Direct Fired Brewhouse Systems for Traditional Craft Brewing
Direct Fired Brewhouse System – A complete gas fired brewhouse solution with direct fired kettle, designed for craft breweries and brewpubs that want traditional heating, strong boil control and efficient day-to-day operation.
The system can be tailored to your local gas type, safety requirements and target production volume, with engineering support from CASSMAN’s experienced brewery equipment team.
Harness the raw power and economy of gas with our Direct Fired Brewhouse. Engineered for a faster, more vigorous boil, it features superior insulation and complete burner flexibility, including custom-fitting for your preferred brand.
A direct fired brewhouse uses gas burners installed beneath the kettle (and sometimes mash tun) to heat the wort directly, without a separate steam boiler. This traditional heating method offers very responsive heat input and can create specific caramelization and Maillard reactions that some beer styles benefit from.
Who Are Direct Fired Systems Best For?
Direct fired brewhouse systems are ideal for:
Craft breweries and brewpubs that want a traditional “direct fire” character for certain ales, strong beers or specialty styles.
Breweries located where gas is readily available and installing a steam boiler is not economical or practical.
Small to medium breweries that need 500L–3000L per batch and prefer a more straightforward heating system with strong control over boil intensity.
Decision makers are typically brewery owners, head brewers and project managers who want a balance between investment, operating cost, flavor control and local compliance with gas regulations.
Key Benefits of CASSMAN Direct Fired Brewhouse Systems
Powerful and responsive heating:Gas burners allow quick ramp-up to boil and easy adjustment of boil intensity, providing flexibility for different beer recipes.
Traditional wort characteristics:Direct flame can promote caramelization on the kettle surface, contributing to color and flavor development in certain beer styles when managed correctly.
No steam boiler required:Breweries can avoid the cost and complexity of steam boilers, pressure vessel approvals and additional boiler room infrastructure.
Compact system layout:Direct fired brewhouses can be a good choice where space is limited and a separate boiler room is not available.
Sizes, Configurations and Customization
CASSMAN can supply direct fired brewhouse systems in 2-vessel or 3-vessel configurations, typically covering 500L–3000L per batch for craft breweries and brewpubs. Systems usually include a mash/lauter tun, direct fired kettle/whirlpool and hot liquor tank, with options for additional vessels depending on desired brewhouse efficiency.
Customization options include:
Brewhouse size:common capacities such as 500L, 1000L, 1500L, 2000L and 3000L, with other volumes available on request.
Burner configuration:high-efficiency gas burners, combustion control and safety devices according to local standards.
Automation level:from manual gas valve and temperature indicators to semi-automatic control with PLC, touch screen and interlocks.
Aesthetic options:stainless steel or copper cladding for show breweries and brewpubs where customers can see the brewhouse.
Direct Fired Brewhouse System FAQ
Q What are the main differences between direct fired and steam heated brewhouses?
ADirect fired systems use gas burners directly under the kettle, providing fast, intense heating and traditional character, while steam systems use steam jackets for gentler, more uniform heating and broader utility integration.
Q Are direct fired brewhouse systems safe for commercial breweries?
AYes, when designed correctly with proper burner controls, ventilation, gas train safety devices and local code compliance, direct fired brewhouses are widely used in commercial craft breweries.
Q What kind of gas supply do I need for a direct fired brewhouse?
AThe required gas supply depends on brewhouse size and burner design; CASSMAN can estimate gas consumption and work with your local gas engineer to confirm pressure, flow and safety requirements.
Q Will direct fired heating damage the wort or kettle?
A
When operated properly, direct fired systems are designed to distribute flame and heat, reducing hot spots, while brewers control flame intensity and stirring to avoid scorching and maintain desired wort quality.
Q Can CASSMAN provide turnkey brewery solutions with a direct fired brewhouse?
ACASSMAN can supply a full turnkey package including the direct fired brewhouse, tanks, CIP system and packaging equipment, along with layout design and on-site installation guidance.
Safety, Engineering and Brewing Expertise
Jinan Cassman Machinery Co., Ltd. designs brewhouse systems with a strong focus on safety, durability and brewing performance, including direct fired, steam heated and electric brewhouse options. Equipment is manufactured in China under strict quality control, and CASSMAN has supplied brewery projects to customers in Europe, North America, Asia and other regions.
For direct fired systems, burner selection, gas piping layout and safety devices are considered carefully, and CASSMAN can cooperate with local gas contractors to meet regional codes and standards. Engineering support covers brewhouse sizing, layout, process design and practical brewing experience to help clients build efficient, reliable and safe breweries.
Planning a direct fired brewhouse for your craft brewery or brewpub?
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Jinan Cassman Machinery Co., Ltd. is mainly engaged in beer equipment, whiskey distillery equipment, biological fermentation, and environmental protection equipment, among others.