The 2-vessel brewhouse configuration is common for new breweries and those using recipes with single infusion mashes.

The configuration consists of a Mash/Lauter Tun to perform both the mashing and lautering processes, and a Kettle/Whirlpool to both boil the wort and whirlpool the wort to separate the trub. A 2-vessel configuration is ideal for breweries whose recipes primarily include single infusion mash conversions. The 2-vessel brewhouse is designed for the brewer’s ease of use with all process valves and pump controls positioned in optimal locations. 

The image below depicts the basic configuration. We also offer a custom design variation that features the addition of a Mash Mixer inside the kettle to create a Mash/Kettle/Whirlpool. In this scenario, the brewer would perform mashing, wort boil and whirlpool in the same vessel, while the Lauter tun would be a single purpose vessel. The addition of the mash mixer gives the brewer the ability to use recipes with multiple step infusion mash rests. Starting from $100,000.

The 3-vessel brewhouse configuration allows for more flexibility in brewing styles and productivity. 

The configuration is typically either 1) Mash Tun, Lauter Tun, Kettle/Whirlpool, or 2) Mash/Lauter Tun, Kettle, Whirlpool. Choosing between these two configurations depends on the intended benefit of the 3rd vessel. 

If the brewery plans to brew a lot of recipes using step infusion and/or decoction mashes, the use of a dedicated Mash Tun would make sense. If the goal is to reduce the amount of time taken by each brew, the use of a dedicated Whirlpool would be a good choice. 

An alternative configuration can be to use a Mash/Lauter Tun, and two Kettle/Whirlpool vessels. This configuration would allow for simultaneous boils and also offer the brewer a kettle to use for sour beer production while maintaining throughput of other brews in the second kettle. The image below depicts a Mash/Lauter Tun, Kettle and Whirlpool. Starting from $135,000.

The 4-vessel brewhouse configuration is geared for productivity. 

A standard 4-vessel system consists of a Mash Tun, Lauter Tun, Kettle and Whirlpool. A dedicated vessel for each specific process within the brewhouse allows for flexibility in recipes and the ability to brew more batches each day. 

A 4-vessel brewhouse can be configured either in a rectangular or linear orientation. It is optimal to have the lauter tun and the whirlpool vessels easily accessible at either end of the brewhouse. This allows for easy spent grain removal from the lauter tun and for plumbing connections between the whirlpool, heat exchanger and wort lines running to the fermentation area. Starting from $160,000.