No piece of equipment can be judged simply as good or bad—it all depends on the application. So let’s first understand the characteristics of each before discussing which is better.
Let’s start with the all-in-one system. An all-in-one system refers to equipment where mashing, lautering, and fermentation are all completed in a single unit. These systems typically have a small footprint and produce smaller batch sizes. Common all-in-one models include 100L, 300L, and 500L. Of course, other capacities can be customized if needed. In terms of refrigeration, all-in-one systems usually have a separate compressor for each tank. Their advantage lies in simplicity and ease of operation, making them suitable for home brewing or small-scale experience settings with three to five people.
The characteristics of all-in-one systems can be summarized as: small footprint, easy cleaning, low initial investment, but relatively limited flexibility.
Now let’s look at modular systems. Modular systems take up significantly more space—about three times the footprint of an all-in-one system with the same capacity. In modular systems, mashing, lautering, and fermentation are each handled by separate vessels, and batch sizes are typically larger, with common capacities such as 1 ton, 2 tons, 3 tons, and beyond. For refrigeration, modular systems generally share a single compressor across multiple tanks, making maintenance more centralized and convenient.
Because each stage—mashing, lautering, and fermentation—operates independently, modular systems offer greater stability in beer quality and more flexibility in process adjustments. Modular systems are typically chosen by bars, restaurants, small breweries, and other establishments that have certain production volume requirements and want a broader product range. Although cleaning modular systems is relatively more involved, manufacturers usually provide dedicated cleaning systems to address this. Additionally, because the equipment configuration is more comprehensive, it allows brewers to produce a wider variety of beer styles using different ingredients and recipes, truly enabling multi-functionality.
The characteristics of modular systems can be summarized as: higher initial investment, larger footprint, specialized cleaning solutions, greater process flexibility, and more consistent product quality.
From a business perspective, choosing between an all-in-one and a modular system ultimately depends on your production volume needs, space constraints, and requirements for product variety. If you’re brewing on a small scale for experiential purposes, an all-in-one system may be sufficient. However, if you’re looking to establish craft beer as a long-term, stable business, modular systems offer clear advantages in terms of quality consistency and room for process expansion.
Our company is located in the birthplace of China’s brewing equipment industry, surrounded by a mature industrial ecosystem. Whether it’s all-in-one or modular systems, from design and manufacturing to ongoing maintenance, we have solid industrial support. Our team is dedicated and reliable, and our brewing technology is among the best in the country. What we provide our customers is not just equipment, but comprehensive support—from installation and commissioning to brewing process guidance.
Cost-effectiveness is not simply about low price—it’s about getting equipment that operates reliably, allows for process flexibility, and comes with dependable after-sales support, all at a reasonable investment. No matter which type of system you choose, we can provide a solution tailored to your actual needs, giving you peace of mind in both your purchase and your day-to-day operation.
