Pulling the trigger on a kit!

After months of hemming and hawing and being afraid to spend the money, I'm jumping in. I've been searching for the perfect kit that isn't too insane, but will offer nice expandability -- all for the right price. I don't know about you guys but the Midwest is a home run, personally. Agreed?


:rockin: Midwestsupplies -- Brew Starter Kit $90

• Instructional Homebrewing Video or DVD
• 71 page instructional book
• 5 Gallon Glass Carboy
• 6.5 Gallon Plastic Fermenter with Lid
• 6.5 Gallon Bottling Bucket with Spigot
• 8 Oz. of Easy Clean No-Rinse Cleanser
• Drilled Universal Carboy Bung
• Airlock (Keeps air out of the fermenter)
• Hydrometer (Determines alcohol content)
• Bottle Brush
• Carboy Brush
• Twin Lever Red Baron Bottle Capper
• Bottle Caps
• Liquid Crystal Thermometer
• Bottle Filler
• Fermtech AutoSiphon upgrade
• Siphon Tubing
• shutoff clamp


Brewmaster Warehouse -- Maestro Beer Equipment w/Auto Siphon $80

• True Brew Handbook
• 6.5 gallon Primary Fermenting bucket with D&G Lid
• 6.5 gallon Bottling Bucket with spigot
• Fermometer adhesive fermentation thermometer
• Fermtech Springless Bottle Filler
• Fermtech 3/8” Auto Siphon
• 5’ x 5/16” Flex Vinyl Tubing
• Hydrometer
• Emily Double Lever Capper
• Bottle Brush
• 3 Piece Airlock
• C-Brite Sanitizer 8-pack


Austin Homebrew -- Deluxe Beer Making Equipment Kit $83

• 7 gallon plastic primary fermenter
• Your choice of a 5 gallon glass or plastic carboy secondary fermenter. The cost of this fermenter is not included in the kit price.
• 3-piece airlock
• 3/8" standard auto-siphon
• 6 feet of 3/8" siphon hose
• Spring-loaded bottle filler
• Nylon grain bag
• Triple scale hydrometer
• Floating thermometer
• Bottle capper
• Bottle caps
• 21" stainless steel spoon
• Cleaner/Sanitizer
• An Illustrated Guide to Homebrewing
• Toll-Free Technical Support

 

I like Midwest, never had a problem doing business with them.

 

Given those options, I'd go with the Midwest kit. Also look around to see if there is a home brew shop in your area where you can purchase these from.

 

I'm getting that midwest kit soon. But, I don't have to pay for shipping. I've gotten many things from Midwest, they are great, never had a problem.

 

Good choice i as well bought my starter kit and several items since from them.however i will say midwest supplies is a confused bunch.I had a problem with an order i placed so i made the mistake of calling them after being transferred 5 times over a period
of ten minutes i hung up.It seemed to me that they could not be bothered with my
problem and would keep giving me someone else.Since then i use nb and williams
"big difference in customer service"

 

I just picked up the Northern Brewer "Better Basic Kit" for $110. They are semi-local to me so thats why I went with NB.

 

I would also go with any local shop close by. It may be a little more but you would be supporting small and local business . Besides, it could not hurt to build a rapport with a local shop for custom orders, energancy help and just general knowledge,