Kit

[macandal]

Hello all. I am just getting started brewing beer but I am no stranger to fermentation. I love to pickle, make sauerkraut, sausages, salami, ham (think prosciutto), etc. I have a question regarding a brewing kit. Should I get the 1 or the 5-gallon kit? I don't know if it's a good idea to just go ahead and get the 5-gallon kit or I should be cautious and opt for the smaller one.

Thanks.

 

[Day-Day]

Get the bigger kit... trust me. You can brew 1 gallon with a 5 gallon kit, but you can't brew 5 gallons with a 1 gallon kit.

 

[Transamguy77]

Yes what Day Day said!!

 

[Twenty9inarow]

Following ( I am in the same boat)... What kits are you currently looking at?

 

[Stand]

Welcome to the best hobby there is.

 

[macandal]

What kits are you currently looking at?

It's a local store here in SF. I'm trying to support local businesses in these times ... you know? How about you? Which ones are you looking at?

 

[Twenty9inarow]

Well, our local "HOP Shop" closed early during the pandemic. So, I am not sure if I should piece it together and spend money on a fermenter?

Not sure. I want a simplistic plan and put all my thought process into the recipes. I'm from MN.

 

[Jag75]

Definitely 5 gallons . That's good your giving buisness to your LHBS . If you have to look elsewhere I highly suggest Brewersbest kits . I started out on those. Really good stuff . For brewing equipment kits theres a few out there like morebeer which I think are some of the best starter sets out there .

Welcome to HBT!

 

[Day-Day]

Not sure. I want a simplistic plan and put all my thought process into the recipes. I'm from MN.

Simple is def better in the beginning. I wouldn't even worry about recipes at first, get kits or just get well known recipes online. You need to learn your equipment and hone your process above all else. 10 people could brew the same recipe with 10 different results...process is so...so key.

 

[Calder]

Get the 5 gallon. 1 gallon = 10 bottles; ends up being a lot of work for just a few bottles. A little extra effort gets you 5X the beer.

 

[Cyclman]

Consider 5g for batches, split batches for fermentation into 2 2.5g batches.