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How to buying a specific piece of brewing equipment

Author: Helen

Apr. 29, 2024

How to buying a specific piece of brewing equipment

Every investment is related to a person or group of people, and the same is true for the beer brewing business, so it is very important to choose the right equipment supplier and the right brewing equipment. The brewing equipment cost is an important factor in our return on investment (ROI) calculation. So, how much should we invest in brewing equipment?

Select several equipment suppliers for comparison (Refer to Step: 1);

Determine the size of the equipment according to production goal (Refer to Step:2);

Whether the equipment manufacturer can give enough technical support:It is important to consider the quality of the technical support provided by the manufacturer. This includes the availability of technical support staff, their knowledge and expertise, and the responsiveness of the manufacturer to support requests.

Some manufacturers may offer technical support through phone or email, while others may provide on-site support. It is important to choose a manufacturer that provides technical support in a way that suits your needs and requirements.

Another factor to consider is the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A good warranty can provide peace of mind and protect against unexpected repair costs. It is important to carefully review the warranty offered by the manufacturer and ensure that it covers any potential issues that may arise.

In summary, selecting a brewing equipment manufacturer that offers comprehensive and quality technical support can have a significant impact on the performance and long-term cost of ownership of the equipment. It is essential to carefully consider the level and quality of technical support provided by the manufacturer when selecting brewing equipment to ensure that the equipment is properly installed, maintained, and performs as expected.

Materials used in the manufacturing process:The materials used in the manufacturing process of brewing equipment can have a significant impact on the price of the equipment. Brewing equipment can be made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and plastic.

Stainless steel is one of the most common materials used in brewing equipment due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of cleaning. It is also more expensive than other materials, which can increase the price of brewing equipment.

Copper is another popular material for brewing equipment due to its excellent heat conductivity. However, it is also more expensive than stainless steel and can be more difficult to clean and maintain.

Aluminum is a more affordable alternative to stainless steel and copper, but it is not as durable and can react with certain chemicals in the brewing process, which can affect the flavor of the beer.

Plastic is the least expensive option for brewing equipment, but it is also the least durable and can be more difficult to clean and maintain. It is often used for homebrewing or small-scale operations.

In addition to materials, other factors that can affect the price of brewing equipment include the size and capacity of the equipment, the level of automation and control, and the brand and reputation of the manufacturer.

Whether the purchase price of the equipment is within the budget:It’s important to determine a budget before looking for brewing equipment, as there can be a wide range of prices depending on the type of equipment and the quality of the materials used. For example, a small home brewing setup might cost a few hundred dollars, while a large commercial brewing system can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more.

When considering the purchase price of brewing equipment, it’s also important to think about the long-term costs and benefits. A cheaper option may save money in the short term, but could end up costing more in the long term due to lower quality or more frequent repairs. On the other hand, a more expensive option may have a higher upfront cost but provide better quality and require fewer repairs, ultimately saving money in the long run.

In summary, when considering whether the purchase price of brewing equipment is within the budget, it’s important to determine the available budget and consider the long-term costs and benefits of different options.

Delivery and installation of the entire system:The price of brewing equipment can be affected by several factors, including the delivery and installation of the entire system.

The cost of delivery will depend on the distance between the manufacturer or supplier and the customer’s location. If the customer is located far away, then the delivery cost may be higher due to the transportation expenses involved. Additionally, the size and weight of the equipment can also impact the delivery cost.

The installation cost can vary based on the complexity of the brewing equipment and the amount of work required to set it up properly. Some brewing equipment may require additional components or modifications to the installation site, such as plumbing, electrical wiring, or ventilation systems, which can increase the installation cost.

Overall, delivery and installation costs should be taken into account when considering the total cost of brewing equipment. Customers should ensure that they have a clear understanding of these costs and factor them into their budget before making a purchase decision.

After sales support:After-sales support can include a range of services and benefits provided by the manufacturer or seller of the brewing equipment after the sale has been completed. This can include things like technical support, maintenance and repair services, replacement parts, training and education, and warranties.

If a manufacturer or seller provides a robust after-sales support program, it can increase the value of the brewing equipment by ensuring that it operates at peak performance and reducing the likelihood of breakdowns or other issues. This can also give buyers more confidence in their purchase and help them feel more comfortable investing in a higher-priced piece of equipment.

On the other hand, if after-sales support is not included or is limited, buyers may be less willing to pay a higher price for the equipment, as they may be concerned about potential repair costs or other issues down the line.

So, it’s important to consider after-sales support when evaluating the overall value and cost of brewing equipment.

5 Ways to Save Money on Homebrew Supplies & Ingredients

Brewing Thrift: 5 Ways Save On Shopping Day

Overall, homebrewing remains a relatively inexpensive hobby. Basic equipment costs are fairly cheap and include purchases you’ll not have to make again for some time. You’re also already saving a hard earned buck or two by simply brewing instead of buying commercial (as I show here). So, homebrewers are already doing pretty good for themselves, but there’s always room for a little more thrift, right? Below are five money-saving tips to keep in mind the next time you are buying homebrew supplies or ingredients.

