What is the best Homebrew Supply Site

[Duffer]

All of the suppliers here do a great job for their customers. (at least those I've ordered from so far!) With this level of internet communication, the bad suppliers die off!

afa packing peanuts: I do a lot of shipping out and save/reuse every single peanut. I know it takes up some space, but if you save them up in large garbage bags, folks will buy them! (or your nearest shipping store will take them for free) No waste, no worries.

afa Fed Ex signature required: I receive turbos & parts this way all the time. It's annoying as heck cuz I always miss the delivery but I understand the shippers wanting assurance of delivery. I usually ask in the "special instructions" section of an online order for shipping to not be "signature required". Sometimes they do. Sometimes they don't.

 

[northernlad]

Although I have not used a lot of the companies mentioned, I have used a couple. And maybe I'm just a wimpy tree huger & all but it is a really big disappointment for me when I open a delivered box and it is stuffed with the styrofoam peanuts. If I decide to reorder from one of the ones who have sent me the styrofoam, I will have to request they not send them & if they insist on using them I may not continue to do business with them (unless they have one heckova deal going!).

Anyone else have this problem? Have you resolved the dilemma

All the shipments i have received have been with plastic pillows.
You could ask them to not ship with peanuts (which I think should be outlawed) but you will have to accept your shipments in whatever condition they arrive.

 

[Baldy_Beer_Brewery]

In the early 90s, foam peanuts made from starches were developed. When you get a shipment with peanuts, see if they are water soluble. If so, they are likely the newer starch based ones.

 

[crummycook]

Wind River Brewing out of Barron, WI. They're not like the mega supply houses, and for us beginners, the kits are top notch quality-wise. They're willing to spend the time on the phone answering questions. And, lastly..when I call in an order, if I beat the UPS driver, my order is on the door step the next day..for $6.39. I just entered a Belgian Wit and a Trappist from them in a beer contest here in La Crosse.

 

[conpewter]

I've used both BrewMastersWarehouse and AustinHomebrewSupply and both are great! I do get my hops from HopsDirect.com as it is a lot cheaper but you have to buy by the pound.

 

[Jipper]

afa Fed Ex signature required: I receive turbos & parts this way all the time. It's annoying as heck cuz I always miss the delivery but I understand the shippers wanting assurance of delivery. I usually ask in the "special instructions" section of an online order for shipping to not be "signature required". Sometimes they do. Sometimes they don't.

We used to have a problem with this, UPS would see the word "MoreBeer" and assume there was alcohol in the package, and they would make it Adult Signature Required. They have since gotten over that, so it could be just FedEx "protecting" the youth

 

[moonbrew]

I've used several, but being on the east coast, Brewmaster's Warehouse is my favorite for grains and yeast. Excellent packaging, cheap flat rate shipping, and quick turnaround. I use hops direct for hops by the pound though, way cheaper than anyone.

If the OP is in GA then BMW would be like having overnight delivery.

 

[bob1852]

In the early 90s, foam peanuts made from starches were developed. When you get a shipment with peanuts, see if they are water soluble. If so, they are likely the newer starch based ones.

Forrest tried the "green" peanuts at AHS - turns out the rats love 'em

there was a thread about it awhile ago. but like others have said - don't throw 'em away. Give 'em away at your mom & pop postal shops.

 

[slc10]

i take it we don't like packing noodles.

 

[Baldy_Beer_Brewery]

I use them instead of rice hulls.



j/k Don't use these in your mash

 

[bob1852]

Forrest tried the "green" peanuts at AHS - turns out the rats love 'em

there was a thread about it awhile ago. but like others have said - don't throw 'em away. Give 'em away at your mom & pop postal shops.

well I'll be - my last order from AHS came with a notice that they're now using biodegradable peanuts :rockin:

 

[schweaty]

I've ordered from MoreBeer, Austin Homebrew, Northern Brewer, Rebel Brewer, Brewmasters Warehouse, Mid West in the past and I must say that MoreBeer has the best selection of hard to find parts. However, their shipping and customer service sucks balls and I wish that some of the hard to find items would be carried by other online homebrew shops.

 

[NAZZ]

I try and support my LHBS as much as I can, but Brewmasters Warehouse has been great for me. Very fast, even getting here in two days and the prices are good. Very nice if you have a problem and need to speak to someone.

 

[Tiber_Brew]

My local HBS is a tiny section of the local co-op. They don't carry much, and my patronage to them usually consists of ferm locks, temp strips, DME for starters, yeast nutrients, and irish moss.

Everything else I get from Midwest Supplies. Their prices are the lowest, their shipping is the cheapest (ship to work and it's less for being a "commercial address") and fastest (to my door in 1 day) and I don't even live in MN. Their customer service is outstanding too. Their new website is better than the old, but still not perfect. And, if you spend $40 or more, you now get a free glass (although it says "Michelob" on it).

TB

 

[deathtractor]

Homebrewers outpost...They have some of the best customer service i've ever come across on the web!