Shopping list for a newb's first brew, your thoughts?

[SeanOC]

Hey guys,

First off thanks for all the great info I have found on this forum, it has been invaluable. I'm getting ready to make my first batch and here is what I have so far. I won't be bottling, I recently built a keezer so I will be kegging the brew. I hate buying things twice so I tried to buy things that would last me as I grew into the hobby. Let me know what you guys think and if I'm missing anything important.

I'm not concerned with where to buy or where not to buy per say but more that I'm on the right track with decent equipment.

Northern Brewer deluxe starter w/glass carboys and "Caribou Slobber" recipe
http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/deluxe-brewing-starter-kit

Northern Brewer 8 Gal kettle and burner kit
http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/...des/raise-your-game-ii-brew-kettle-burner-kit

Stainless 25' 3/8" wort chiller
http://www.nybrewsupply.com/beer-ho...s-steel-wort-chiller-w-brass-gh-fittings.html

Stirstarter stir plate and 1000ml erlenmeyer flask
https://bellsbeer.com/store/products/StirStarter-%2d-Yeast-Starter-Stir-Plate.html

Basic Gravity testing kit
http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/brewery-essentials-gravity-testing-assembly

5 gallon ball lock corny keg and all the associated liquid/gas fittings
http://www.homebrewing.org/AIH-New-5-Gallon-Corny-Keg-Ball-Lock_p_5100.html

A few random things as well like a 21 in spoon, carboy handles, etc...

Anything missing?

 

[MagicMatt]

It looks like a decent starter pack, but a word of warning that you may want to consider getting bigger components if you want to reduce the "buying twice" debacle.

If you are only going to do small extract batches, your kettle will probably suffice. But if you ever want to get into all grain brewing, I'd recommend a minimum of 10 gallon kettle for a 5-6 gallon batch. Even more, if you ever think you'll go up to 10 gallon batches, get a 15-20 gallon kettle. I'm in this position now, where I bought a 10gal kettle for 5 gallon batches, and now I (want) need to get another one because i can't do 10 gallon batches. I had no foresight on that one.

Also, a 1L flask for starters is incredibly small. I wouldn't imagine you can make much of a starter in that at all. I rarely have a starter that's less than 1L, (the smallest I've ever had was 800mL, which is still too much for a 1L flask).

You mentioned carboy handles - and while they're great for moving around empty carboys, you'll want to get a couple of brewhaulers too. You don't want to be lifting a full carboy by the neck. It can result in serious injury (google if you dare).

You didn't mention it but you'll obviously need a CO2 regulator and tank as well. And beer/gas line. And keg lube.

And one last word regarding the NB kit - make sure you price each of those components separately, as I would think that $180 is a lot for what you get there. Carboys are generally $30-40 new, and since you'll be kegging there's no need for all of that bottling equipment (capper, bottle filler, caps, bottling bucket). Seems like you'd be able to save a bit of money by buying only what you need 'a la cart'.

Other than those things it looks great.

 

[SeanOC]

Thanks Matt,

As far as the kit goes I added it up and it would cost me just about the same to purchase separately and not include the bottling equipment. This way if I ever did want to bottle some, I could.

Bummer about the flask. I was hoping that for 5 gal batches a 1L flask would work.

Excellent advice on the carboy handles, I didn't know that. Will order a hauler.

Hopefully the 8gal kettle will last me some time. That will be the big mistake if not. I figured 8gal would have been enough for 5 gal all grain brews in the future. Damn!

I do have all the co2 and associated equipment already so thats not an issue.

 

[ThunderKhajiit]

Grain Mill is awesome- mine is an antique corona-style, works great and buying in bulk saves a lot of cash.

Spray bottle for star-san, mandatory.

10ft 3/16 line for that keg.

I use a 32qt pot and do 5 gal batches, it works but just barely.

Make yourself one of those "we don't need no stinkin beer gun" thingys. I use mine all the time for bottling from the keg.

