Steinecker MicroCube: the brewing concept for the small output range

Brewing in small batches – for this particular purpose, the Steinecker MicroCube is the ideal solution. This brewing system is suitable both for craft brewers and for brewers who want to produce individualised beers for the catering trade or for experimental purposes. The concept has been designed for a brew size of 5, 10 or more recently for 25 hectolitres as well, and consists of brewhouse, fermentation and filter cellar, plus all the requisite utility units like water, heat and refrigeration. The pre-assembled modules can be installed and commissioned within a minimised timeframe. The compact construction of the MicroCube enables it to be installed in very confined spaces, with the entire delivery package accommodated in just a few 40-foot containers. The brewing functions are handled by a process control system featuring Siemens-S7-300 technology.

Krones delivered one of the first MicroCubes, with a brew size of 25 hectolitres, to the Ettaler Klosterbrauerei monastic brewery. It is fully automated – which means it’s easy to operate and the product quality can be reliably monitored. Compared to the old brewhouse, the Steinecker MicroCube provides significantly enhanced flexibility: “If we want, we can produce a brew of just twelve hectolitres”, emphasises Florian Huber, Brewmaster at the monastic brewery in Ettal. “What’s more, we have a choice of either using the infusion or the decoction process, and depending on what’s currently needed, we can employ a one-mash, two-mash or three-mash process. It was Krones’ overall package, not least the technology and the price, that we found persuasive.” For the new brewhouse, the monastery built a glass annex, directly adjoining the existing brewery building in the middle of the monastery’s grounds.

The MicroCube brewing system at the monastic brewery in Ettal.

The MicroCube’s size can be ideally matched to the preconditions found in small breweries: for example, this entire system can be accommodated on an area of less than 90 square metres.

For the new brewhouse, the monastery built a glass annex, directly adjoining the existing brewery building in the middle of the monastery’s grounds.