Mash Filter vs Lauter Tun
Choosing between a mash filter and a lauter tun defines your brewhouse footprint and rhythm. This comparison breaks down the trade-offs for new and expanding breweries.
How Each Separates
Lauter tuns use the grain bed as the filter medium over a false bottom; mash filters press mash between cloth and plates for fast, bed-free runoff.
Cycle Time and Footprint
Mash filters turn faster and occupy less floor space per brew; lauter tuns need larger diameter but tolerate rushed or imperfect mashes.
Extract and Water Use
Mash filters typically deliver higher extract and lower water per brew; lauter tuns offer more forgiving sparging for varied grists.
Best Fit by Scale
Lauter tuns dominate craft and mid-scale breweries; mash filters win in high-frequency, space-constrained industrial houses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier for a first brewery?
Lauter tuns are more forgiving of milling variation and operator learning curves.
Do mash filters handle raw grain?
They tolerate adjuncts and high-adjunct bills better than most lauter tun setups.
Can I switch later?
Separation vessels are a core brewhouse decision — plan for the next five years of volume before choosing.
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