Scales for measuring hops and grain, for sure.

I'm glad I didn't buy everything all at once, it's fun to pick up a new toy from time to time.

 

[chickypad]

If there's a chance you're going all grain I'm with Matt on the kettle size since you say you hate buying twice. Lots of folks get by with smaller, but if you ever want to do any 90 min boils (like on big beers or with pilsner malt), and/or if you do hoppy beers with lots of trub loss you'll be glad of the extra volume. Go at least 2 L on the flask, if you're considering lagers or harvesting some or your starters for future batches you probably want to go bigger. I use a 2L flask for my 3 gal ales, typically a 1.8 L starter with half for the batch and half saved for next time is perfect. Lastly I would consider if you really want to go with glass carboys. For the price you pay you could get almost twice as many plastic carboys, or a bunch of buckets. If you're thinking about vessels for long term aging I'd consider the keg route since you're already going that way. Wish I had started that way, ended up selling all my glass and accumulating kegs.

And of course, welcome to the obsession!

 

[Sailingeric]

Instead of spending nearly $180 on the glass carboys kit, get a couple of the 7.9 gallon buckets for $18 http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/7-9-gal-fermenting-bucket with a lid. Gives you plenty of room to avoid the blow offs and having two means you can keep the pipeline going, plus wont break and easier to clean.

2 buckets with lid
another bucket for bottling if you are bottling but if you are hopping into kegging great.
some star sans, a racking cane, three or four bungs and airlocks you will be in business.

 

[MagicMatt]

Thanks Matt,

As far as the kit goes I added it up and it would cost me just about the same to purchase separately and not include the bottling equipment. This way if I ever did want to bottle some, I could.

Bummer about the flask. I was hoping that for 5 gal batches a 1L flask would work.

Excellent advice on the carboy handles, I didn't know that. Will order a hauler.

Hopefully the 8gal kettle will last me some time. That will be the big mistake if not. I figured 8gal would have been enough for 5 gal all grain brews in the future. Damn!

I do have all the co2 and associated equipment already so thats not an issue.

That's fine then - having the bottling equipment on hand is definitely a plus in my book. Even though I keg, there are times when I do small 1 gallon test batches and bottle those. Or if you ever have extra beer when racking that won't fit into the keg, you can bottle the remaining beer so as to not waste it.

And while you can probably get by with the 8 gallon kettle for most 5 gallon all grain batches, it doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room. For most of my 5.5 gallon batches (the extra half gallon is to account for fermentor trub so that I end up with a full 5 gallons in the keg), I need a pre-boil volume of 7-7.5 gallons. In an 8 gallon pot, you're looking at a scarily full pot. Don't forget that liquids expand when they heat, and a rolling boil will need considerable head room to not boil over. You'd have to watch that 8 gallon pot like a hawk. Again, it can be done, but it's more trouble than it's probably worth. Unless the cost difference is too much, I'd really consider getting a 10 gallon kettle at a minimum. I'd look at ones with a ball valve too, for easier transferring.

 

[pretzelb]

I like the idea of the buckets as well. Even though you might replace them later, buckets can be useful for other stuff later. The kettle should definitely be 10 if not 15 if you can swing it. Look at http://www.rackers.org/calcs.shtml fit size estimates based on grain bill.

 

[Sailingeric]

another thought towards buckets.. you can put that money towards a small chest freezer or fridge and a temp controller to use as a ferm chamber. Temp control is the most important thing you can do!

 

[SeanOC]

Good stuff guys, this is exactly what I was looking for.

 

[christyle]

Another vote for 10gal kettle and a big vote for a plastic big mouth bubbler over a carboy. I have a 7.5 gal pot and I inevitably have a boilover almost every batch, unless I sit there watching it all the time. I love my better bottle, except for it always seeming to have a leak at the lid somewhere...

This is just me, but why not start with just bottling? Do you already have a kegerator setup? Another

 

[SeanOC]

another thought towards buckets.. you can put that money towards a small chest freezer or fridge and a temp controller to use as a ferm chamber. Temp control is the most important thing you can do!

