Homebrewing: Supplies/ Starter Kits

First, How much are you looking to spend?

Second, That Mr. Beer kit is a waste of time, especially if you know that you are going to enjoy homebrewing. The Mr. Beer kit is to get people interested in pursuing the hobby. It makes 1 gallon batches and there is not much involved, just mixing water and extract together.

Get one of the starter kits that some of the homebrew supply websites have (NorthernBrewer, Austin Homebrew, Brewmasters Warehouse, More Beer, etc). These kits give you all the necessary equipment to start doing 5 gallon batches. The decision between glass and plastic is a personal one I think. Glass is easier to clean and will last longer, but it is heavy as shite and dangerous to be carrying around. Plastic is cheaper, safer, but will not last as long, especially if it scratches or discolors. (FYI I only have glass)

Most if not all of the beer kits come with a bottle capper, but probably will not come with a washer, so that is an extra you would need to look into. Just remember, that there is always more to buy when it comes to homebrew stuff. Welcome to the hobby.

That kit will get the job done. Essentially all of those kits are the same. It is a shame that you are asking today. Last week the groupon in New Orleans was a huge discount on a starter kit from Midwest HomeBrew Supply.

I have that kit.. Its a very good kit for the money.

I would recommend thowing away the book it comes with and getting the John Palmer book (its listed in the freq bought list) The kit comes with everything you need to do a extract brew (except the extract kit itself)

Only thing that would really be nice with that kit would be an auto siphon and a funnel and a carboy brush. But those are fairly cheap and easy to get.

Of course later on you will want a wort cooler if you get into it.

First, go to www.williamsbrewing.com.

Subscribe to their list. You'll get a quarterly supply magazine. One of the better ones.

Where are you located?

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Where are you located?

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Baton Rouge

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But in the papazian book, i've been reading the beginner's brewing section, for brewing your first batch of beer. I've read it a couple times so i can get familiar with the terminology, process, and equipment.

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That's how I started brewing and learning more about it. I think John Palmer's book is great but if you are just starting off Papazian makes it so easy.

Bottle Caps typically come with all decent extract kits.

For extract brewing you dont need a very large pot.. If you have a 12 quart pot you are fine.

BTW I think that kit comes with packets of C-Brite. I prefer Starsan much more.

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For extract brewing you dont need a very large pot.. If you have a 12 quart pot you are fine.

BTW I think that kit comes with packets of C-Brite. I prefer Starsan much more.

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Which brings me to my next question. What are some good malt extracts to start off with?

Also, I was reading and they said when you are brewing, stay away from using corn sugar, and just add another 3 lb. can of malt extract. This sound right?

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Lookup Bootleggers Brewing Supply and Red Stick Homebrew (LINK )

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I'm all about supporting the local economy and all but RSH is closed at the moment and I don't think many people would recommend Bootleggers. So online is the best option IMO.

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Also, I was reading and they said when you are brewing, stay away from using corn sugar, and just add another 3 lb. can of malt extract. This sound right?

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Adding extra corn sugar is a cheap way to increase alcohol. adding more extract is going to affect the end product of the beer in every aspect, not just alcohol. I would just pick a recipe kit from NorthernBrewer and go from there. Find a beer style that you like to drink and buy that one. It will end up being one of the best beers you have ever had and then in comparison to what you have the potential to make, one of the worst.