Commercial breweries require large-scale brewery equipment to produce their lineup of great consumer products. Finding the right brewing equipment at the right prices can be difficult, however. Loeb Equipment can help with practical services that include brewery auctions, liquidations, brewery equipment financing and brewery systems for sale to help your company manage its ongoing needs for these types of items.

The brewery industry is generally quite resilient in times of economic upheaval and was valued at an estimated $94.1 billion in 2020. The volume of sales for 2020 adds up to more than 2.8 billion cases of beer. For companies in the brewing industry, finding quality used brewing equipment for sale can have a significant impact on profitability and productivity in the working environment.

At Loeb, we offer an array of services designed to bring buyers and sellers together and to provide financial options for modern businesses. If you are looking for commercial brewing equipment, Loeb can make it easy to buy used brewery equipment that works for your current and future needs. No matter what type of brewing equipment you need, we can deliver practical solutions for your business.

Types of Brewing Equipment

Modern breweries use an extensive lineup of equipment to create these popular beverages. Some of the most important types of brewery equipment include the following:

  • Brewhouse is a term used for both the rooms in which beer is brewed and the vessels in which this process takes place. Brewery equipment can be divided into hot and cold categories according to the need for heat during the processes. The brewhouse equipment comprises the hot side of the brewery. Brewhouses are used to create hopped wort prior to fermentation and typically have storage tanks used for hot water. Mash mixers and tuns, filtration vessels and boilers are all common types of brewhouse equipment.
  • Mash vessels, as their name suggests, are large tanks and containers in which ground malt and warm water are combined to create a thick mash. In this component of the brewhouse, the heat and moisture work together to convert starches in malt into fermentable sugars, which allows the yeast in the mixture to grow and ferment. This mixture is then transferred to the lauter tun, which is a vessel used to separate the liquid portion of the mash from the solids while heating the mixture thoroughly. The lauter tun filters out the liquid portion of the mash and transfers it directly to the boil kettle.
  • Boil kettles and brew kettles are an integral part of the brewhouse equipment used in commercial breweries. The brew kettle is used to boil the liquid wort derived from the previous brewhouse processes for an hour or two, during which time the hops are added to the mixture. Other flavorings, including herbal mixtures and sugars, may also be added to the boil kettle or brew kettle. This can create the characteristic flavors associated with specific beers. Many of the most important chemical reactions involved in the brewery process happen during this stage of processing.
  • Whirlpools are the next stop on the journey for the wort and hops mixture. These items of brewing equipment are used to mix and cool the wort mixture to a specific temperature. Some of the primary advantages of using a whirlpool during the brewing process include the production of clearer wort and improved flavor. These characteristics are the result of the faster chilling provided by the whirlpooling process. Whirlpools can also reduce the amount of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the cooled wort mixture. Because DMS can produce an unpleasant flavor in beer, reducing the amount of this chemical substance can ensure the most appealing flavor for the beer produced by your commercial brewing equipment.
  • Fermenters are large vessels that are designed to receive the heated wort and to allow it to begin primary and secondary fermentation. Fermentation is the interaction of grains, malts, hops and yeast in a temperature-controlled environment over time. Primary fermentation allows for yeast growth and the conversion of wort sugars into fuel for fermentation. This part of the process is usually fairly rapid and takes place at varying temperatures depending on the type of beer to be produced. Secondary fermentation takes place after most of the sugar has been consumed. This allows for the breakdown of other chemical compounds to produce the characteristic flavor of commercially brewed beer. Fermenters are essential elements of brewing equipment for large-scale commercial operations and craft breweries alike.
  • Brite tanks are designed to allow brewers to adjust carbonation levels after fermentation has been completed. These components of commercial brewery equipment are also useful in clarifying the beer and in removing most of the yeast from the finished product. In smaller brewpub operations, brite tanks may be connected directly to the taps. Brite tanks can also be used as temporary storage tanks before bottling, canning or kegging the beer for public distribution.
  • Bottling equipment is used across a wide range of industries that include brewery operations, beverage manufacturing plants and pharmaceutical firms. As a result, this type of packaging equipment is usually readily available through Loeb’s direct sales or brewery equipment auctions. Bottling beer requires some specialized equipment that may include bottle fillers, steam cleaners, cappers and other commercial brewing equipment. Each of these elements is designed specifically to provide a clean and safe environment for beer on its way to the consumer marketplace. At Loeb, we carry an extensive array of bottling and brewery systems for sale to our customers.
  • Canners and canning equipment are key components of the packaging process for beer in cans. In general, the cans are loaded automatically onto a conveyor belt and cleaned thoroughly before they are filled with beer. All air is removed as fully as possible by replacing it with carbon dioxide to protect the carbonation. The lids are then applied and crimped into place as a blast of carbon dioxide is directed into the can, which eliminates even more of the air from inside the filled can.
  • Labelers are used for both canned and bottled beers to provide important information about brand, ingredients and alcohol content to consumers. The labelers used in this process typically are configured to provide calorie information, information on the ingredients used to brew the beer and the bottling or canning date for the beer. This can ensure that consumers receive the freshest products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has jurisdiction over labeling for beer and wine products, which means that all labeling for your brewery must conform to FDA standards.
  • Boilers are used to produce steam for cleaning and sterilizing equipment as well as for boiling ingredients for beer and other brews. These boilers are also important in pasteurizing certain brews before bottling or canning. The steam heat and moisture produced by boilers can eliminate build-up in lines and tanks to create a better-tasting beer. This can also reduce the potential for contamination of your used beer brewing equipment.
  • Keg washers are another important element of brewing equipment in many facilities. Two-head and single-head keg washers are relatively common items of commercial brewing equipment. Four-head keg washers are also available for large-scale operations. Keg washers allow you to automate the task of cleaning and sanitizing these containers to a significant degree.
  • Chillers are used to cool the wort in certain types of brewing operations. These items of brewing equipment remove heat quickly and efficiently to stop the chemical processes that occur in the brewhouse. Chillers and whirlpools sometimes serve the same purpose. Whirlpools, however, also provide added help in mixing and filtering the wort to create a smoother and more consistent product.
  • Washbacks are primarily used in distilleries. These large containers offer a safe and clean environment in which yeast compounds can produce the higher alcohol levels found in whisky. Washbacks are usually about 12 feet wide and can be 20 feet or more in depth. These containers are often installed into the floor of the distillery with the majority of their height located underground.

