Anybody have any thoughts on the V-Vessel?
http://www.homebrewit.com/v-vessel-fermenter.php
If I were to get this, what else would I need to get started? Brew Kettle, hydrometer, thermometer... what else?
Honestly, that looks like a great product for starting out, but I'd be worried about sanitation on the valve when you disconnect the sediment collector 2 or 3 times per batch (unless you soaked it in sanitizer each time, maybe??). Plus the fact that it's made from plastic, which is easy to scratch and harbor nasty bacteria in.
Simply put, here's a basic shopping list of what I'd suggest you start off with:
-6 gal. carboy (glass or Better Bottle...reviews are pretty much 50/50 from what I've seen)
-Bottling bucket w/ valve (you can secondary into this, as well)
-Brew kettle, at least 6-gal.
-Airlock & bungs
-Hydrometer
-Thermometer (glass ones are too risky IMO-try to find a metal one that clips to the side of the brew kettle to make life easier)
-Carboy handle...can't believe I went 6 months before getting mine. Makes hauling a 40-50 lb. carboy sooo much easier!
-As already mentioned above, Papazian's "The Complete Joy of Homebrewing". Considered the bible of homebrewers, although some feel the material is a little outdated.
-Hop & grain bags (grain bags for steeping)
-Stir spoon (matter of opinion, buy metal or wood only-don't go the plastic route)
-Plastic food-grade tubing for transferring & bottling
-Bottling wand (unless you go straight to kegging, which I haven't done yet, and can't comment on)
-Sanitizer & cleaning solution-I use Iodophor and PBW exclusively, just b/c I'm used to em.
-If you want to brew outside, I'd recommend a Bayou Classic burner & propane tank. I don't remember which model I have, but look for ones marketed as "turkey fryers" for the proper size.
As a side addition, look for a vertical carboy stand as well. Allows for faster draining/drying after cleaning. Also bring a pen/paper with you to take notes with, unless you already have brew software on a laptop/iPhone. Notes = critical!
Hope it helps!