First time brewer setup

[rydia131]

Ok...so first post and brand new to the site and home brewing as well. I guess I just have one question to begin with. I have been talking about home brewing for several years now and I think my wife has finally grown tired of it and basically ok'd the purchase of supplies. I started my search with kits and was really considering the monster brew complete starter home brewing kit. It looks like a good place to start and looks like all I need is a brewing pot? Not completely sure about that though. Ok so to my main question to all you experienced brewers...if you were me, a complete brewing rookie with zero experience and equipment what equipment would you purchase?

If I had to say what I'm looking for I'd say primary concern is buying stuff that I wouldn't have to replace in a year and secondary concern is getting started with something that I can produce a decent drinkable beer the first time. Thank you for any and all comments and I can't wait to get started!!!

 

[unionrdr]

If you can aford it,a complete kit would be the quickest,easiest way to go. Midwestsupplies.com has some good ones for good prices too. They also have Fed-Ex home delivery that's pretty quick for me. It's also their 2nd cheapest option,next to USPS...

 

[rydia131]

But thanks to the first reply...ill look into midwestsupplies

 

[BigFloyd]

Best deal I've seen on a starter kit is -http://www.windriverbrew.com/apprentice.html which also includes a 5-gallon batch kit with yeast. Pick an ale, of course, unless you have a chamber to do a 50*F ferment.

I'd add to that an autosiphon, some tubing and Star-San.

Personally, I wouldn't spend the extra $$ for a starter kit that includes a secondary fermenter. For most brews it isn't needed and you can spend the difference on something much more useful, like a brew pot and/or wort chiller.

 

[unionrdr]

That's why I mentioned midwest. You can get the starter kit for $65,then ad the options they have to add other things like brew kettles,chillers,bottles,keging system,etc.

 

[rydia131]

Thats sounds perfect. Does this site have a list anywhere of all the needed equipment and product yo get started?

 

[unionrdr]

You might try a search for a thread about it. We've discussed it several times...

 

[rydia131]

Sorry bout that like i said im new to the forums but i know it has to be a little annoying answering the same questions over and over

 

[Yooper]

Sorry bout that like i said im new to the forums but i know it has to be a little annoying answering the same questions over and over

Not at all!

I think I saw a nice "basic" starter kit on Northern Brewer's website. I'll look for it.

In the meantime, I'd suggest going onto their website and ordering their catalogue. They have a good one, and it shows the different kits they have and different grains and hops. I use it for reference sometimes, even if I'm not ordering anything.

 

[unionrdr]

No sweat. Didn't mean it that way. I meant there's a thread from the last month or so floating around here that actually had member's lists of brewing fundamental needs. I just don't remember the thread name. Midwest has a catalog (wishbook) too for free.

 

[Yooper]

Ok, here's the one I saw: http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/essential-brewing-starter-kit.html

But you also need a hydrometer and a test jar. http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/beer-and-wine-triple-scale-hydrometer.html and http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/breakdown-test-jar.html

You'll still need to collect bottles but those should be all you need. The kit also includes your choice of a beer recipe kit, with the ingredients for a batch of beer, so it's economical as well as the basics.

You'll need a pot to brew in. I started by using my old canning pot, so see what you have around the house before you decide if you need to buy one!

 

[RM-MN]

Sorry bout that like i said im new to the forums but i know it has to be a little annoying answering the same questions over and over

It helps to have a short memory so you don't realize that you have answered that question several times. It also helps that the answer changes from time to time as new/different suppliers come out with some special deals.:rockin:

 

[BigFloyd]

Ok, here's the one I saw: http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/essential-brewing-starter-kit.html

Nice. I like that they pair it with the Caribou Slobber.

 

[Yooper]

Nice. I like that they pair it with the Caribou Slobber.

Yes, me too- that's why it caught my eye I think. Of course, I'm a brewing catalogue junkie and I was just looking at it yesterday. The Caribou Slobber really is a nice beer for people who like American brown ales. It's one of my go-to beers.

I also like their clear step-by-step instructions for their beer kits. And their quality is first rate.

 

[HB_Aggie]

I'm just starting too and did a lot of looking around to get the most bang for my buck. One thing to keep in mind is LHBS. I don't know where you are, but I found a better deal locally than what I was about to buy online.