So many options...So little knowledge.

[ChocolateStout]

Hello all.

Im very new to this home brew thing, and although Im certain this has been done several times, I have a few questions. As to not stir any hornets nests, I have purchased and am currently reading "How to Brew" and trying to read through a lot of home brewer's logs and success/failure stories to educate myself as much as possible before giving it a go.

However, I find myself scratching my head looking from kit to kit and pondering which to order. I would prefer to purchase a kit instead of building my own right now while getting started, I work a lot of hours and it would be helpful to have that sorted out for me (I think, for now).

I would like something somewhat simple to get started with, and something I could always add to later on if I choose to. I dont care to break the bank, but a quality beer is more important to me than spending a few less dollars.

Looking to make some Stouts and Wheats mainly, but certainly would like to expand my horizons at some point.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[Spartybrew]

I'm new to home-brewing as well. Don't get intimidated by all the options! I picked up a kit almost identical to this one at my local home brewing shop:

http://www.midwestsupplies.com/home...its/compare-all-kits/brewing-starter-kit.html

This doesn't come with a brew kettle, an ingredient kit, or bottles which you will need, but you can pick these up as well or order the kit with a pot, ingredients, and bottles from the same site as the kit posted before. If you can, I would recommend going to your local homebrew shop and asking for a beginners kit and everything you need. They should be glad to help and you won't have to pay shipping as well as supporting local stores and local homebrewing. If you don't have time to the shop, you can't go wrong with a kit online, just make sure you're getting everything you need. Cheers and good luck!

P.S. Craigslist is also a good option to find brewing supplies on the cheap

 

[BillyBroas]

You're doing the right thing by researching the hobby and learning from other people's mistakes. It will make you more confident and the brew day more enjoyable. At the same time, don't get paralyzed by thinking you need to know everything before you get started. Eventually you'll need to dive right in and get something brewed. You say you like stouts and wheats - so make one of those. They are good beers for beginners. Also download my pdfs which are meant to help new homebrewers and I think will really help you nail down your choices.

 

[firebirdude]

IMO, the kits get less and less cost effective the more expensive they get. The bigger kits generally include things you don't really need. There's no reason to have two carboys, three buckets and 4 airlocks.

As you said, keep it simple for now. TONS of users on here ferment in food grade plastic buckets. Exact same results as more expensive carboys. I'd just buy the cheapest kit from northern brewer or midwest supplies and make a few extract batches. You'll also need a very large stockpot (I recommend future-proofing and buying ~8 gallons+). If you like the hobby and want to move on, then you can basically just buy a mash tun and start doing all-grain batches.

 

[ScottSingleton]

IMO, the kits get less and less cost effective the more expensive they get. The bigger kits generally include things you don't really need. There's no reason to have two carboys, three buckets and 4 airlocks.

As you said, keep it simple for now. TONS of users on here ferment in food grade plastic buckets. Exact same results as more expensive carboys. I'd just buy the cheapest kit from northern brewer or midwest supplies and make a few extract batches. You'll also need a very large stockpot (I recommend future-proofing and buying ~8 gallons+). If you like the hobby and want to move on, then you can basically just buy a mash tun and start doing all-grain batches.

+1 to this. Start slow; but definitely don't undersize the kettle since it will be a big part if you want to move up in the world.

They also hold their value pretty well; and can be traded resold pretty easily.

 

[H-Balm]

Read up and research about cleanliness and sanitizing.

Years ago I didn't understand enough about this.
This lack of knowledge bred bacteria, frustration, an failure. I ended up leaving the hobby, and have just returned after 14 years.

 

[ChocolateStout]

You're doing the right thing by researching the hobby and learning from other people's mistakes. It will make you more confident and the brew day more enjoyable. At the same time, don't get paralyzed by thinking you need to know everything before you get started. Eventually you'll need to dive right in and get something brewed. You say you like stouts and wheats - so make one of those. They are good beers for beginners. Also download my pdfs which are meant to help new homebrewers and I think will really help you nail down your choices.

those are solid reads. thanks.

ill look for a mid range chef kit and see how things go.

 

[Kayos]

I would start small like you are talking about. Then upgrade away! This way after some experience you will see what you want and not waste money on parts of the more expensive kits you don't really care about. Most brewing places will give you a full how-to when you buy a kit, too.