I do have a keezer with a temperature controller already, I just don't have it rigged for heat atm...

 

[KPBrews]

Are you going for grain or extract?

Given that you want to keg right off the bat, I'd consider looking at the big starter kit at MoreBeer. It literally has everything you need to start brewing 5 gal extract batches. I've added a bigger thermometer ($15) and a Cool Brewing bag (to maintain fermatation temps, but only because it's super hot in SoCal), but otherwise, the kit has worked well for me. Quality components.

I prefer glass over buckets, but there are valid reasons for both.

http://www.morebeer.com/products/personal-home-brewery-kit-5-kegging-super-deluxe-pet-carboy.html

 

[SeanOC]

Another vote for 10gal kettle and a big vote for a plastic big mouth bubbler over a carboy. I have a 7.5 gal pot and I inevitably have a boilover almost every batch, unless I sit there watching it all the time. I love my better bottle, except for it always seeming to have a leak at the lid somewhere...

This is just me, but why not start with just bottling? Do you already have a kegerator setup? Another

Already have a kegerator (Keezer) with space for a couple of corny's

 

[MaxStout]

Ditto on the buckets. They are cheap (more money to spend on kettles, etc.), and they will be good for storing grain, mixing Starsan, etc. later if you switch to carboys.

Bump up to a 2000ml (or larger) flask for starters.

You won't regret getting a 15 gal kettle. You won't have to worry about volumes when doing high-gravity beers. But if you pull the trigger in the 8 gal kettle now, it won't be obsolete if you go to all grain and a bigger kettle later. In the cold winter months, when it's no longer fun to sit outside around a propane burner, you can still do smaller brews on the stovetop. I still have my original 5 gallon kettle and do 2.5 gal BIAB batches in winter. Nothing wrong with having more than one brew kettle.

Looks like you are well on your way in getting the major stuff. Don't forget the little stuff--racking canes, tubing, Starsan, cleaners, etc.

Welcome to the vortex.

 

[SeanOC]

Are you going for grain or extract?

Given that you want to keg right off the bat, I'd consider looking at the big starter kit at MoreBeer. It literally has everything you need to start brewing 5 gal extract batches. I've added a bigger thermometer ($15) and a Cool Brewing bag (to maintain fermatation temps, but only because it's super hot in SoCal), but otherwise, the kit has worked well for me. Quality components.

I prefer glass over buckets, but there are valid reasons for both.

http://www.morebeer.com/products/personal-home-brewery-kit-5-kegging-super-deluxe-pet-carboy.html

Extract to get started, but I'm sure I will be trying all grain once I get my feet wet.

 

[pretzelb]

By the way, if you like stout I think it might be a better choice to start. For me it seems they are harder to mess up but I have nothing to back that you with.

 

[SeanOC]

The kit comes with 1 Step. Should I just go ahead and order some Star San? It seems like that is by far what most guys use..

 

[Sailingeric]

Go with a bigger on the pot if you can. I got an 8 gallon and it works with my 5 gallon batches but I have to watch it closely with the hot break or it will boil over- always when I turn my back for that one second.

Get the big bottle of star sans.. Why cheaper per oz!

 

[SeanOC]

By the way, if you like stout I think it might be a better choice to start. For me it seems they are harder to mess up but I have nothing to back that you with.

LOOVE stout. I just would need to invest in a stout tap and a Nitro bottle. Not a huge deal but a decent chunk of change.

 

[KPBrews]

Extract to get started, but I'm sure I will be trying all grain once I get my feet wet.

I added up the cost of the various items in the starter kit, and you really do save quite a bit over piecing something together.

The 8 gal brewpot is very good quality. Compares very nicely to the big name brands I've seen in the shop, just no logos. You'll likely pass it onto your kids unless you seriously screw it up somehow.

It's true you'll need bigger to go really big, but for standard 5 gal batches of extract, it's pretty perfect.

