What Essential Brewery Equipment Should I Buy First?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Nov 10
- 2 min read
Starting a brewery is an exciting venture, but choosing the right equipment is critical for success. The brewing process requires specialized tools and systems, and prioritizing your initial purchases can help you stay within budget while ensuring smooth operations.
At Wexford Insurance, we understand the unique equipment and operational risks breweries face. Beyond protecting your investment with brewery business insurance, we want to help you make informed decisions about your startup equipment.
Why Equipment Selection Matters
Your equipment determines:
Production capacity and efficiency
Beer quality and consistency
Compliance with health and safety standards
Insurance coverage requirements for property and assets
Essential Brewery Equipment to Buy First
1. Brewhouse Vessels
The brewhouse is the heart of your brewery. It typically includes:
Mash Tun – Where grains are mixed with water to extract sugars.
Lauter Tun – Separates wort from spent grains.
Boil Kettle – Boils wort and adds hops for flavor.
Hot Liquor Tank (HLT) – Stores heated water for mashing and sparging.
2. Fermentation Tanks
After boiling, wort is cooled and transferred to fermentation tanks where yeast converts sugars into alcohol. Stainless steel fermenters are standard for durability and sanitation.
3. Heat Source or Boiler
A reliable heat source is essential for mashing and boiling. Options include steam boilers, direct-fire systems, or electric heating elements.
4. Chillers or Heat Exchangers
Cooling wort quickly after boiling is critical to prevent contamination. Glycol chillers and plate heat exchangers are common solutions.
5. Grain Milling System
A grain mill crushes malted barley to prepare it for mashing. Consistent milling ensures proper extraction and beer quality.
6. Kegging or Bottling Line
Decide early whether you’ll package beer in kegs, bottles, or cans. Automated systems save time and labor as production scales.
7. CO₂ Tanks
Carbon dioxide is used for carbonation and pushing beer through draft lines. Secure tanks and regulators are essential for taproom operations.
8. Cleaning and Sanitation Equipment
Cleanliness is non-negotiable in brewing. Invest in CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems, hoses, and sanitizing chemicals to maintain hygiene.
9. Quality Control and Lab Tools
Basic lab equipment like hydrometers, pH meters, and microscopes help monitor fermentation and ensure consistent beer quality.
How Equipment Ties Into Insurance
Your equipment is a major investment—and accidents happen. Here’s how insurance protects your assets:
Commercial Property Insurance – Covers brewing equipment, tanks, and packaging systems against fire, theft, or natural disasters.
Equipment Breakdown Insurance – Protects against costly repairs or replacements if machinery fails unexpectedly.
General Liability Insurance – Covers injuries or property damage during brewery operations.
Workers’ Compensation – Required if you employ staff handling equipment.
Commercial Auto Insurance – For vehicles transporting beer or equipment.
Including insurance in your business plan ensures compliance and financial security
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right equipment is the foundation of a successful brewery. Start with essentials like brewhouse vessels, fermenters, and packaging systems, then expand as your business grows. Protect your investment with specialized insurance from Wexford Insurance, so you can brew with confidence.
Contact us today.
