Getting Started.

[krambeck]

OK. Breaking down this weekend, and going to hit the store and get the stuff that I need to get started. The big questions is what all do I need... see lots of posts about here is the basics to get started (etc), but what are really the recomendations?

From what I get, here are the basics.

Dont do partial boils. If I need to buy a pot, get a big one, and do a full boil. Need a chiller too then.

Glass carboys (min of 2, primary, secondary... more to do several batches)

Anything else (other then what they will just tell me I need?)

Would rather get the right stuff off the bat, don't want to have to get a bunch of stuff I just throw away after the couple batches, would rather have stuff that I can keep using for years.

Probably cant invest in a keg setup yet. Or a fermentation chamber, or anything fancy like that.

Just looking to try to get everything off to a good start!

 

[Chris1272]

you seem to be on the right track, I would get a Kit from either you LHBS or online here is one for reference from midwest but most all websites will have a starter kit.
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/brewing-intermediate-kit-w-two-5-gallon-glass-carboys.html
With that you can get the upgrade which includes a wort chller. http://www.midwestsupplies.com/equipment-upgrade-kit-two.html
just check out the different sites and see who has the best deals
I would look at
http://morebeer.com/
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/
http://www.austinhomebrew.com/
http://www.northernbrewer.com/
http://www.rebelbrewer.com
http://www.homebrewstuff.com
One of them is bound to have what you need to get started making good beer. And remember that the most important piece of equipment for making quality beer is a knowledgeable brewer. get John Palmer's "How to Brew" read it cover to cover and you will have a much better understanding of what you are doing and will be able to make a great beer on your first attempt.

 

[emetcalf]

You want to be able to boil 6 gallons without problems, so ~8 gallons is probably the smallest you should buy.

You will need some kind of long stirring stick that can reach the bottom of your giant pot without burning your hands. It's a small thing, but it is important.

You don't actually need 2 carboys, most people recommend doing a longer primary(3-4 weeks), and then bottling without using a secondary so you only need 1 carboy(or a plastic bucket will work too).

You will need some kind of siphon, a bottling bucket, and a capper when you are ready to bottle the beer. And obviously you will need a lot of clean empty bottles.

And make sure you get some kind of sanitizer. They will hopefully remind you at the brew shop, but sanitizer is extremely important.

 

[downinit]

If you are planning to brew on your stove a full boil may not be possible if your stove burners are not strong enough to boil 5 gallons. You can still get a big pot and do partial boils. I do partial boils all the time on my stove and there is nothing wrong with my beer.

 

[downinit]

There is also nothing wrong in starting out with a lidded bucket as your fermentor.

Until you start kegging you will need a bottling bucket and bottles or better yet look into the Tap-A-Draft system.

 

[NorthRiverS]

kram,

You should consider this kit. I like it because you never need to use a siphon. I've had my kit for over a year now and I love it.

http://www.williamsbrewing.com/BREWERY_WITH_BROWN_ALE_P2198C73.cfm

NRS

 

[mixedbrewer]

Whats wrong with partial boils? For making beer in the kitchen they are great! With the never ending hop utilization argument going around, it may not have as much impact as some people try to make it seem.

 

[VegasBrew]

A good basic starter kit with: plastic bucket fermenter, starsan sanitizer....don`t waste your time with iodine, wing capper, an auto siphon...some will say a racking cane is ok but i hate em, extra tubing for auto siphon because what comes in the kit is always too short, funnel with a screen, hydrometer, plastic strip thermometer to go on the fermenter bucket, a bottling bucket...looks like a fermenter but has a spigot on the bottom, a couple extra buckets from home depot or lowes to store you gear in, a 3 piece air lock...i like them better but the single piece is ok, a bottle brush...optional, and lastly (i am sure i will edit something, heh!) 22 oz bottles....12 oz bottles suck!!! I know you wont find a KIT like this but if I was doing a kit for a friend, I would make one like this....but it once and be done.

VB

P.S. have a tap-a-draft, works great but if you can stomach the beer....coors light uses a very similar system on their little mini-kegs....search the forums or youtube...some good info on using them for home brew and cheaper.
P.S.S. get one or both books "How to Brew" and " The Joy of Home Brewing"
P.S.S.S. HAHA...a bottling wand and a vinator -----> http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/vinator-bottle-rinser.html