Brand New Brewer Seeking HELP!

[Kzang]

I just finished my shiny new intro post: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f29/brand-new-brewer-columbia-sc-485614/#post6290165

I am brand new to brewing. As you can see in that post, I just bought my kit, and a few extra things to start my adventure!

For simplicity, here is my most important questions I can think of right now:
1. Do I really need a kettle with a spout/temperature gauge? Or is a big cooking pot good enough?

2. Are the those items below listed worth buying? Good quality? (Vinyl, Auto-siphon, and bottle wand)

3.I live near a homebrew store, (www.liquidhobby.com), is it worth buying my ingredients from there or trying to get a better selection from Amazon? (I see there is quite a variety of stuff that is most likely cheaper and free 2 day shipping, and I get cash back on purchases from Amazon) However, I am most likely still going to check out the store and buy at least something there to help support it.

4. Am I missing anything else I might need?

Edit: Number 5: I'm assuming using dry extract is the best way to go for my first brew?

Help is greatly appreciated!

I purchased the following items.

The Gold Homebrew Kit has all you need to get brewing and adds a glass carboy for secondary fermentation resulting in a cleaner finished brew. Each Equipment Kit Includes: True Brew Handbook & Kit Instructions, 7.8 Gallon Fermenting Bucket, 1 Lid Drilled & Grommet, True Brew Rack & Fill kit, 6 Gallon Glass Carboy, Fermometer Fermentation Thermometer, Small Buon Vino Drilled Stopper, Hydrometer, Bottling Spigot, Emily Double Lever Capper, 3 Piece Airlock, Bottle Brush, C-Brite Sanitizer 8-Pack.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BU7CVM/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Super Efficient 3/8" x 25' Stainless Steel Wort Chiller

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004D4QPQW/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20


How to Brew: Everything You Need To Know To Brew Beer Right The First Time Paperback – May 17, 2006

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0937381888/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20


I'm debating on getting THESE items...I've been told they are very helpful, but I'm not sure if the brand name/quality is good. I think I need a kettle too, but I can't find a decent priced one on Amazon. There is one that is PRIME eligible, but it has some pretty bad reviews. (I would like to buy on Amazon for these items due to free 2 day shipping, and my Amazon Credit card)

Fermtech Plastic Bottle Filler
Fermtech Large (0.5-inch Auto Siphon)
Vinyl Tubing 7/16 Food Grade

 

[scottm1]

Check out Midwest supplies on line. A basic brew kettle is a 5gal. Stainless steel. And a clip on thermometer is a must. As well. Also get a copy of how to brew by John Palmer.. Cleaning and sanitation are a must for great beer. Welcome to the hobby!

 

[Kzang]

Thanks for the quick reply! I already purchased the How To Brew by John Palmer. Do you recommend those 3 items I listed? The auto-siphon with vinyl tubing, and wand filler?

 

[unionrdr]

It's also about the time of year to check out the stores for sales on stock pots & canning supplies. I got four stainless steel nested stock pots with steamer trays & lids, all polished for some $28 @ Giant Eagle a couple years ago. Still using the 5 gallon (20qt) size as my BK/MT. Midwest has a good basic starter kit that has options to add on, starting @ $69.99.

 

[scottm1]

I do. Spring tip type of bottle wand is better and well worth the extra cost by a spare hydrometer as well. You will need it.

 

[Kzang]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005I5FO8K/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

This looks like a great deal, but doesn't always have the top notch reviews. Any thoughts on this item?

Edit: Does the temperature/spout help that much? It seems I can get a large cooking pot for cheaper than a specialized brewing kettle.

 

[scottm1]

Not sure can't get the link to come up.

 

[scottm1]

Also they do help but they are more for all grain type set up. Standard pot is better. For extract kits

 

[Kzang]

So it wouldn't be huge waste of money to buy normal cooking pot (better quality for cheaper price, most likely)?

What if I want to go all-grain one day? Would it really matter not having the temperature/spout?

 

[charliehorse]

If you're starting out getting equipment, and you're going to be using extract kits, just get the equipment kit from Liquid Hobby. When I started out, I used a 20 quart Stainless Steel pot I already had. for extract, you don't need the valve and thermometer or any specialized brewing kettle. With the equipment kit, you have everything to get you started except a kettle, bottles and your ingredients. That said, buy your recipe kit locally and when you get home, put the yeast packet and hops in your refrigerator. For that matter, unless your local shop is charging a bunch more for the kit, buy it from him. He's the guy that you're going to with questions, so he may as well earn a bit of money from you. As helpful as the lady on the Amazon Kindle ad seems, I doubt that she knows much about brewing.

 

[ChefRex]

I would compare the prices on Amazon to the website that is selling the item, you'll find that the free shipping isn't free it's just rolled in and if you're buying multiple items you'll probably pay more.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064ODV1Q/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

http://www.midwestsupplies.com/bottle-rinser-sulfiter.html


Quick example.

 

[Kzang]

You may go to the same brewing company since your from Aiken?

Anyway, I purchased the kit off Amazon since I was about to due so for $16 cost.

I plan on going and buying ingredients from them or at least something. Who know what goodies I might find!

 

[Kzang]

I would compare the prices on Amazon to the website that is selling the item, you'll find that the free shipping isn't free it's just rolled in and if you're buying multiple items you'll probably pay more.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064ODV1Q/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

http://www.midwestsupplies.com/bottle-rinser-sulfiter.html


Quick example.

It is cheaper from Amazon. I get FREE 2 day shipping on PRIME eligible items, which that is, and I get 1% back in point to spend back on Amazon.

 

[Kzang]

Ok, I think I will get Bayou Classic 1124 24-Quart All Purpose Stainless Steel Stockpot with Steam and Boil Basket. Six gallons should be enough, and it will have duel use if I ever want to cook with it.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FTHX8S/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20



Surgical Grade 304 Stainless Steel
Vented Lid. Heavy Duty Welded Handles.
Strongest Perforated Basket available
Deep Fry Chicken, Fish and Hushpuppies. Steam and Boil Seafood, Crawfish, Clams, and Vegetables.
Perfect for Backyard Parties and Tailgating!

 

[charliehorse]

It can be aluminum, but the aluminum needs to be seasoned. I found that due to the low pH of wort, a nonreactive (SS) pot works best. There are a lot of brewers who successfully brew in Aluminum.