1. Buy In Bulk

Buying anything in bulk usually saves money. Brewing ingredients are no different, but buying in bulk takes some planning (the key feature of any kind of budget). You’ll have to plan out your next several recipes in advance to take advantage of the savings; and just like buying a lot of any perishable item, you want to make sure you will use the ingredients before they expire.

Some brewing ingredients are more perishable than others. Under the best conditions opened liquid malt extract (LME) will expire slightly sooner than milled grain, which will expire sooner, than either dry malt extract (DME) or whole grain. Below are some general guidelines for expiration.

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DME in airtight containers at 50°F to 70°F = 1 year
LME in original unopened container = up to 2 years
LME in opened container, refrigerated = 3 Months
Crushed Malt in airtight containers at 50°F to 70°F = 3 to 4 months
Whole Grain in airtight containers at 50°F to 70°F = 1 year

With hops, generally pellets will last longer than whole cone because they present less surface area for oxidation. Though different hop varieties may have different storage requirements. Unopened hops that are kept refrigerated can last up to two years. Once opened you should store hops in an airtight — vacuum sealed if possible — bag in your freezer and use them as quickly as possible.

All yeast, whether liquid or dry will have an expiration date on its packaging. Dry yeast can be kept in the refrigerator for a couple years, giving it a clear advantage over liquid yeast when it comes to buying in bulk. Liquid yeast needs be used within a few months of purchase.

2. Flexibility When Buying Hops

Don’t be afraid to substitute a more expensive variety for a less expensive variety with similar characteristics. Most hop profiles include likely substitutions for a given variety. Take advantage of this information.

Shop around and be flexible on the form of hop you’re willing to use (pellet, whole, plug). Keeping in mind utilization is usually 10% lower in whole hops, compare prices and alpha acid content across forms for the same variety. The same hop variety coming from two different locations can have noticeably different alpha acid content and price. Sometimes you’ll get lucky.

Last thing about hops, don’t discount (pun intended) using older hops. Remember, hops, when stored correctly, can last 2 or 3 years and some varieties store better than others (all our hop profiles include a storage rating for that variety). No doubt, they begin to lose some of their bittering strength and character. Despite this, they often can find a place in certain beer styles.

3. Buy Dry Yeast

Dry yeast is not what it used to be. Not too long ago dry yeast was considered inferior to liquid yeasts. They were prone to infection and the selection was dreadful, basically relegated to either ale or lager and that was it.

Today, dry yeast quality is on par with liquid yeast and, though it still does not come in the same wide selection as liquid yeast, dry strains have expanded extensively. But the main advantage dry yeast holds over liquid is price. It is cheap. In some cases half as much as liquid yeast.

There are some other advantages to going dry as well. As we saw in the “buy in bulk” section it has a storage advantage, making it a better choice when buying multiple packages. There is also the benefit of not needing to make a yeast starter. Instead, just follow the rehydration directions on the packet.

4. Switch To All-Grain

Malt extracts are convenient but they will always cost more than grain and if you combine this with buying in bulk you can save even more. Generally, you can save anywhere from 20 to 30 percent off a batch of beer by transitioning to all-grain.

Granted, you’ll likely have to invest in some new equipment, possibly including a larger kettle, mash tun and wort chiller, but these are sound investments especially for the frequent brewer. Not to mention, it will allow for better hop utilization, which will reduce your hop usage, and ultimately save you more money.

If you aren’t quite ready to go full on all-grain you can also switch to partial mash brewing, the step between extract and all-grain. This won’t save you as much as all-grain brewing, but it will save you a few dollars and it’s less of an investment equipment-wise. If you go this route, a beverage cooler is all you really need in this case.

5. Group Buy

Joining a local homebrewing club or just getting to know other homebrewers in your area can also significantly cut down on your ingredient expenses.

Homebrew clubs may have the advantage of discount prices and special offers at the local homebrew shop.

Buying ingredients in bulk becomes easier and less of a hassle. Not only is the cost shared, but there’s less chance of ingredients going to waste. It’s much easier to split a 50 lb. bag of specialty malt within a group than try to plan out how to use it on your own. The same goes for a two-pound bag of hops.

Along these same lines, if you buy your homebrew supplies online, you can save money by going in on the order together. Oftentimes, this will give you more advantages on shipping discounts and promo codes, but still saves you money as the overall cost is spread out over multiple individuals. This gives everyone involved the most bang for their brewing buck.

Final Thoughts

The next time you head to your local homebrew shop or browse online to stock up on ingredients, try to take advantage of one or two of these money saving tips. And if you’ve have any tips on how to save money, please share them with everyone down in the comments below.

Coming up soon will be some more tips on homebrew savings, this time focused around the home.

Cheers!

Want more information on commercial brewing equipment? Feel free to contact us.

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