Another new brewer

daveyiv · 08-14-2009, 09:40 PM

I am just starting into the hobby and recently bought a mr beer, just put it in primary today actually. Im already looking at better equiptment. Can you tell me is this Deluxe Equipment Kit - Rebel Brewer a good kit? It looks like quality stuff from what I can tell. Are there any better starter kits around that I should be looking at?

**Grizzlybrew** · 08-29-2009, 01:52 AM

That is a better looking AND cheaper kit than my first kit! The only thing I would suggest would be to go to your LHBS. I know at mine, the price is pretty much the same as online shopping plus shipping. The benefit is that if you have a owner you trust, he/she can point you towards components you really need and those you don't. Not to mention - you can customize your purchases and buy equipment that will allow you to upgrade in the future.

Good luck and happy brewing! Welcome to the gang!

**Pappers_** · 08-29-2009, 02:10 AM

Looks good - really good! Two suggestions for additions: I think a bottling bucket that is only for that purpose is really helpful (with a spigot that you can attach the hose and bottling wand to) and an autosiphon is soooo great!

I also love having a vinator http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3301/3240749637_fb71374664.jpg?v=0 and a drying rack for the bottles.

And the list of other potential items is endless . . .

Cheers!

**arturo7** · 08-29-2009, 02:52 AM

Hey Dave, welcome to HBT!

The suggestions above are good. You may want to spend some time cruising the Equipment forum as well.

cheers!

krops13 · 08-29-2009, 03:56 AM

http://http://morebeer.com/view_product/15911/102142/Personal_Home_Brewery_%233_-_Bottling_Deluxe a pinch more but your good to go. also comes with an extract kit. mr. beer gave me the kick in the a$$ to finally dive in and the waters fine.

HotbreakHotel · 08-29-2009, 02:21 PM

+1 on auto siphon. I personally always bottle with the auto siphon. I prefer to use that over the spigot on the bottling bucket, so I would consider the bottling bucket optional. I have one, I just don't use it.

Also, i find the spoon and paddle shown here are too flexible and difficult to use. I have a long stainless steel spoon that I way prefer.

Besides that it looks like a great kit! Have fun!!

pretzelb · 08-29-2009, 03:57 PM

It does look like a good kit with a good price. I've only had a bottling bucket with spigot so I'm not sure what it would be like to work without a spigot. I also just picket up a vinator and I hope it will make life easier.

**Pappers_** · 08-29-2009, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pretzelb

It does look like a good kit with a good price. I've only had a bottling bucket with spigot so I'm not sure what it would be like to work without a spigot. I also just picket up a vinator and I hope it will make life easier.

You will love it! Makes the bottling go much faster and streamlined.

**Grizzlybrew** · 08-29-2009, 08:59 PM

Another thought - one of the best pieces I bought was the Thermtech Thief: Brewcat.com Homebrew Supplies: Fermtech Thief (I just picked the first link from google)
As long it is well sanitized, you don't have to sacrifice any beer when taking a reading. Although I'm about to invest in a refractometer, I would still say this is one of the most valuable tools in my current arsenal.

**Deuce** · 08-29-2009, 09:34 PM

Gold Homebrew Kit | Home Brewing Supplies from Monster Brew
Thats what got it all started for me. They have pretty resonable extract prices as well!