A Tiny Bin with a Big Job: What’s a Grist Case, Anyway?

We recently wrapped up a custom project for a small bin—a very small bin, especially compared to our standard “small” bins. This little guy was designed as a grist case for the brewing process. And if you’re reading this, you might be wondering the same thing I did: what exactly is a grist case?

Lucky for you, I did a little sleuthing.

Most of the containers we build are for storage, and this one is no different. A grist case is essentially an intermediary storage tank for holding cracked grain after it’s been milled. Think of it as a buffer tank that smooths out the difference in timing between milling and mashing. While the mill continuously cracks grain and fills the grist case, the contents are held until it’s time to start the mash. At that point, the grist case quickly dumps its contents into the mash tun.

To make this process even more efficient, some grist cases are equipped with load cells, allowing brewers to precisely measure the weight of the grain—perfect for getting the right mash ratio.

The grist case we fabricated (pictured above) includes crane hooks for easy placement on a raised structure. Grist cases are often elevated so grain can be gravity-fed directly into the mash tun—no augers or extra mechanics required. They can also be hung, removing the need for a support structure beneath.

As for materials, we offer tanks in stainless or carbon steel, with optional epoxy lining. Stainless is corrosion-resistant and food-grade, while carbon steel is more cost-effective. Epoxy lining offers a bit of both worlds—food-safe and corrosion-resistant—but it might not be as durable in high-wear scenarios.

Other custom features on this project include:

  • Mounting plates on the legs for securing to a matching structure
  • Multiple inlets for flexible grain input
  • A custom flange for secure output attachment
  • A steep cone for optimal discharge flow

This bin may be smaller than what we usually produce, but it’s right in our wheelhouse when it comes to custom craftsmanship.

Thinking about starting your own bin project?
Let’s build something together—contact us today!