Buying a Home Brew Kit

Others will jump in and help with the kit question. I just want to add that your fiance's 'non-novice' knowledge of craft brew won't really accelerate his brewing learning curve unless he's been reading about brewing techniques, or watching someone else do it. My advice would be for him to read www.howtobrew.com first, regardless of the equipment and/or ingredient kit selected. The old edition is free online. The new edition is available hard copy and well worth the money. In fact, I'd recommend getting him the book and a gift card, so that he can make an informed purchase.

 

There are some great deals floating around on kits now.

Morebeer.com
Northernbrewer.com
Midwestsupplies.com

 

The question that you should ask if 5 gallon or smaller? The work is (almost) the same but its something to consider. Brooklyn is 1 gallon, just so you know. If you are looking for 5 gallon kits, love2brew.com is a good one, I'd recommend the basic kit because I never use a carboy, although many do.

 

For the most part, buying the kit will be cheaper. Are you looking for a more deluxe kit or what you need to brew? For the most part, you need a primary fermentor, bottling bucket, hydrometer, thermometer, siphon with tubing (auto-siphons are kickass), airlock/blowoff tube, and sanitizer (don't bother with bleach). Beyond that is pretty much making it easier for you.

 

it's that time of the year.
come January we answer newbie questions as these husbands and boyfriends get their feet wet.

the three web retailers mentioned above are all great for all-in-one kits.
just choose a kit based on your budget. like any other hobby/obsession, there are plenty of opportunities to spend more money later. the beginner kits are very good; you could brew with just the starter 5 gallon kit forever and not need to upgrade. but eventually everyone buys some new stuff to add to the brewery. the kit wont become obsolete, you build on it.

choose a less ambitious 5 gallon recipe to go along with it, preferably "all extract" for now. a "partial extract" ups the time, understanding and commitment a bit. "all grain" is not recommended for someone who has never brewed, and you need special equipment.

popular styles include IPA, of which there are dozens to choose from. Brown Ale and Cream Ale are easy brewing and generally work out well. a Stout or Porter will work. "Lager" variety kits do require some temperature control and extended aging time, both of which are sometimes difficult for the novice to control. "Imperial" "Double" and other big beers are great fun to brew and drink, but you want to get some experience before dropping $50 on a big kit, and there are some additional brewing skills needed.

Good Luck

 

I got kits for all my groomsmen from here. I tasted the Hefe Weizen and it was not that bad.

http://craftabrew.com/

 

This is the kit I have. I got it two years ago for Christmas. I have made extract and all-grain batches with it so it can "grow" with him if he moves into all-grain brewing. It has lasted me 32 batches to date.

http://www.amazon.com/Brewers-Best-...8&qid=1386477856&sr=8-2&keywords=brewers+best

I would suggest getting him:
1. the kit,

2. a turkey fryer with a 30 qt/7.5 gal aluminum pot (you can usually find some good deals this time of year at Bass Pro and other outdoor stores), and

3. a Brewer's Best kit (e.g. http://www.amazon.com/India-Pale-Homebrew-Beer-Ingredient/dp/B00AC73NJG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1386477723&sr=8-3&keywords=brewers best) of his favorite style of beer - they are extract kits (syrup added to water).

 

IMO this is a great deal. Starter equipment with a beer kit. Last day of the deal is today. https://www.livingsocial.com/deals/920575-essential-brewing-starter-kit

 

Internet homebrew shops have an advantage over local homebrew shops in the sense that they are cheaper. Local homebrew shops have the advantage over the websites in the send that you are dealing with homebrewers and can bring a bottle of your beer for an educated evaluation.

Beginning homebrewers need the experienced help that websites can't provide.

 

I love this small scale Brooklyn Brew Beer Making Kit .
but just for a start. No subscription is necessary.
That's how I started my first batch.

 

I disagree at least somewhat. I know I've read some people here have been given terrible advice from homebrew shops. Even though my local shop is #1 in the state I've had some good advice and some not so good advice. it really depends on the place. All the employees do brew but I have been given answers like, "I'm not really sure, I only brew extract", "We don't really like wild/sour beers here so I'm not exactly sure what yeast to use". Although my local place is more expensive in almost every way, I do enjoy getting fresh ingredients from them but for the most part you can probably find more info through the internet than most homebrew shops.

With all that being said, I would check out MoreBeer, Northern Brewer, and Midwest Supplies for starter kits. I would say start small because who knows how much your fiance will enjoy the hobby but going bigger the first time would save you money in the long run. No matter what the kits say make sure you get at least an 8 gallon kettle if he plans on doing 5 gallons batches. As Vikeman said, I would tell your fiance to read How to Brew before he starts making beer.

 

Some local shops are good, i.e. staffed with 'educated' homebrewers. Some are terrible.

 

Hey beer lovers!I am trying to get my boyfriend a home brewing kit for christmas, but I don't know much about it. I am trying to figure out which is the nicest home brewing available out there...around $500-$550 and under with shipping please.Thank you for all of your help!

 

$500-$550

That man better pony-up and offer you a ring...and with the quickness!

 

Good basic beginner kit.
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/brewing-starter-kit-1.html
Great burner, faster then stove top.
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/the-dark-star-burner.html
brew kettles are expensive. start with a cheaper one and upgrade when ready.
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/economy-stainless-steel-brewing-pot-5-gallon.html
Thermometer is important when steeping grains and what not.
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/dial-thermometer.html
need a spoon to stir
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/21-stainless-steel-spoon.html
wort chiller is a very efficient way and quick way to cool the beer down.
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/copper-immersion-wort-chiller.html

This is the basics of what you need to start brewing and it is under 500$

 

What cwehr13 said but i would get a bigger brew kettle, preferably 7 gallons. it just makes life easier for 5 gallon batches, IMO.