Just Getting Started!

Greetings Fellow Homebrewers,

I have been a bit bashful getting into homebrewing. Jumping right in isn't exactly cheap, and I want to make sure I get the equipment right the first time. Therefore I come to you guys to help me pick out my first equipment purchase.

First off a bit about me:

I'm a Student who got into homebrewing by a co worker. After brewing a few batches with him, I found it really wasn't that hard to brew, so why shouldn't I get my own equipment. After reading plenty of forums, watching youtube videos, and making wishlist after wishlist from northern brewer, I think I have a solid start to homebrewing. I'm looking to do a few extract kits at first, and then expand to some all grain brewing after getting the hang of it. I have a kegerator already because I found that cleaning bottles was my least favorite part!

Why I want to Brew:
1. Better tasting beer
2. Take pride in what I can make
3. Spend time and share with friends
4. Satisfying coming home and getting some good beer from your tap that you made yourself
5. New hobby!

With that, I have my equipment wishlist to share. Your input and comments are encouraged


- How to Brew: Everything You Need To Know To Brew Beer Right The First Time
by John J. Palmer (Paperback)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0937381888/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Price: $12.97

- Northern Brewer Deluxe Beer Starter Kit
Northerbrewer.com

http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/starter-kits/deluxe-beer-starter-kit.html
Price: $156.99

- Wort Chiller
Northern Brewer.com

http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/standard-chiller-3-8-x25-with-vinyl-tubing.html
Price: $59.99

- Used Corny Keg
Northern Brewer

http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/kegging/soda-kegs-fittings/used-5-gallon-keg.html
Price: 34.99 + 3.99 used keg seal kit + Ball Lock Gas and Liquid Disconnects

- Star San
Northern Brewer

http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewi...s-equipment/sanitation-cleaning/star-san.html
Price: $15.50

- Turkey Fryer + Burner
Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006L18N6/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Price: 153.05


What I already have:
Kegerator with 5 lb Co2 tank. Picked it up off craigslist


Thank you for your input!

Not sure what all that kit comes with, but a few things i needed that my kit didnt have, thermometer to check wort temp while brewing, and a long handled stainless spoon. Cant think of anything else right now.

Goodluck with the new hobby!

almost all looks perfect... only suggestion i got is get copper piping and make a wort chiller cause you can make it to the size you need and itll be A LOT cheaper then 60 bucks

my suggestion since you're in WI (not sure which side, I'm on west side), but go with midwest supplies at least for your kit. Same kit:

http://www.midwestsupplies.com/brewing-intermediate-kit-w-two-5-gallon-glass-carboys.html

Or with better bottles, even cheaper kit and a lot cheaper on shipping:

http://www.midwestsupplies.com/brewing-intermediate-kit-with-two-5-gallon-better-bottle-carboys.html

I have used midwest and find that they are cheaper than northern. NB wont apply 7.99 shipping to glass carboys, too heavy. Maybe better bottles.

oh also, it probably doesnt have as many accessories as the one from amazon and I believe it's aluminum, but farm and fleet, or even kmart and walmart, have the turkey fryer kits for about 80-90 bucks right now. They will be on sale when it gets closer to thanksgiving.

Oh and if you're not sure about better bottles compared to glass carboys, go here:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/vs-pro-con-analysis-109318/

And if you're not sure about aluminum kettles compared to stainless-steel, go here:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/faq-aluminum-pots-boil-kettles-49449/

you do get glass carboys for 7.99 i did it

So far everything looks pretty good, my suggestion is to get a bigger kettle!

Assuming you will start or move to all-grain brewing you will definitely need a bigger kettle, 15 gallons would be a good size.

I have an aluminum 13 gallon and it is just good enough for 5-7 gallon batches. I will eventually want to move to 10 gallon batches and a 15 gallon kettle is the minimum!

Just my opinion and good luck!!

I say forget the wort chiller, spend your $60 on a stir plate for yeast starters. Pitching the correct amount of yeast is one of the easiest things you can do to transform your beer from good to great. An ice bath will get the job done for chilling your wort.