Coopers vs Deluxe Brewer's Best Equipment Kit

[jsouth1]

My wife has given me the great gift of brewing equipment. I've brewed with Mr. Beer before, enjoyed it, but wanted something a little more. So, after looking and researching, what do you all recommend when trying to decide between Coopers vs the Deluxe Brewer's Best equipment kit? Thank you.

 

[Pappers_]

Welcome, J! Congratulations on the gift - that's outstanding.

I don't know the equipment kits for Coopers or Brewer's Best - if you post links to what you are looking at exactly, people can give you their thoughts.

Also, if you look at the major online vendors here, they all have really good equipment kits. I sometimes order from Seven Bridges and they have an equipment kit that includes your first ingredient kit, too - and their ingredient kits are outstanding. http://www.breworganic.com/complete2stagebrewerywithorganicbeerkit.aspx

Here's another one from a good online vendor, too http://www.austinhomebrew.com/product_info.php?cPath=178_33_52&products_id=12735

If you look through the vendors list here at HBT, you'll find reputable dealers who can sell you what you need.

Happy brewing!

 

[jsouth1]

Thanks Jim. So, between these 3 kits, which would be the best for me to start out with?

http://www.homebrewit.com/beer-brewing-kit-equipment.php

http://www.breworganic.com/complete2stagebrewerywithorganicbeerkit.aspx

http://www.midwestsupplies.com/brewing-intermediate-kit-w-two-5-gallon-glass-carboys.html

Thank you everyone.

 

[Pappers_]

They all look good. I think the essentials are a fermenter (bucket or carboy), a bottling bucket, tubing, an auto-siphon (not an essential but really nice to have), a bottling wand, a capper, a thermometer, and an airlock.

Cheers!

 

[voodoocurt]

Hello,
I did the austin kit and it rocks....BTW I too live in Daphne...wonder if there's anymore people on here on the Eastern Shore?

Voodoocurt

 

[jsouth1]

Voodoocurt,
There are probably alot of Eastern Shore brewers on here. I'm gonna head to our local brew supply store and check it out and see what kits they have and try to support the local brewers. Maybe order from Austin if needed.

 

[raf1919]

i actually have both the kits. i have the coopers kit and the brewers best starting kit. i like the coopers better because the primary fermenter is nicer. it has screw on lid easy on/off. built in handles and spout that doesnt leak.

but to be honest its minimal differences i paid 100 for coopers and 50 for the brewers best. at that price i would go brewers best again.

 

[voodoocurt]

JSouth,
Are you talking about Winesmith in West Mobile? If so, I wasn't too impressed with the selection. I can't remember his name, but he knew his stuff. After looking at all his inventory I decided (for me) it was easier to go with a kit from Austin and save money. He couldn't put together the same kit for the price. I'm kinda new to this but I wish there was a HB club on the Eastern Shore, I know mobile has the L.A. Lagers but I've thought about starting one on the ES....any thoughts?
V

 

[crombie]

i actually have both the kits. i have the coopers kit and the brewers best starting kit. i like the coopers better because the primary fermenter is nicer. it has screw on lid easy on/off. built in handles and spout that doesnt leak.

but to be honest its minimal differences i paid 100 for coopers and 50 for the brewers best. at that price i would go brewers best again.

I would echo the coopers kit praise of the fermenter.

Considering buying another one because it works so well and makes things like bottling super easy.

 

[Broncoblue]

I dont know the other kit but I started with the coopers kit. I use the fermenting bucket from that kit as my botteling bucket because of its bottling wand type thing that connects to the spigot. It comes with nice long plastic stirring spoon which I still use and 30 plastic bottles and caps that should get you going until you get your own glass bottles and capper. I think the best thing is the fermentation bucket with the twist lid and spoon and bottle wand

 

[36bones]

Hello Mates.

Bones here. I received a Coopers Homebrew kit for Christmas. I just finished up brewing with my first batch. The next 5-7 days are going to feel like 100. The yeast was pitched at 30C. I just checked the temperature and its now sitting at 28C. My thanks to all those who's post I've read. I've learned a lot. Once I get a couple of the Cooper's Kits under my belt I'm going to add some upgrades.
I've already ordered the Cooper's Dark Ale. I lean toward the dark side.

Cheers, Bones

 

[36bones]

Apologies for the hijack!

 

[ericlecarde]

Does anyone here notice that the Brewers Best kit fermenter has a less tight seal than the coopers? I seem to have slower action in the airlock from the Brewers best kit? Ive done about three 5 gallon batches in each so far.

 

[raf1919]

my update is that i'm basically dumping the brewer best kit. the lid has poor seal and bottling bucket leaks. coopers fermenter is still as strong as day one, which i use now exclusively. my brewers best buckets have been demoted to just holding my gear and use it for sanitizing time.

 

[HopSong]

I've got to say that I LOVE my Coopers DIY fermenter. The extract kit can make good beer and it comes with everything you need except sanitizer. Looking at some of the kits.. I really don't like those new fangled winged cappers.. I still go for my old bench capper. the plastic bottles that come with the kit are really good.. but, they are 750ml size.. too big for me.. which is why I'm mostly collecting glass. Ya can't go wrong with the Coop brewing kit.. IMO.. Plus, they were on sale for $99.. probably still so.