I know there are good reasons for 5 gallon kits. But for me, three gallons was the way to go. I am surprised that three gallon starter kits aren't made available.
When shopping for a 'starter' kit, I looked at many kits from various vendors. I didn't like them because they essentially are taylored to 5 gallon batches. So I broke the kits down and researched each item; read various sources about why each item is important. I think I read a chapter or two of Homebrewing for Dummies, this forum, and other sites. I watched youtube vids. I read blogs and online books.
I steered to 3 gallons organically. Because it's less expensive and uses less space. Also maybe because I started with a Mr Beer kit, which I thought was more than enough beer from 2.5 gallons.
I started with a pot. I needed a high quality pot that I could use in the kitchen for making food. So I bought a 5 gallon stainless steel pot. I can brew on my electric tempered glass stovetop and I can get 4.5 gallons to a roiling boil. Therefore, I didn't need to buy a gas tank, burner, etc.
A 3 gallon carboy fits perfectly in a two dollar Home Depot bucket, which keeps it safe from damage, makes it easy to carry, and as a bonus I use the bucket as a swamp/t-shirt cooler. One of my first batches required an aging process in secondary, so I had two carboys to start with (which meant I had an excuse for two beers going at the same time).
I converted to all grain brewing on my third batch by spending $30 on a 5 gallon cylindrical cooler and vinyl mesh bags--as simple as that.
With a little care for keep yeast healthy, I only have to spend about $10 for each 3 gallon batch for grains and hops for most beers. Which means I can brew more types of beer for less money. Which is great while I am learning.
I do have a plastic bottling bucket. It is indispensable but it's huge and it only gets used once in a while. Good for storing tubes, etc. But ideally this is a standout wart in my setup.
I don't need as many bottles lying around, full or empty.
If I ever go to kegs and decide to stick with three gallons, I'll just buy new 3 gallon kegs (yes, they are more expensive than used 5 gallon kegs, but that's a fraction of the total cost of converting to kegging).
As a newbie, I am happy with my three gallon setup. It is challenging to learn to make beer but for 3 gallons, more manageable. The exciting thing for me is to plan a brew and brewday itself. To drink is good too, but there's no shortage of good beer where I live.
Maybe one day I will decide three gallons isn't enough for my efforts. Maybe I will decide that I want to brew less and drink more. But right now I know I made the right choice, sticking with a budget, and getting everything I need to get the full 'brewing' experience. I can share a beer with friends, just less of it. I made this beer with care, so I wouldn't want to share it carelessly anyway.
Until I change my mind, I have everything I need without converting an entire room to devote to a new hobby. ... Well, until that happens.. as it most certainly will
When shopping for a 'starter' kit, I looked at many kits from various vendors. I didn't like them because they essentially are taylored to 5 gallon batches. So I broke the kits down and researched each item; read various sources about why each item is important. I think I read a chapter or two of Homebrewing for Dummies, this forum, and other sites. I watched youtube vids. I read blogs and online books.
I steered to 3 gallons organically. Because it's less expensive and uses less space. Also maybe because I started with a Mr Beer kit, which I thought was more than enough beer from 2.5 gallons.
I started with a pot. I needed a high quality pot that I could use in the kitchen for making food. So I bought a 5 gallon stainless steel pot. I can brew on my electric tempered glass stovetop and I can get 4.5 gallons to a roiling boil. Therefore, I didn't need to buy a gas tank, burner, etc.
A 3 gallon carboy fits perfectly in a two dollar Home Depot bucket, which keeps it safe from damage, makes it easy to carry, and as a bonus I use the bucket as a swamp/t-shirt cooler. One of my first batches required an aging process in secondary, so I had two carboys to start with (which meant I had an excuse for two beers going at the same time).
I converted to all grain brewing on my third batch by spending $30 on a 5 gallon cylindrical cooler and vinyl mesh bags--as simple as that.
With a little care for keep yeast healthy, I only have to spend about $10 for each 3 gallon batch for grains and hops for most beers. Which means I can brew more types of beer for less money. Which is great while I am learning.
I do have a plastic bottling bucket. It is indispensable but it's huge and it only gets used once in a while. Good for storing tubes, etc. But ideally this is a standout wart in my setup.
I don't need as many bottles lying around, full or empty.
If I ever go to kegs and decide to stick with three gallons, I'll just buy new 3 gallon kegs (yes, they are more expensive than used 5 gallon kegs, but that's a fraction of the total cost of converting to kegging).
As a newbie, I am happy with my three gallon setup. It is challenging to learn to make beer but for 3 gallons, more manageable. The exciting thing for me is to plan a brew and brewday itself. To drink is good too, but there's no shortage of good beer where I live.
Maybe one day I will decide three gallons isn't enough for my efforts. Maybe I will decide that I want to brew less and drink more. But right now I know I made the right choice, sticking with a budget, and getting everything I need to get the full 'brewing' experience. I can share a beer with friends, just less of it. I made this beer with care, so I wouldn't want to share it carelessly anyway.
Until I change my mind, I have everything I need without converting an entire room to devote to a new hobby. ... Well, until that happens.. as it most certainly will
