How Much Beer Can the 52L Make vs the 40L?
The short answer is …about 40 Liters; but it’s dependent on your recipe and how it scales up to a bigger system.
If you want numbers, then a standard 40L system is kitted up to make 23L batches, so you can fit it in a standard 23L glass fermenter. The 52L system is 66% bigger than this giving us 38L; however, this could actually go up to 74% giving us a 40L post boil batch. Basically; it’s not quite big enough to do a double 23L*2 batch but it’s not far off. One has no problem making two 19L (5 US Gal glass fermenter), to fit the standard cornelius keg.
There are other variables that could come into play such as grain bill; if you want a really strong beer on a Keg River Microbrewery, you may actually only come away with 15L as it can’t hold enough grain to give you higher strength beers in 23L batches. At least with the 50L you have the option to make these stronger beers and shoot for a 30L batch size.
If a standard 23L batch required 30.6L pre-boil volume; a 40L batch would require 47.6L; which is nicely below the 52L capacity. Again, these calculations are not gospel, each recipe is different. Part of the fun in brewing is designing your own recipes and enjoying that experience and the beer you make with friends afterwards. The 52 Liter can produce 40L in the time a 40L system makes 23L making your brew day far more rewarding.