Whats a Good Startup Brew Kit for a Newbie

Good starter kits can be found pretty easily once you know what size batches you and your stove can handle.

 

WElcome to the obsession.
Any of the online brew shops, as well as your local homebrew shop (LHBS) should have a starter kit available. Usually this will include a 6.5 gallon fermenting bucket with lid, 6.5gal bottling bucket with spigot, racking cane, bottling wand, tubing, capper, starter of sanitizer and probably a booklet or dvd. Usually around $80 or so to start.
That equipment, plus a 5 gallon or so pot and a couple other items you probably have around the house, will be enough to get you started. Of course, you can spend many thousands of dollars on top-shelf, high zoot equipment too. A few brews will tell you what you need and don't need for your system.
Also, before you even start, read the online version of John Palmers book, How to Brew. you can then get the updated version in print. Read that an Charlie Papazian's book, The Complete Joy of Homebrewing. His mantra, "Relax, Don't worry, have a homebrew" is a great thing to keep in mind.
For a first brew, a simple extract or extract with steeping grains kit will be perfect. I would say something simple, a pale ale or some such would be a good style to get your feet wet. As much as you might want a barrel aged, sour blond porter, there is so much to remember and pay attention to when starting that you don't want to go that far.
Also, see if there are any homebrew clubs in your area, see if they do any open houses, or if they have members that will allow you to sit in with them on a brew session.
Good luck.

 

Id recommend finding a local hombrew store and picking their brains. My first kit was the brooklyn brew shop kit, which is for 1 gallon. Its nice cause you dont need to buy a bigger pot or any special equipment, but youll want to quickly upgrade if your into it. Also its pretty cheap so if its not your thing you didnt waste too much money.

 

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