 

[SeanOC]

Go with a bigger on the pot if you can. I got an 8 gallon and it works with my 5 gallon batches but I have to watch it closely with the hot break or it will boil over- always when I turn my back for that one second.

Get the big bottle of star sans.. Why cheaper per oz!

All grain or extract 5 gallon batches?

 

[KPBrews]

The kit comes with 1 Step. Should I just go ahead and order some Star San? It seems like that is by far what most guys use..

Yes. I'd pick up 8 oz StarSan, if not 16. It doesn't go bad, and you WILL use it.

 

[Sailingeric]

All grain or extract 5 gallon batches?

I do extract currently. I have not made the AG switch yet, maybe next spring. Just blew my beer equipment budget on a keezer and kegs.

 

[MaxStout]

The kit comes with 1 Step. Should I just go ahead and order some Star San? It seems like that is by far what most guys use..

1-Step is technically not a sanitizer, it's a cleaner. Starsan is a no-rinse sanitizer, and when mixed to the recommended dilution, will kill most of the nasties. After about 2 minutes contact time, drip off the excess and the item is good to go. And don't fear the foam--getting a little Starsan in the wort or beer won't hurt anything.

 

[SeanOC]

I do extract currently. I have not made the AG switch yet, maybe next spring. Just blew my beer equipment budget on a keezer and kegs.

I just finished mine too! (Don't laugh at the Miller Lite.. The wife and her friends drink it and it goes a long way in justifying the money spent!)


Keezer build by Sean, on Flickr

 

[SeanOC]

1-Step is technically not a sanitizer, it's a cleaner. Starsan is a no-rinse sanitizer, and when mixed to the recommended dilution, will kill most of the nasties. After about 2 minutes contact time, drip off the excess and the item is good to go. And don't fear the foam--getting a little Starsan in the wort or beer won't hurt anything.

In that case it sounds like a no brainer, thanks!

 

[pretzelb]

In that case it sounds like a no brainer, thanks!

FWIW, after 5 years of brewing my cleaning product of choice is PBW and my sanitizer of choice is StarSan. I haven't found a need for much else.

 

[KPBrews]

OxyClean Free is a pretty good cleaner, too, and cheaper than PBW. Each has their best uses.

Just pick the right tool for the right job.

 

[Rairdog]

I just got started a month ago and am on my 5th batch. I bought the kit with 2-6.5 gal buckets and 5 gal glass carboy.

The buckets are much easier. After researching it seemed best to primary 3 weeks and straight to keg. I don't see a need for the 5 gal glass unless you secondary. They are a pain to move/clean. I used my bottling bucket instead of my glass to ferment this last batch because the other bucket was fermenting.

I went to BIAB after the first extract. That knocks 10-12 bucks of the price of a 5 gal batch. I already had a 8.75 gal alum pot. I just mash with 5 gal and 10-12 lbs of grain. Then pull bag and sparge with 2.5-3 gal. It was actually easier than extract IMO.

I am soooo glad I got the star san and a spray bottle. As mentioned, you will use it. Plus one on the oxy free as well.

 

[SeanOC]

I just got started a month ago and am on my 5th batch. I bought the kit with 2-6.5 gal buckets and 5 gal glass carboy.

The buckets are much easier. After researching it seemed best to primary 3 weeks and straight to keg. I don't see a need for the 5 gal glass unless you secondary. They are a pain to move/clean. I used my bottling bucket instead of my glass to ferment this last batch because the other bucket was fermenting.

I went to BIAB after the first extract. That knocks 10-12 bucks of the price of a 5 gal batch. I already had a 8.75 gal alum pot. I just mash with 5 gal and 10-12 lbs of grain. Then pull bag and sparge with 2.5-3 gal. It was actually easier than extract IMO.

I am soooo glad I got the star san and a spray bottle. As mentioned, you will use it. Plus one on the oxy free as well.

Good stuff, thank you