Loeb can help your company to locate and acquire these and other types of used brewing equipment. We offer a wide range of used brewery equipment for sale and host frequent used brewery equipment auctions to streamline the process of finding a brewhouse for sale or to buy used brewery equipment for your facility.

 

The Brewing Process

The commercial brewery equipment and processes used by the more than 8,600 commercial breweries in operation in the United States can vary widely from facility to facility. In general, however, the process involves the following steps:

  1. Malting: Before the brewing can begin, the grains chosen must be dried out and cracked. This allows the barley, wheat or rye to release and isolate enzymes that will be necessary during the next step of the brewing process.
  2. Mashing: During this part of the brewing process, the malted enzymes from the previous step are placed in very hot or boiling water and activated. This generally takes several hours to complete. After the mashing process is complete, the cracked grains are removed to leave a sugar-rich liquid known as wort behind.
  3. Boiling: Boiling the wort can take an hour or more. During this phase, the hops and flavorings are added to create the unique flavors of the beer being brewed.
  4. Fermenting: During fermentation, yeast is added to the wort mixture. The yeast consumes the sugar and produces alcohol over a period of a few days or weeks. This creates the alcohol content found in most beers.
  5. Bottling or canning: Once the beer is complete, the final product will be packaged for consumer sale in kegs, bottles or cans. These packaging solutions are among the most important items of commercial brewery equipment for many larger breweries and beverage companies. If desired, the

Loeb offers a wide range of options to help you find used brewing equipment for your operations. Whether you are looking for a brewhouse for sale, a fermenting tank or any other item of used beer brewing equipment, Loeb can provide the right assistance for your needs.

Loeb Brewery Auctions and Sales

At Loeb, we buy used brewery equipment and offer brewery equipment for sale to provide added flexibility for our customers. We work hard to make it easier for you to find the used brewery equipment you need through our interface. Loeb offers brewery auction options that can be attended in person or online through our website. Some of our most popular options for used brew equipment for sale include the following:

  • Brewery auction services: If you are looking for brewery equipment for sale, Loeb regularly provides access to used brewing equipment through our auction services. These are sometimes held online or through in-person auction services across North America and in select locations around the world.
  • Used brewery equipment inventory: Loeb also purchases used brewing equipment and offers these commercial brewery equipment items for sale through our website. This promotes the best access for you in finding the used brewery equipment you need to maintain the productivity of your operations now and in the future.
  • Liquidations: Loeb also handles liquidations for breweries that are no longer operating successfully. The commercial brewery equipment available through these liquidations may be made available online or purchased outright by Loeb for sale through our website. Our skilled appraisers will look at used beer brewing equipment for sale to determine whether this used brewing equipment is properly priced for current market demand and for the condition of the equipment in question.
  • Purchases of used commercial brewing equipment: Loeb purchases commercial brewing equipment for resale to our customers. We inspect and appraise this equipment to ensure competitive pricing for buyers and sellers alike, which ensures that you get the best deal whether you have a brewhouse for sale or are looking to buy commercial brewery equipment for your current operations.
  • Appraisals: Loeb has more than 140 years of continuous experience in the equipment industry. Our family-owned business spans five generations, which allows our team to draw on a wealth of experience when determining the value of the brewery equipment we offer for sale. Our high degree of expertise in the commercial brewing equipment industry can provide you with greater assurance that your equipment will be appraised accurately and in a timely manner.

