which will transfer 100% of the heat generated to the water or wort. Brewery licenses, electrical service upgrades and infrastructure development are required to safely brew beer. Due to the slow speed of electric heating, it will prolong your brewing time.

3. Direct fire heating

Direct fire heating systems are a popular choice for home breweries and microbreweries. It is heated by a powered gas burner outside the kettle, which projects a forced air flame onto a baffle or diffuser in a fully enclosed firebox below the kettle. This design significantly reduces the risk of scorching while also providing good temperature control and heating rates such as steam heating. Its heating efficiency is usually only 25%~50%, which greatly increases the cost.

Every customer's needs are different, and the brewing system is also unique. We will customize the brewing equipment according to the requirements of brewers, and adopt suitable heating methods to achieve the best results.