ESSENTIAL BREWERY EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST (Free PDF Inside)

Starting a brewery is exciting, but it takes more than great beer recipes — it requires the right equipment. Whether you’re opening a small taproom or a full-scale production facility, having the right tools from day one will save you time, money, and headaches. In this guide, we’ve compiled the essential brewery equipment checklist — plus a free downloadable PDF to keep you organized during the startup process.

Why Having the Right Equipment Matters

Opening a brewery is a major investment. Choosing the wrong gear — or forgetting key essentials — can lead to costly delays and quality issues. A complete brewery equipment checklist helps you:

• Plan your startup costs more accurately

• Avoid missing critical tools and supplies

• Streamline operations from day one

• Stay compliant with safety and health regulations

Pro Tip: You can also use our Brewery Startup Cost Calculator to estimate your total investment before you buy.

The Essential Brewery Equipment Checklist

Here’s everything you need to start brewing at a professional level, broken down by category:

1. Brewhouse Equipment (Core Production Tools)

Your brewhouse is the heart of your brewery. The size and capacity depend on your production goals.

Must-Have Items:

• Mash Tun (for converting grain starches into sugars)

• Lauter Tun (for separating wort from spent grain)

• Boil Kettle (for boiling and adding hops)

• Whirlpool (optional, for better hop flavor extraction)

• Hot Liquor Tank (stores hot water for brewing)

💡 Recommendation: Check out our Brewhouse Buyer's Guide

2. Fermentation & Storage Equipment

After the wort is brewed, fermentation is where the magic happens.

Must-Have Items:

• Fermentation Tanks (temperature-controlled, stainless steel preferred)

• Bright Tanks (for carbonation and storage before kegging)

• Glycol Chiller (to regulate tank temps)

• Thermometers & Sensors (for precise monitoring)

3. Packaging & Dispensing Equipment

Once your beer is brewed and fermented, you need reliable systems to get it into glasses, cans, or bottles.

Must-Have Items:

• Kegs (various sizes depending on your distribution)

• Draft Towers (our custom-built High Octane Draft Towers available here

• CO₂ Tanks & Regulators

• Bottle Fillers / Can Seamers (if packaging for retail)

Affiliate Opportunity: Link to top keg suppliers, CO₂ systems, or canning line manufacturers.

4. Cleaning & Sanitation Supplies

Cleanliness isn’t optional — it’s critical for safety, flavor, and compliance.

Must-Have Items:

• CIP (Clean-in-Place) Systems

• Food-Safe Sanitizers

• Brushes, Hoses & Buckets

• Drain Cleaning Solutions

5. Quality Control & Testing Equipment

To achieve consistent results, you need accurate measurements and reliable testing tools.

Must-Have Items:

• Hydrometers & Refractometers (for sugar levels)

• pH Meters (for wort and water testing)

• Lab Testing Kits (for yeast health and contamination checks)

6. Taproom Essentials (For Breweries with Onsite Service)

If you plan to serve customers directly, you’ll need to think beyond brewing:

Must-Have Items:

• Tap Handles & Faucets

• Custom Keg Urinals (yep, we make these — check them out here )

• Bar Sinks & Drainage
  

• Glassware, Coasters & Merchandise

Free Download: Essential Brewery Equipment PDF Checklist

We’ve created a comprehensive, printable PDF checklist to help you avoid missing any items when setting up your brewery.

Download the Free Brewery Equipment Checklist PDF  

Pro Tip: Use this checklist alongside our Brewery Startup Cost Calculator  to plan your budget accurately.

Additional Resources for Brewery Owners

• Marketing Strategies for Bars and Breweries 

Final Thoughts

Starting a brewery is an exciting journey — but having the right tools in place from day one makes all the difference. Use this checklist, grab your free PDF, and make informed equipment decisions that set you up for success.