Craft breweries are springing up all over the United States, but not every small operation can afford to purchase the brand-new equipment that they need as they scale and grow. Used brewing equipment is a potential solution, but finding appropriately sized, affordable equipment can be challenging. When small brewing facilities require equipment, how can they determine which brewery tanks and equipment are the best for their unique operation?
When considering possible options, brewery owners will need to consider the size and scope of the operation, the amount of required equipment, budget availability or constraint – and the ultimate quality of the customer experience. Here are some tips to help brewery owners to shop for pre-owned, reconfigured brewing tanks and equipment.
Tips on Finding Used Commercial Brewing Equipment
Size: When it comes to investing in the best brewery tanks and equipment for your company, the size you need depends on your production and sales. If you run an established brewery, you can likely estimate your approximate expected sales and thus determine the equipment you need. However, newer breweries may find it challenging to approximate future sales numbers or make a determination of how their operation will scale in the coming years. The best starting point is to establish the available space/footprint in the brewery in order to ensure that you do not purchase tanks or fermenters that are too large for your facility. Once you know your maximum physical size, look for tanks approximately twice the size of your existing brewery production. This will give you the ability to adjust according to demand and scale up rapidly without the need for additional purchases.
Flexibility: Small breweries have a need today but may have very different needs in the future. Rather than filling your brewery with equipment that has no room for growth, spend some time thinking about what you may need down the road as well – such as a whirlpool or more brewery tanks or vessels. The brewing equipment you purchase now should accommodate the addition of more equipment as your business thrives.
Price: While they are producing less beer overall, there are more small craft breweries today than ever before. This means that there is a lot of competition looking to corner the market. As more breweries are demanding equipment, the price will continue to rise – especially in the new market. Used and refurbished brewing equipment offers high quality at a more affordable price. Small breweries should look for a supplier that can offer stainless steel brewery tanks and equipment that falls within their budget without sacrificing functionality.
Dependable Customer Service: Even if you find a great deal on brewery equipment, it does you no good if it is damaged in transit, installed improperly, or worse – if it sits idle because the supplier is taking their time responding to a service request. It’s essential to find reconditioned brewery equipment suppliers who can effectively communicate and guarantee their equipment delivery procedures and service repair times. Be sure to ask if they provide emergency repair services – or if they even offer on-site services.
Zwirner Equipment are the Used Equipment Professionals You Need
When purchasing pre-owned, reconditioned equipment, it is important to work with a team that doesn’t forget about you after the sale is closed. Zwirner Equipment specializes in brewery tanks and equipment, high-quality stainless-steel tanks, and other used equipment for small craft breweries. We guarantee professional transportation and emergency equipment repair/maintenance when you need it most.
We invite you to browse our current inventory of brewing equipment – but if you don’t see what you need, pick up the phone. Our team is happy to help you identify and source the equipment you need.