want to start brewing

[immcpat]

Hi im just starting to home brew i haven't purchased anything yet. I went to get as much input as possible before hand. I would like to keep everything to around $150 but I'm flexible. I have a book that I've been reading so i have a basic idea to everything. I also looked in to kegging because it looks like it's less of a hassle then bottling. Also if anyone can give me any good websites to purchase everything and any good recipes for darker beers. Thank you very much.

 

[immcpat]

also space is a minor issue(dorm room). That's why i was thinking about kegging.

 

[Action Jack]

Which book ya reading? I highly suggest How to Brew by John Palmer and welcome to a new addiction. I started off with a starter kit that my local brew show was selling and a basic recipe. I had a couple of friends who walked me through the steps of brewing and I also took a class at the brew shop.

 

[Gremlyn]

$150 != kegging. You won't get away with kegging for less than ~$600. Sounds great, but it's a huge investment. You should see if you like the hobby before commiting that kind of cash. What kind of stove access do you have?

 

[BigB]

Here is the online version of John Palmer's book, its free: How to Brew.
The book is an easy read and does a good job explaining the basics in a coherent way.

 

[HickoryMike]

$150 will cover a starter equipment kit, a cheap 12qt pot, and your first ingredient kit. Kegging is going to take you way over your budget, and if your main issue is space, kegging will not save you a TON of space compared to bottles.

Welcome to the obsession

 

[waldoar15]

Shop Craigslist for your equipment. I got a kegerator with co2 tank, the works for $150. All I had to do was clean it and fill the tank.

 

[immcpat]

I'm reading dave miller's home brewing guide. I have access to an electric stove but im not sure home powerful it is. And i think it looks like im bottling for now.

 

[HickoryMike]

I'm reading dave miller's home brewing guide. I have access to an electric stove but im not sure home powerful it is. And i think it looks like im bottling for now.

I would recommend starting with extract kits using a 12qt pot. Even a wimpy electric stove can boil 2 gallons of water.

 

[Pivzavod]

What part of NY are you in? I just threw out a case of bottles but can hook you up with a case to get you started. As a newbie with a small budget you have to start with bottling and grow into kegging. Buying brand new kegging equipment costs a lot of money, finding cheap stuff on CL takes time.

 

[buffalobrewer]

something like this will keep you brewing for a while without needing additional equipment (besides a pot). http://morebeer.com/view_product/15910//Personal_Home_Brewery_%232_-_Deluxe

 

[jdp]

homebrewers.com has a pretty good entry level kit. It comes with your first ingredient kit too. All you need to round up is a decent pot for your boil, and about 50 bottles for your first batch. Caps and priming sugar are included, as are very clear directions. It is just under a hundred bucks if memory serves me correctly. Its what I started with in april and was a great base to build on.

bottling does get pretty monotonous, but it really doesn't take up more space than kegging as noted earlier. The only real downside is the 2-3 week wait until you can open them. Good Luck!