Shopping for first set.

[Suited_Up]

I know, search, and I have, but a lot of results are older, and I've browsed a ton of sites. I was just hoping for some specific opinions.

I'm looking for the best bang for my buck as far as a starter set that is big enough to grow into.

This seems to be one of the better deals I've found so far, and I've checked all the main sites that people have recommended...

http://www.learntobrew.com/store/it...r_Brewing_Kit_-_Better_Bottle_PET_Design.html

My initial reaction was to do something with a Ale Pail and a Better Bottle for secondary, but finding a specific kit with that as well as an autosiphon is tough.

Secondary question:

I've got a smallish gas stove in a small kitchen, so I'm trying to decide on a pot size, and I don't want something so big I can't boil it on the burner, but also the possible ability to do a full boil.

Should I just do two 5gal pots and split it up like I've read about some people doing?

I found some 5gals on ebay for 20.

Thanks.

 

[Fat_Bastard]

I looked a long time before buying my kit-I compared all the ones from NB,midwest,beer etc and found as far as price is concerned they are all pretty close when you factor shipping in.None had exactly what I wanted so I went with a "build your own kit" from AHB and added the other stuff I wanted like starsan and a kettle, sticky thermometers etc.
the quality of the kit is top notch and they have good customer service.(I think they are experiencing some growing pains at the moment)

your stove may have trouble bringing 6 gallons to a full boil but if you want to try I recommend getting no smaller than an 8 gallon pot

 

[muse435]

I would recommend:
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/brewing-intermediate-kit-with-two-5-gallon-better-bottle-carboys.html
This is pretty much what i bought in the first few visits to my LHBS. BetterBottles are nice for secondaries, but as far as a primary i love having a bucket, it is very easy to clean out the trub if you can fit your are in the bucket.

Also i have a small apartment stove and have no problem with a single large brew pot to boil, it just take a little longer to get there some time.

Make sure you order your ingredients at the same time, it sucks having to wait to brew your first batch with your brand new equipment staring at you.

 

[muse435]

your stove may have trouble bringing 6 gallons to a full boil but if you want to try I recommend getting no smaller than an 8 gallon pot

If your primary holds 6 gal, then your batch should not be larger then 5 gal. In that case your only going to need to boil about 2.5 gal of water.

 

[Fat_Bastard]

If your primary holds 6 gal, then your batch should not be larger then 5 gal. In that case your only going to need to boil about 2.5 gal of water.

I was addressing his statement about possibly doing a full boil.I'm certainly no expert though.

 

[Suited_Up]

I would recommend:
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/brewing-intermediate-kit-with-two-5-gallon-better-bottle-carboys.html
This is pretty much what i bought in the first few visits to my LHBS. BetterBottles are nice for secondaries, but as far as a primary i love having a bucket, it is very easy to clean out the trub if you can fit your are in the bucket.

Also i have a small apartment stove and have no problem with a single large brew pot to boil, it just take a little longer to get there some time.

Make sure you order your ingredients at the same time, it sucks having to wait to brew your first batch with your brand new equipment staring at you.

Good call on that link. I guess after looking at so many I forgot it had an autosiphon with it too. Which just seems like it'll make things a bit easier. Plus a lil cheaper. Looks like a good choice.

Any thoughts on having two 5gal pots?

Also found this one, and I have a $20 credit on Amazon... http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00267Q3JW/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[muse435]

Any thoughts on having two 5gal pots?

To me it just seams that 2 pot would be twice the work for the same outcome, but that is just my opinion, and i do not claim to have a lot of experience.

 

[DirtyJersey]

I went with a kit from Midwest Supplies that had everything, including a kettle, glass carboy, 2 cases of bottles, etc. The whole kit was $170. I brewed several batches before I needed to upgrade and/or add anything. I've had very positive experiences with Midwest.

 

[RM-MN]

Unless you know that you will be brewing something that really requires a secondary, skip the carboys and add a second fermenter bucket. I have a carboy and have used it for a secondary only 3 times but ran out of primary fermenter buckets and had to use it for a primary a couple of times. The buckets aren't as fun to watch but they are a lot easier to carry since they come with handles plus they are so easy to clean since you have that wide open top.