How Not To Choose Brewery Equipment: Common Errors Explained

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Choosing Beer Brewing Equipment

1. Beware of Material Traps

When selecting beer brewing equipment, be cautious of the material used in the manufacturing process. Some smaller manufacturers may reduce costs by substituting the recommended 304 stainless steel with 201 or 202 stainless steel, which can severely impact the longevity of the equipment and the quality of the beer.

304 stainless steel is food-grade and provides excellent corrosion resistance and stability, making it ideal for brewing equipment. In contrast, 201 and 202 stainless steels are less resistant to corrosion, leading to rust, which can negatively affect the beer quality.

To identify 304 stainless steel, you can use a stainless steel identification solution. 304 stainless will show no color or a pale yellow, while 201 will appear deep red and 202 will show a red color. Additionally, 304 stainless steel is weakly magnetic, which differentiates it from other materials. It's crucial to verify the material of your brewing equipment to avoid falling into a material trap.

2. Don’t Overlook the Control System

The control system is the "brain" of your brewing equipment. The price difference between manual and fully automated systems is significant, and many German-made systems emphasize the importance of their control systems. For example, a small German brewing system worth $100,000 may have a control system valued at $60,000, highlighting its critical role.

The control system directly influences the equipment's performance and the quality of the beer. A good control system precisely manages critical parameters such as temperature and pressure, ensuring consistent quality. A poor control system can lead to unstable parameters, which will affect the taste and quality of the beer. Therefore, it’s essential to prioritize the quality of the control system when selecting brewing equipment.

3. Avoid Cheap Equipment

When choosing brewing equipment, low-cost options often come with hidden risks. In the brewing industry, you typically get what you pay for. Equipment priced too low usually has inferior components, poor craftsmanship, and potentially high long-term costs.

Cheap brewing equipment may use substandard materials like low-grade stainless steel instead of food-grade stainless steel, which could rust and compromise beer quality. Additionally, thinner vessel walls can’t handle the fermentation pressure, leading to leakage risks. Other components such as valves, pumps, and electrical parts are often of poor quality and prone to failure.

Cheap equipment may also result in high energy consumption due to poor design. For instance, inefficient mashing systems with inadequate piping designs can lead to energy waste, which is not ideal for brewing.

Some low-cost equipment manufacturers may not include installation, transportation, or after-sales services in their price quotes, which can increase the total cost. Moreover, the lack of after-sales service can lead to long downtimes and production disruptions when problems arise.

In summary, opting for cheap equipment can lead to quality, energy efficiency, and maintenance issues. It's important to weigh the quality, performance, and after-sales support when selecting brewing equipment.

4. Don't Judge by Appearance Alone

Beer brewing equipment has a complex internal structure, and basing your decision solely on its exterior appearance is not advisable. An aesthetically appealing brewing system doesn’t necessarily mean it’s high quality. Often, equipment with similar external designs can differ greatly in terms of internal components.

For example, the quality of the stirring pump in the mash tun, the cooling system, and the copper pipes in the fermenter are crucial. The stirring pump's seals and impeller directly affect the efficiency of mixing. The cooling system’s internal and external circulation cooling methods can vary significantly in terms of performance and cooling effectiveness. The quality of copper pipes in the fermenter also plays a vital role in the cooling process, which, in turn, influences the fermentation quality.

When choosing brewing equipment, it's essential to focus on the internal structure and quality of critical components, rather than simply judging the appearance.

5. Don't Neglect After-Sales Service

After-sales service is a crucial aspect when selecting brewing equipment. During operation, various issues can arise, and having responsive, efficient after-sales support is vital.

For instance, if the cooling system of a fermenter fails while it is filled with beer, poor after-sales service can result in spoiled beer and significant losses. The responsiveness of the after-sales team is crucial to resolving such problems quickly and ensuring minimal disruption to production.

Good after-sales service includes several key aspects. First, having trained technical staff who can quickly diagnose and address equipment issues is essential. For example, if the cooling system fails, the technicians should be able to inspect the refrigerant, check for leaks, or address any other issues that may affect the system’s performance.

Second, after-sales service should cover regular maintenance and inspections. Ensuring that components like compressors, evaporators, and condensers are in good condition will extend the equipment’s lifespan. Additionally, consumables such as filters and capillary tubes should be replaced regularly to maintain optimal performance.

Lastly, after-sales service should offer technical training and support to ensure users understand proper operating procedures and maintenance practices. This helps prevent issues caused by improper operation and ensures efficient and smooth brewing.

When choosing brewing equipment, make sure to review the manufacturer’s after-sales policies, including service response time, repair schedules, and training offerings. A reliable after-sales service will help safeguard your investment and ensure continuous, high-quality beer production.