Author: Henry Chen Publish Time: 2025-10-28 Origin: CASSMAN
By Henry Chen — 18 Years Designing & Installing Craft Brewery Systems
If you’re typing “commercial brewing equipment for sale” into Google, chances are you’re not just browsing. You’re probably:
Finalizing your business plan
Negotiating a lease for your taproom
Or staring at a spreadsheet wondering how to stretch $300K into a working brewery
I’ve been there. Over the past two decades, I’ve helped over 120 breweries—from nano startups in Portland to 30-BBL production facilities in Texas—navigate the minefield of buying brewing gear. And I’ve seen brilliant brewers make costly mistakes not because they lacked passion, but because they didn’t know what to ask.
So let’s cut through the noise. This isn’t a spec sheet. It’s the guide I wish I had when I built my first system.
Not all “commercial brewing equipment” is created equal. Your needs depend entirely on your business model:
Brewery Type | Ideal Brewhouse Size | Key Priorities |
Taproom-focused (mostly draft sales) | 3–10 BBL | Flexibility, fast turnaround, compact footprint |
Distribution-focused (kegs/cans) | 15–60 BBL | Efficiency, consistency, CIP reliability |
Contract or alternating proprietorship | Used or modular | Speed to market, lower capex |
Mistake I see often: A new brewer buys a 20-BBL automated system because “it looks pro”—but only sells 2 kegs a week. They’re drowning in debt before their first IPA hits the tap list.
Ask yourself:
“Will this system help me sell more beer—or just sit there looking expensive?”
Yes, you need a mash tun, kettle, and hot liquor tank. But here’s what matters more than barrel count:
Heat source: Electric is clean and precise—but check your utility panel. Many older buildings can’t support 480V 3-phase without a $20K+ upgrade.
Automation: A basic PLC pays for itself in labor savings and recipe repeatability. Skip the “fully automated with touchscreen” unless you’re doing 5+ batches/day.
Material: 304 stainless is fine for most. Only go 316L if you’re using aggressive caustics or brewing sour beers regularly.
Pro tip: Ask suppliers for a thermal efficiency report. A well-insulated kettle can cut your brew day energy cost by 18–25%.
Explore our customizable brewhouse systems—designed for real-world efficiency, not just showroom appeal.
This is where corners kill you. I’ve seen tanks with poor cone angles trap trub, or CIP spray balls that miss dead zones—leading to infections and wasted batches.
Non-negotiables:
ASME-certified pressure rating (even if local code doesn’t require it—your insurer will)
60° cone angle for complete yeast drop
Tri-clamp or DIN fittings (no threaded connections!)
Glycol jacket coverage to within 6" of the top
Size rule of thumb: For every 1 BBL of brewhouse capacity, plan for 7–10 BBL of total tank volume. Fermentation takes time—your beer doesn’t magically vanish after brew day.
Check our conical fermenters and brite beer tanks (BBT)—engineered for full CIP coverage, precise temp control, and long-term reliability.
A $500K brewhouse is useless if your glycol chiller can’t keep up on a hot August day.
Glycol system: Size it for peak load, not average. One client in Arizona learned this the hard way when his 10-Ton chiller failed during a double IPA batch.
CO₂ recovery: Not essential at first, but if you’re carbonating in-tank, a basic recovery system can save $8K–$15K/year in gas costs.
We offer integrated glycol cooling systems and large-scale CO₂ storage tanks built for hot climates and high-demand operations.
Used equipment can be a godsend—if you do your homework.
✅ When used makes sense:
You have < $250K total budget
You’re opening in < 6 months
You have mechanical skills (or a handy brewer)
❌ Red flags:
No ASME data plate or missing mill certs
Pitting or weld corrosion inside tanks
Control panels with obsolete PLCs
I once helped a client buy a 10-BBL used system for $68K—fully refurbished, pressure-tested, and delivered in 5 weeks. Their total startup cost? Under $180K. They’re profitable in Year 2.
While Cassman focuses on new, custom-engineered systems, we understand budget realities. If you’re considering used gear, always insist on third-party inspection—and never skip pressure testing.
Forget online “starting at” prices. Here’s what real projects cost (including installation):
System Size | New Turnkey | Refurbished/Used |
3–7 BBL (taproom) | $180K – $350K | $90K – $180K |
10–20 BBL (hybrid) | $350K – $700K | $180K – $350K |
30–60 BBL (production) | $700K – $1.8M | $400K – $900K |
Hidden costs people forget:
Shipping & rigging (tanks are HEAVY—$8K–$20K easily)
Concrete pads or structural reinforcement
Health department & fire marshal permits
Training (yes, even experienced brewers need system-specific training)
At Cassman, we provide transparent, all-inclusive quotes—including FAT, shipping prep, and commissioning support—so there are no surprises.
Don’t just compare quotes. Ask these questions:
1.“Can I visit your factory before signing?”
We welcome visits—schedule a tour. Seeing weld quality and workflow matters.
2.“Who installs your systems in my region?”
We partner with certified installers worldwide—or provide remote commissioning with full documentation.
3.“What’s your lead time right now—not on paper?”
As of Q3 2025, our standard lead time is 14–18 weeks for full systems—confirmed before PO.
4.“Can you share references with similar systems?”
We’ll connect you with brewers using our gear in your region and scale.
The best suppliers don’t just sell tanks—they help you avoid downtime.
Your first IPA might sell out fast. But what about batch #50? Batch #200?
The right equipment isn’t the cheapest or the shiniest—it’s the system that scales with your ambition, keeps your beer consistent, and lets you sleep at night knowing your tanks won’t fail during a holiday rush.
If you’re serious about moving forward, start with a production plan, not a parts list. Know your batches/week, your packaging method, and your break-even point. Then—and only then—start talking to suppliers.
Need a second opinion?
We’ve reviewed hundreds of brewery layouts and equipment quotes—often for free. Send us your:
Target batches per week
Facility dimensions & utility specs
Budget range (even a rough one)
We’ll tell you if your plan is realistic—and where you might be over- or under-investing.
→ Email us at inquiry@cassmanbrew.com
