How Much Does Brewery Equipment Cost? Key Factors Explained by DEGONG

When planning to invest in beer brewing equipment, understanding what drives the cost is essential for making smart, cost-effective decisions. As a professional manufacturer of high-quality brewery equipment, DEGONG outlines the core factors that influence production costs. Whether you are setting up a craft brewery or expanding your beer production line, this guide will help you budget more accurately.

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1. Material Costs

Stainless Steel Quality

The primary material in brewery equipment is stainless steel. The grade of stainless steel used—industrial-grade, food-grade, or pharmaceutical-grade—significantly impacts the cost. Food-grade stainless steel, such as 304, is more expensive due to its low heavy metal content and additional surface treatment processes, but it ensures safety, durability, and hygiene. At DEGONG, we use food-grade 304 stainless steel in all our equipment to meet global standards for food and beverage processing.

Brewing Raw Materials

Though not part of the equipment itself, raw materials like malt, hops, and water are integral to brewing and can affect overall production costs.

• Malt: Makes up around 30% of the raw material cost. Quality and price vary based on region, type, and harvest season.

• Hops: Account for approximately 10% of costs. Their type, freshness, and market availability influence pricing.

• Water: Although inexpensive, its quality critically impacts beer flavor and accounts for about 5% of the cost.

• Other Additives: Yeast, enzymes, and adjunct grains like rice, corn, or wheat can contribute about 5% to total production cost and affect both beer quality and efficiency.

2. Equipment Costs

Fermentation Tanks

These are the core components of a brewery. The cost is influenced by:

• Tank capacity: Larger tanks increase production but cost more.

• Material quality: High-grade stainless steel ensures longevity and hygiene.

• Automation level: Automated tanks improve efficiency and reduce labor but come at a higher initial cost.

Additional Equipment

Brewing systems also require:

• Malt mills: High-quality grinders ensure uniform milling for optimal mashing.

• Filters: Remove unwanted particles and ensure beer clarity.

• Filling machines: Improve packaging speed and precision. Their efficiency directly affects operational throughput.

Different models and brands vary in price. Choosing the right configuration based on production needs can help balance cost and performance.

Wall Thickness

The thickness of the inner tank wall influences both safety and longevity:

• Mash tuns and fermenters are exposed to heat and pressure.

• Thinner walls may deform or fail over time, increasing maintenance costs.

• Thicker steel plates offer better pressure and heat resistance and reduce repair frequency.

3. Manufacturing Process Costs

Malt Crushing

Efficient crushing enhances sugar extraction and beer flavor. However, energy use and equipment wear during milling contribute to costs. Maintaining a low loss rate (0.3%–3%) during the transfer and crushing of malt is essential for reducing waste and improving efficiency.

Dissolving, Boiling & Cooling

• Dissolution: Heating crushed malt with water requires energy and durable heating systems.

• Cooling: After boiling, the wort must be cooled to yeast fermentation temperatures, which requires efficient, low-energy cooling systems.

Fermentation

Costs depend on:

• Time and temperature control

• Yeast activity and dosage: Precise yeast pitching is crucial. Optimal yeast cell density ensures effective fermentation and reduces waste.

Sedimentation, Filtration & Packaging

• Filtration systems (e.g., diatomite filters) help remove solids while reducing oxygen exposure.

• CO₂ injection and deoxygenated water (O₂ ≤ 20ppb) improve beer shelf life and taste.

• Packaging: Includes bottle/can materials and energy consumption, all of which add to overall production cost.

4. Quality Control Costs

To maintain beer quality, breweries must invest in laboratory testing equipment, including:

• Alcohol meters

• pH testers

• Advanced analyzers

These tools require regular calibration and maintenance. While the upfront investment is high, they ensure product consistency and compliance with regulatory standards.

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Conclusion

Brewery equipment costs are influenced by a range of factors—from materials and equipment specs to process design and quality control requirements. At DEGONG, we work closely with clients to provide tailored solutions that balance performance, durability, and budget.

Ready to build or upgrade your brewery?
Contact DEGONG Brewery Solutions for a customized quotation and expert consultation.