The First Step Toward a Professional Brewery
Every successful brewery begins with a vision — the passion for great beer, the desire to create something authentic, and the ambition to share it with a community.
But turning that vision into a sustainable operation requires more than recipes and creativity. It demands smart planning, efficient equipment, and a system that can grow with you.
At Redwood Stainless, we’ve seen this journey countless times. And one question always stands out:
Where should a new brewery begin?
For many first-time brewers across North America, the answer is clear — start with a 5BBL Electric Combi Brewhouse.
The Real Challenges New Breweries Face
Starting a brewery is one of the most rewarding and demanding projects an entrepreneur can undertake. The decisions made in the first few months can determine the long-term success of the business.
The most common challenges include:
- Choosing the right brewhouse size without overextending
- Managing limited space or electrical capacity
- Avoiding the complexity and cost of a full steam system
- Handling frequent recipe changes during early experimentation
- Ensuring fast, reliable cleaning between batches
A 5BBL Electric Combi Brewhouse addresses these issues directly — offering the right balance of power, flexibility, and control.
Why 5BBL Is the Smart Starting Point
A 5-barrel (approximately 590L) system represents the ideal middle ground between pilot brewing and full-scale production.
It’s large enough to support commercial sales, yet small enough for experimentation and manageable operation.
For new breweries, a 5BBL brewhouse provides:
• Multiple batches per week with balanced fermentation capacity
• Recipe flexibility and low material waste
• Faster return on investment through taproom and draft sales
• Easy installation — no boiler or gas line required
This size has become the benchmark for North American start-up breweries looking to scale responsibly.
Why Electric and Combi Design Matter
From our experience designing brewhouses across the U.S. and Canada, two features consistently help new brewers succeed: electric heating and combi brewhouse design.
Electric Heating
• Safe, clean, and perfect for urban or indoor setups
• Simple installation and energy-efficient operation
• Precise control of temperature and heat distribution
Combi Brewhouse Design
• Combines mash/lauter and kettle/whirlpool functions in a 2-vessel configuration
• Reduces footprint while maintaining full brewing capability
• Simplifies piping, valves, and cleaning processes
• Increases reliability and minimizes maintenance
Together, these features create a system that supports professional brewing performance without the complexity or cost of industrial-scale systems.
Key Advantages for New Breweries
The 5BBL Electric Combi Brewhouse offers a range of benefits that make it especially suited to first-time or small-scale producers:
• Compact and Efficient – Designed for smaller facilities and taprooms
• Flexible Production – Adjust recipes easily, brew smaller test batches, and reduce ingredient loss
• Energy Efficient – Electric heating lowers operating costs and reduces emissions
• Built-In CIP System – Enables fast, consistent, and sanitary cleaning
• Scalable Design – Start with one fermenter and add more as you grow
• Optional Integrated Packaging – Pair with a 5cpm canning line for on-site packaging without extra floor space
This system allows you to begin production quickly, manage resources efficiently, and maintain professional quality from the start.
Brewing Smarter, Not Harder
New brewers often focus on output, but early success depends on mastering consistency and control.
A 5BBL Electric Combi Brewhouse gives you the opportunity to:
• Learn the brewing process hands-on
• Fine-tune recipes with precision
• Maintain repeatable quality without heavy automation
• Minimize downtime through integrated CIP cleaning
• Expand production capacity easily as demand grows
By starting smart, you gain the experience and workflow habits that prepare your team for larger-scale production later on.
From Pilot to Production
As your brewery gains recognition and customer demand increases, your 5BBL system can scale with you.
You can:
• Add fermenters to increase output
• Integrate a compact canning line for direct-to-market packaging
• Transition to larger brewhouses without changing your core process
Because the workflow—mashing, lautering, boiling, whirlpooling—matches that of larger systems, you can grow your business without re-learning your equipment.
Before You Invest: Practical Considerations
When planning your setup, consider these factors to ensure a smooth installation and efficient operation:
• Space Requirements: Minimum 9×5 meters (354” × 197”) for a 5BBL system
• Electrical Supply: 208V 3-phase, approximately 82 kW
• Fermentation Planning: Start with one fermenter; plan for future additions
• Process Goals: Decide between manual or semi-automatic control based on your comfort level
Making thoughtful choices early allows your brewhouse to serve as a strong foundation for long-term growth.
Redwood Stainless: Built for Brewers Ready to Grow
Your first brewhouse sets the tone for everything that follows.
At Redwood Stainless, we build systems that match your ambition — durable, efficient, and easy to operate.
The 5BBL Electric Combi Brewhouse represents the essence of what we believe in: accessible professional brewing, designed for real-world success.
From your first batch to your first hundred barrels, our mission is to help you brew smarter, grow stronger, and build a lasting legacy.
Start smart. Brew with confidence. Grow with Redwood.
Frequently Asked Questions About 5BBL Brewhouses
1. What makes a 5BBL brewhouse ideal for new breweries, and how many gallons is that?
A 5BBL brewhouse (about 155 gallons per batch) strikes the ideal balance between flexibility and efficiency. It’s large enough to support small commercial production yet compact enough for pilot or taproom brewing, making it the perfect starting point for new breweries looking to scale responsibly.
2. How much space is required for installation?
You’ll need roughly 9×5 meters (354” × 197”) of clear floor space for the brewhouse setup, allowing room for operation, cleaning, and maintenance.
3. Why choose an electric brewhouse over steam or gas?
Electric systems are cleaner, safer, and simpler to install—ideal for urban or indoor facilities. They also offer precise temperature control and lower operating costs.
4. Can I expand the system later?
Yes. The 5BBL Electric Combi Brewhouse is fully scalable. You can add fermenters, a small chiller, or even integrate a compact canning line as your production grows.
5. What is the power requirement?
Typical electrical demand is 208V 3-phase, approximately 82 kW. Redwood engineers can help confirm compatibility with your local setup.
6. How does a combi brewhouse design save space?
By integrating the mash/lauter tun and kettle/whirlpool into a 2-vessel configuration, it reduces both footprint and piping complexity—without sacrificing functionality.
7. How long does installation take?
Most installations are completed within a few days once utilities are prepared. Redwood provides full technical support and start-up guidance to ensure a smooth setup.
8. Is it suitable for cold brew or other beverages?
Yes. The 5BBL system can be customized for cold brew, kombucha, cider, or RTD beverage production, making it a versatile choice for modern craft producers.