Loeb provides access to used brew equipment for sale for large-scale breweries as well as craft breweries in the commercial brewing marketplace.

Information on Craft Breweries

Within the industry, craft breweries make up a significant percentage of manufacturing and sales. There are six distinct market segments of the craft brewing industry:

  • Microbreweries generally produce fewer than 15,000 barrels of beer annually and sell at least three-quarters of the beer they produce offsite through retailers or directly to consumers through carry-out and restaurant sales.
  • Brewpubs sell at least one-fourth of their beer on their premises. They typically offer food services through an onsite restaurant.
  • Taprooms operate in a similar fashion to brewpubs without the onsite restaurant or food service.
  • Regional breweries produce between 15,000 and 6 million barrels of beer annually. This beer is usually distributed throughout the service region through retailers or distribution centers.
  • Contract brewing companies are hired by other breweries to produce beer according to specific formulations and to market and distribute this beer on behalf of the primary brewery. In some cases, the production of beer is left to the hiring brewery and the contract brewing company is only responsible for marketing and distribution.
  • Alternating proprietorships allow two or more breweries to share the same facility while operating independently from other breweries that share the same space.

Loeb can help craft breweries to find used beer brewing equipment for sale and can facilitate the acquisition process for these commercial enterprises.

Loeb's Brewery Equipment Financing Services

Loeb offers brewery loans that can help companies manage their finances effectively while acquiring used commercial brewery equipment or leveraging their existing brewery equipment for much-needed cash on hand. Some of the most important brewery equipment financing options available from Loeb include the following:

  • Brewery equipment loan options from Loeb encompass sale-leasebacks, brewery bridge loans, term loans and brewery equipment line of credit arrangements designed to help your business survive and thrive in a fluctuating economic marketplace.
  • Brewery bridge loans are short-term brewery loans that allow businesses to bridge the gap between the future receipt of expected income and the current need for operating capital to purchase used brew equipment for sale. Loeb offers brewery bridge loans that are tailored to the needs of your business.
  • Brewery term loans are also available from Loeb for companies with significant equity in their brewery equipment. Our brewery term loans are asset-based, which means that it is much easier to qualify for these loans. Rather than looking at your company’s credit history, Loeb uses a streamlined process to qualify borrowers for our brewery term loans. This makes it much easier for your company to access the funds needed to purchase equipment for your ongoing operations.
  • A brewery line of credit is among our most popular brewery equipment loan options. These allow you to leverage equity in your existing brewing equipment to access a brewery equipment line of credit that can be paid off and reused as necessary to manage seasonal expenses and other periodic cash flow requirements. By opting for line-of-credit brewery equipment financing options from Loeb, you can enjoy proactive management of your brewery’s financial situation.
  • Sale-leaseback arrangements are an innovative type of brewery loan that allow you to extract cash on hand from your current brewing equipment while continuing to use that equipment to generate revenues. In brewery equipment leasebacks, you sell your current equipment to Loeb and then lease it back on a month-to-month or annual basis. Unlike most types of brewery loans, these arrangements do not affect your ability to obtain credit from other sources. They can, however, allow you to manage temporary shortfalls while continuing to operate your brewery.
  • Customized brewing equipment loan options from Loeb can be tailored to your specific set of needs. By opting for a brewing equipment loan to purchase used equipment from us, you can enjoy the benefits of faster processing, more accurate appraisals and outstanding customer service throughout the life of your brewery loan. We do not include restrictive covenants in our brewing equipment loans or leasebacks, which allows you to continue to operate in your normal fashion during the repayment period.

If you need a brewery loan to acquire used beer brewing equipment or to leverage your existing inventory of brewery equipment, Loeb offers proven solutions and innovative options for financing and acquisitions. We are committed to personalized care for our customers and to the highest standards of integrity in the industrial equipment industry.

Why Choose Loeb for Your Brewery Equipment Needs?

At Loeb, we offer the experience and proven knowledge of the brewery industry you need to manage your brewery equipment financing needs and to find the right used brewery equipment for sale. Our staff is friendly, courteous and provides outstanding solutions for all your current and future acquisition and financing needs.

Whether you have used brewing equipment for sale or are looking for a brewery equipment line of credit to manage cash flow issues, Loeb can deliver the right solutions for you. Give us a call today at 1-800-560-LOEB or tell us how we can be of assistance to your brewery. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.