Looking to get into brewing and have some questions

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by RFore44, Jan 9, 2016.

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  1. RFore44

    RFore44 Initiate (0) Jan 9, 2016 Texas

    First off this will be my first attempt to brewing beer at home, I actually might get a chance to watch someone else do a brew before I purchase my kit. I've been going back and forth with the starter kit from Austin Homebrew and Northern Brewer would yall recommend one of these over the other or another brand? Also I would like to brew either outside the house or in the garage. I know I would need a brew pot with my kit and was wondering if a Turkey fryer kit would work that I found at http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/s...tdoor+Gourmet+30-qt.+Propane+Turkey+Fryer+Kit . I would only be using it for brewing beer and not fry turkeys in it as well. Is there anything else that a kit is lacking that I would need or supplies that I would most likely upgrade by my 2nd or 3rd brew that I should get right a way? Thanks for the help.
     
  2. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,057) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    First off, welcome to the BA site and to this wonderful hobby of homebrewing. We're glad to have you here.

    Comparing and choosing starter kits is difficult because every kit seems like it is missing a few items that can be considered to be optional to some homebrewers, but a necessity to others. There are a number of threads in this forum that have this as a topic, so I recommend that you do a search using a keyword of 'starter' or 'equipment' or something like that, or read back 8-10 pages and you'll find them. You might also want to read John Palmer's book howtobrew.com online, or purchase the latest edition so that you can have a hard copy to highlight, write notes, etc. It has a section dealing with equipment choices.

    As for the turkey fryer, many of us use them (including me) or start out our hobby using them and then upgrade to a nicer kettle. A 7.5 gallon pot will allow you to brew 5-gallon recipes, but not much larger. Your link appears to show a kit that may have an aluminum pot, and there is something about that metal that has to do with seasoning the metal, but I can't recall what I've read about that. Someone will chime in when they see my comment.

    Hang around the site as long as you'd like, explore to see all of the features, and enjoy your time while here.
     
  3. MIBeerGeek

    MIBeerGeek Initiate (0) Dec 26, 2015 Michigan

    Turkey fryers are good starting off, I used on for awhile and had no issues. Plus it comes with a burner as well. As for the kits from Austin and NB, I think there is a few different options so depending on what you buy I don't think it'll matter that much.

    I would start off with at least ( if you're planning on 5g batches ) a 6.5 gallon bucket with lid that has a port for a blowoff or bubbler. Burner and 30qt pot, possibly a carboy 5 or 6.5 gallon ( plastic or glass ) Not needed unless you ferment in it or use a secondary, bucket will work just fine. You will also need a bottling bucket, siphon hoses or auto siphon, a nice thermometer, a hydrometer for measuring gravity. A capper for bottling, a bottling wand, bottle and carboy brushes. Possibly a funnel and a strainer... A lot of these things come in specific kits though.

    In addition, you should invest in some cleaners/sanitizers. Possibly a hydrometer test jar and a thief to pull samples, once again not completely necessary. There are a multitude of other things that you will find handy once you brew a few batches though.

    Welcome to the hobby and BA though. Good luck with your first beer brewing and enjoy the spoils!!
     
  4. suavo

    suavo Initiate (0) Oct 29, 2014

    You could have some fun with that Turkey fryer kit, but if you continue with the hobby, you will grow to hate it (it's not really big enough for 5 gal batches and the burner sucks)...If you have friends that are into brewing, it might be wise to follow them for a while and see what they do...
     
  5. HerbMeowing

    HerbMeowing Maven (1,295) Nov 10, 2010 Virginia
    Trader

    Getting 'sticky' in here.
     
    PapaGoose03 likes this.
  6. scurvy311

    scurvy311 Savant (1,135) Dec 3, 2005 Louisiana

    Find an experienced homebrewer and brew with them a few times first that is willing to share equipment and experience. Avoiding the common mistakes of new Brewers will allow you to make fantastic beers from the start. If you are still or even more fascinated with it they can steer you towards equipment that can adapt and which ones you can live with or without. Dive into the book how to brew during this process. And invite your homebrew buddy to help you brew your first kit. A buddy of mine got started with five or six Northern Brewer kits that he really liked them. They made really great beer.
     
    #6 scurvy311, Jan 9, 2016
    Last edited: Jan 9, 2016
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