Hidden Costs of Used Brewing Equipment

Shopping for a Used Brewing System?

These are some factors to consider before buying used brewing, distilling, or beverage processing equipment.

Warranty

New commercial brewing equipment comes with a warranty to protect you from the unexpected. The warranty on your used equipment will not transfer to you, so you will be responsible for any repairs or problems that arise.

Repair and Modification

Used brewing equipment may require repairs and replacement parts. Depending on its age and design, it may need modifications to bring it up to certain safety or hygiene standards. Specialized parts can be costly, and you may need a professional to do the labor, too.

Recommissioning

Even if the equipment originally came with a “plug-and-play” or “turnkey” label, you’ll want to do your due diligence. That means adequately cleaning and inspecting the equipment to make sure it’s working like it’s supposed to. This will require time on the part of a knowledgeable team member or a contracted professional including an inspection record from a certified tech or company.

Rigging and Moving/Shipping

Don’t forget that you have to get this equipment from the seller’s place to yours. Shipping costs add up quickly, especially if you’re dealing with large fermenters, say, that require cranes to load and unload. Rigging services (the standing up and moving of heavy equipment) require a certified expert to oversee the dismantling and setting up of a used system.

Most units will have several pieces and maybe some piping. Who will disassemble it? Who will package and ship it? Your friend’s truck may not be an option if you’re ordering from a seller across the country from you.

Do you have the original cradles or racks the equipment was shipped on? Moving tanks without a framework is dangerous and not recommended. We’re sometimes asked to fabricate or supply cradles for the moving of used tanks, this is not a service most manufacturers will accommodate as it is nearly impossible to do without the tanks in-house.

Care and Cleaning

It’s worth mentioning again that, no matter what the seller promised you, you’ll need to carefully clean the equipment. This could require upfront work as you assemble it to clean out build up or corrosion. You’ll also need to know how to care for and maintain the equipment. Not all bottle fillers or canning lines work the same, and the seller may not have the original manual.

Controls & Automation

Purchasing a used brewing system without automation or attempting to retrofit automation after the fact can present significant challenges. Systems not originally designed with automation in mind may lack the necessary infrastructure, such as spare IO ports or appropriate ethernet connectivity, to integrate advanced control features smoothly. This can lead to complex compatibility issues and substantial modifications to existing processes, possibly resulting in increased costs and operational downtime. Moreover, without the expertise of a dedicated team like that of Deutsche Beverage+Process, tailoring these retrofits to meet specific production needs can be a cumbersome and technically demanding endeavor, often lacking the seamless functionality, data analytics, and remote monitoring capabilities that come standard with systems designed with automation from the outset.

Customer Support

Good customer support can be a lifesaver—especially on startup. Imagine spending hours cleaning and reassembling your brewery only to find that the control software isn’t working. Chances are you don’t have someone on staff who used to work for that manufacturer and can troubleshoot at this stage.When you purchase your brewing equipment new, the manufacturer will often take responsibility for installing and commissioning the equipment. They should also have a field service team that can come to you should problems arise down the road. This can take a huge load off your shoulders.

Time

You may have noticed a pattern in all these hidden costs, another cost that is common to most of these: time.

Sometimes it feels like if it can go wrong it will go wrong. Worst case scenario, problems with used brewing equipment can cost you time during shipping, installation, recommissioning, care and maintenance, sourcing parts, and surprise repairs.

How much does it cost you to have your brew kettle down for a day? Three days?

In other words, what is it worth to you to in terms of labor, stress, and additional overhead to work with a manufacturing partner that gets you up and running quickly versus trying to do it all yourself?

Find the Right Commercial Brewing Equipment Partner

Let’s assume you would rather pay more up front to get equipment you trust installed right the first time so you can get back to brewing. Then you need to work with the right commercial partner.

A good partner will respect your space, cost, and time needs and look for ways to make the process as easy as possible for you. As the manufacturer, a good partner will provide a respectable warranty on their equipment. They’ll offer exceptional customer service.

Purchasing new also has the advantages of being both modular and customizable. The partner’s equipment is already designed to work together, so purchasing multiple pieces is a snap—as is sourcing parts. But they also know their equipment and can make custom adjustments for your needs. All of this is typically included in their standard service. Beyond standard service, a good equipment provider will have a dedicated service team to accommodate maintenance, repairs, or even expansion as your business grows.

At the end of the day, the hidden financial and emotional costs of purchasing used can add up to the point that buying new may be the better option for you. That’s our claim, at any rate. Go ahead and challenge us on it! Contact us today to find out how easy it is to buy new with Deutsche.

Frequently Asked Questions About Used Brewing Equipment