I just got a Mr. Beer kit and I plan on brewing my first batch. I've been reading this board for a few days and you guys are tremendous.
Believe it or not, I don't have a 3 qt pot or 1 gallon container required for the Mr. Beer process. I am saving PET bottles for the first brew.
My question is, is there anything else I need or should buy? I have a feeling I will be upgrading to a new system after a batch or 2, but I want to try the basics first. Is there anything I should get that will help my Mr. Beer kit, as well as being useful in a new set up? Would a bigger pot or container be useful? Thanks.
A good sized chili pot is a good investment.
As for other helpful things:
1) a hydrometer
2) an airlock (you have to modify the MrB keg to use it, but there are ways to do that if you search around)
3) a grain bag (re-useable nylon bag you can soak grains in)
4) a hops bag (keep separate from the grain bag)
5) glass bottles and a capper (you can save non-screw-on bottles yourself - I use a lot of Sam Adams bottles - and the wing capper + caps is pretty reasonably priced)
6) Irish moss/whirlfloc
7) Fermcap-S/silicone anti-foaming agent
8) Kreamyx/head enhancer
9) Fermentation chamber
10) Pre-made carbonation tabs
11) a bottling bucket
12) a large thermos (2-3 gallon, for mashing, if you do partial mash)
13) thermometers of various types
14) a refractometer
15) a five-gallon set up, but only if you go through your beer too fast
16) a dedicated beer fridge
17) ...and a dirndl for your wife to wear.
oktoberfest dirndl: oktoberfest dirndl
These are all just nice to have. The MrB is actually self-contained, except for the pot, but over time if you are into making your own beer, you will collect a lot of this stuff for Christmas and birthdays and whatnot.
(I'm still waiting for 17...
)