I've never used a blowoff tube, but I always leave plenty of room in the top of the fermenter. Also, you should just skip the kits, who knows how long they have been sitting on the shelf before they are sold? Start with a simple single malt single hop (SMASH) recipe, get some grain, hops and a BIAB bag and go for it. Brewing is pretty easy, you can make it as complicated as you want to. After the first brew, you can dump your next batch right on the old yeast cake or save the yeast in your fridge and save a few bucks.
https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/how-to-brew/keeping-it-simple-with-smash-brewing/[/QUOTE
thanks, So you would recommend the BIAB method? Do you have a recipe you would recommend? The more I read the more confused I am getting. I have watched youtube videos on brew in the bag. There are water calculations etc.? I really like the idea of BIAB but need very specific instructions on what to do and what is needed and where to buy online. The only items I have are a 5 gallon carboy, 5 gallon bottle bucket and sanitizer bucket, Have it my cart ready to order:
-5 gallon kettle (can get 8 if it is necessary)
-Tubing
-Siphon
-caper, bottles caps etc
-blowoff cap (I’ll just hook up a blowoff line to be careful)
I know this is a pain, but everyone has been helpful so far.
Any additional help would be great!