Hi all, I'm just now started reading How to Brew by John Palmer, and now starting to look for the essential equipment I will need. I was wondering what web sites offer the best deals or what brands are better than others. And also what are some reputable sites to order a good extract kit and also which has better results LME or DME. Thanks in advance, A beginning brewer Nick
ive never used it but northernbrewer.com gets a lot of good reviews. i buy from local homebrew supply stores. re: LME vs DME. DME every time. it wont scorch on the bottom of your kettle, easier to measure, and stays lighter color
1. The best ingredients will most likely come from your local HBS...assuming they have decent foot traffic. 2. Equipment purchases might be the same, but no online retailer has the best price on everything...here are a few good sites: http://www.homebrewing.org/ http://www.kegconnection.com/ http://www.midwestsupplies.com/ / http://www.northernbrewer.com/ http://www.homebrewfinds.com/ (this just lists deals from various sites) Those are the main ones I use, anyway. As for LME or DME...I used LME when I used to brew extract...but DME definitely has a longer shelf-life.
Thank everyone looking forward to getting started. Any advice is always welcome as I'm always trying to learn more. Just joined today and I'm already just BLOWN away at how welcoming, friendly and helpful everyone is.
I've wanted to start home brewing for a while, finally got the equipment needed and am looking forward to getting started. My plan was to start my first batch this weekend, but unfortunately I have to work so I am pushing it back to next weekend. Starting with a kit brew, IPA with summit and centennial hops and LME, in a small one gallon batch. All the ingredients are from a kit and already measured out, so it will lack creativity, but I think starting simple may be a good thing. Im pretty pumped to get this new hobby started!
To both of you above noobies: if you have questions then post them here and you'll get good advice. Instructions that come with kits are notoriously weak and leave you uncertain about some things, so read the instructions a few times to get a feel for things and figure out if you have questions. Don't wait until mid-boil. Set up a time line once the boil starts, and take good notes along the way -- you'll appreciate it for future brew sessions. Good luck. It's a fun thing to do, but it can be worrisome for beginners.
This is very true! The Homebrewing section of BA is filled with friendly and knowledgeable people who are always willing to help out. One of my favorite places on the Internet.
