Completely new home brewer

[howbrewyoudo]

I am looking to get started brewing, read how to brew by Palmer, read a lot online about what I need to get started, but I just figured getting some answers directly from other home brewers with more experience was the way to go from here. I am interested in what I need to get started, such as what kits are most highly recommended and what sites to order said kits and other supplies from. Any other tips for a new brewer would also be greatly appreciated. Finally, wondering if a wort chiller is a good investment to make on top of any other kits and supplies recommended. Thank you home brewers.

 

[two_one_seven]

There are a number of great online sites:

http://www.austinhomebrew.com/

http://www.northernbrewer.com/

http://morebeer.com/

http://www.midwestsupplies.com/

I have ordered from midwest and norther brewer.

Yes get a wort chiller you will not regret it. Get a bigger brew pot than you think you will need. If your doing partial boils get a 5-7 gal kettle. If you ever plan on doing full boils for 5 gal batches go straight to a 10 gal kettle.

Cheers enjoy the addition.

 

[Fizzycist]

I just got into the hobby in December and I found that buying almost all my gear singly at a local home brew shop (LHBS) was actually the cheapest method. The kits were not usually cheaper, and there was usually stuff you still needed. And even if the local shop was a buck or two more expensive than online, it was always made up for in no-shipping. So my advice: look at some kits and books, figure out what you need, then buy it at your LHBS.

 

[duboman]

+1 to all supliers listed above, they are all very reputable and are a great resource as well as the other info, to add my .02 I would also recommend getting an additional fermenter(either bucket or carboy) or two to start, since the first batch will take you a month before you drink it. This way you can start another batch or two while you are patiently waiting for the first.

Most kits come with a cleaner, do not mistake this for a sanitizer as the two things do different things, if the kit does not come with sanitizer, get some as well.

I personally use Better Bottles because I have small children and glass carboys can be dangerous if not handled properly so give that some consideration as you order

Start saving bottles so you don't have to buy any as you'll need around 50 for your first 5 gallon batch

Welcome to the obsession!

 

[BamaRooster]

Check out Austin Homebrew, orders over 100.00 are free shipping. My LHBS is poorly stocked and ordering online is the only way to ensure I am going to get what I want and need.

 

[unionrdr]

Another thing to remember is that if you're ordering out of state,you're not paying sales tax. So figure out which way is cheaper.

 

[rifraf]

The Midwest Supplies Beginner's Brewer Kit is great, it has everything you need except bottles and their ingredient kits are supposed to be pretty good. They often have a good Groupon too so keep your eyes peeled for that!

I don't recommend getting a chiller to start, unless you're doing full boil. In my mind it's just another gadget that will potentially give you a headache on your first day. If you have a sink or a cooler big enough to throw some ice and water in around your pot you shouldn't have an issue getting cool in a reasonable time.

I'd save the money you'd spend on a chiller and either get a swamp cooler if you live down south or some extra ferm buckets and ingredients for another brew. You can always get a chiller later if you really need one.

 

[momobono]

I'd advocate supporting your local shop before ordering brew ingredient kits online. They appreciate the business, and the owners/staff can be of great immediate help to you if you befriend them. Equipment is more difficult, since online can be cheaper but local can be more accessible. Be wise within your budget.

Your brewing capacity (I live in a small apartment) and how much beer you plan on brewing/drinking/giving away should define your first equipment purchase. IMO it's better to learn on a smaller system. That way you step your learning up from extract -> steeping grains -> eventually all-grain mashes. I think you would do better buying equipment that suits your needs, then reselling it to another homebrewer in need when you want to upgrade. It's the circle of zymurgy life

Think of it as renting skis, then buying a decent pair, then buying twin tips. To be able to use the better equipment properly, you need the capacity to make mistakes on less serious equipment. And if (god forbid) you lose interest, you won't have sank tons of cashola into the hobby.

I personally started with a double-bucket system and a 5-gal brew kettle. Made plenty of great beer that way! Good luck!

 

[rifraf]

Oh, and welcome to HBT! You'll find the community here is pretty awesome.

 

[howbrewyoudo]

I agree, the community here is pretty awesome, have had a couple posts in two days and have gotten responses pretty quickly. Greatly appreciate the suggestions brewers.