Craft Brewery Startup Equipment Checklist
Launching a brewery means sequencing purchases so every dollar works before the next system arrives. This craft brewery startup equipment checklist organizes the must-haves by phase.
Phase 1: Brewhouse and Cellar
Mash-lauter-tun or two-vessel brewhouse, fermenters, brite tank, glycol chiller and CIP skid form the minimum viable production core.
Phase 2: Packaging
Add keg filler or bottling line once beer flows; keep bright beer lines CIP-compatible so packaging retrofits cleanly.
Phase 3: Utilities and Lab
Water treatment, boiler or electric heating, compressed air, plus a basic lab kit (DO meter, refractometer, pH meter) for quality control.
Budget Traps to Avoid
Under-sized chillers, missing buffer tanks and deferred water treatment are the three purchases most often regretted and re-bought.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum viable brewery?
A brewhouse, two to three fermenters, one brite tank, chiller and CIP skid cover first production.
Can I start contract brewing?
Yes — contract brewing defers equipment capex but limits recipe control and margins.
How much space for a nano brewery?
A focused nano operation often fits in 150–300 m2 including cellar and packaging.
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