If you knew then what you know know

[shawnbou]

The two best things I ever added to my brewing repertoire were the use of a swamp cooler for temp control, and proper water treatment for my AG mashes. There are no words to describe how much these two simple, cheap changes in my technique have improved my beer.

Other wonderful items I added to my arsenal (not all necessarily cheap) were my refractometer, starter stir plate, and of course my kegging setup.

If I have one regret, it would be buying a 1 liter flask for starters. My minimum starter size now is about 1.2 liters, so my small flask is just collecting dust. But I suppose I will use it if I ever decide to cultivate yeast from bottle dregs.

 

[Scooby_Brew]

If I knew then, what I know now. I would have done everything now, by then.

 

[AdamPag]

+1 to kegging, +1 to Ferm Control, +1 to 6.5gal better bottles, +1 to bigger kettle, +1 to extra hydrometer, +1 to more fermenters.

Also, dont use the floating glass thermometers, my very 1st batch I had it break in the wort while I was chilling it, I was so damn mad. At the supermarket they have a $10 stainless steel espresso thermometer with actually has a 20* red zone between 150* and 170* which is a serious clutch for steeping. And, It doesnt shatter glass in your wort.

Dont get the S-locks, get the 3-piece locks, I HATE my S-lock. The 3 piece is easier to fill, easier to clean.

If you're getting an auto-siphon (which you should) the 3' of tubing it comes with isnt enough, go to the hardware store and get about 6' of the 3/8" clear tubing, there's a bunch of us on the site who know exactly why.