Looking for opinions on homebrew kits

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by maltmuncher, Sep 1, 2012.

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  1. maltmuncher

    maltmuncher Initiate (0) Aug 22, 2012

    I had a "beer machine" once and I liked the simplistic approach of having HB by this method, but I always felt it was like the "lil" brother if you will and lacked a true art/style and freedom from larger HB kits.

    I have been looking at a few kits but really unsure what to get, or know if what I have been looking at is a "fair" price.

    Here are some kits in my area: http://www.finevinewines.com/Z_ProdListSPBEO.asp would anyone be willing to offer a "from experience" view on these and make suggestion/thoughts etc on process and cost?

    Thanks in advance for the time, looking forward to learning with everyone about the HB craft. :grinning:
     
    #1 maltmuncher, Sep 1, 2012
  2. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    I recommend reading everything (or at least sections 1 and 2) at this link first...

    http://www.howtobrew.com/intro.html

    Then you'll have a very good idea what equipment you'll need, plus you will have learned a lot about the process.
     
    #2 VikeMan, Sep 1, 2012
  3. maltmuncher

    maltmuncher Initiate (0) Aug 22, 2012

    I just got Joy of Home Brewing v3 I realy like the book, its seems to help. Some of the items I am not sure about are glass/plasitc carboys and the snd stage type items.

    I guess I am just worrying to much about the details and thinking I will make something I do not like, then buy more items or better "hardware" later on and think I should have done this from the start... But I guess this goes back to the comments in that book or, "relax, and just have a home brew".

    Any certian kits that other suggest or vendors-if not vendor just price ranges. I see various prices for kits and not sure what is considered a fair price for quality items but also dont want to over pay.
     
    #3 maltmuncher, Sep 1, 2012
  4. Ilanko

    Ilanko Initiate (0) Aug 3, 2012 New York

    I wouldn't buy any of this kits, that's my favorite start up package for all-grain, you get the necessary equipment and Ingredients. It's easy and doable by size and by simplicity. After few batches you can decide what is you really need and equipment type you prefer to use on you brew.
    Chin Chin
     
    #4 Ilanko, Sep 1, 2012
  5. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    OP: be advised these are 1 gallon kits, which some people like (or find necessary because of space constraints), but obviously you won't get much drinkable output per batch.
     
    #5 VikeMan, Sep 1, 2012
  6. RochesterAaron

    RochesterAaron Initiate (0) May 24, 2007 New York

    I started with something very similar to that basic kit. You'll need a boil kettle as well. If you're doing stovetop extract this one works well. I'd recommend adding on a auto-siphon pretty much immediately. Beyond that you can upgrade after you get a couple of batches under your belt. I would suggest the next purchase be a wort chiller after that, I bought one the day I finished my first batch. Your first couple of batches won't need a secondary fermentation. Wait to buy better bottles / carboys until you have some experience. Midwest offers a groupon pretty regularly for a very similar kit to the basic kit you linked.
     
    #6 RochesterAaron, Sep 1, 2012
  7. Ilanko

    Ilanko Initiate (0) Aug 3, 2012 New York

    You are quite right, the constraints usually come from your basic home opening conditions such as kitchen stove limited power, small cooking pot and available space.
     
    #7 Ilanko, Sep 1, 2012
  8. 5thOhio

    5thOhio Pooh-Bah (1,571) May 13, 2007 South Carolina
    Pooh-Bah

    #8 5thOhio, Sep 2, 2012
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