Best basic extract kits to try?

[jcs401]

Am still begging, have brewed 3 batches of ez-brew kits from defalcos's. I am wondering if there are any better kits out there that still use malt extract but also use hops as well? Looking for kits with little more precise ingredients/better beer?

 

[twistr25]

Take your pick, dozens at Austin Homebrew, Northern Brewer and Midwest Supplies among others. Caribou Slobber is one I see popup on here alot. Good brown ale, would be nice heading into fall.

 

[Tinhorn]

You might try Austin homebrew they have a lot of kits online and you should get within a day or two in Houston and they have free shipping on recipe kits right now

 

[jcs401]

Great, really wanna try a partial mash kit. What is needed differently than straight extract? Do there kits come with all ingredients/grains/hops etc.?

 

[Tinhorn]

All you need is about another 30 minutes to steep the grain and a grain bag it is all done in the same pot as an extract

It's a pretty easy step up and I felt like my beer improved with the partial /mini mash

 

[unionrdr]

I liked the PM cascade pale ale kit from midwest. That one is really good. Or the Berlin Wheat with the WY3056 yeast upgrade.

 

[Tinhorn]

Yes all ingredients are included except water and possibly the grain bag but they are cheap but have to have one pretty much

 

[unionrdr]

I like the nylon paint strainer bags to fit the BK/MT. Stretches over the lip of the kettle so it's easier to stir the grains & cleans up really fast. And a floating thermometer to keep in the mash for temp readings.

 

[stevehardt]

Midwest Irish Red Ale is one of my favorites, and always goes fast. Everything, including the grain bag, comes with the kit, and it includes good clear directions.

 

[jonnyp1980]

Norther brewer and brewers best where my intro to brewing. Good products and made great beer

 

[dracus]

All good recommendations, except the floating thermometer. I don't know a single brewer that hasn't had one of those break resulting in food grade dye, steel shot, and glass contaminating a batch.

Go get a decent instant read thermometer preferably one which is waterproof.

If you have a local homebrew store, you can put together your own kit based on a recipe you like. This forum has a TON of awesome recipes.