Best way for a complete newbie to start?

[Snoopy.]

Hi all, I have posted a quick hello in the introductions section.

My first question to you guys is how to get into this fine hobby?

My local home brew shop has suggested that i buy a starter kit? However i thought i'd get another opinion before i part with my money.


Thanks for the time guys. All the best.

Snoop.

 

[brewzone]

If kit brewing then the basics will be:

1 off 5-6 gallon plastic fermenting bucket/bin.
1 off 5 gallon plastic barrel with S30 co2 valve and cylinder.
1 off plastic spoon.
1 off length of 3/8" or 5/16" tubing for syphoning.
1 off brewing thermometer.
1 off brewing hydrometer.

If all grain brewing then add:

1 off brewing boiler of at least 5.5 gallon capacity with hop strainer.
1 off coolbox mashtun with grain filter.

It's going to cost around £150-£200 or so.

Hope that helps

BZ

 

[tubby_shaw]

Starter kits are a good way to go :thumb:
The minimum required is a beer kit, campden tablets, fermenting vessel (brewbin), hydrometer, thermometer, sanitising powder, syphon and bottles to hold 23 litres or a pressure barrel.
3kg kits are normally the best quality, but if you decide upon a 1.8kg buy some extra malt extract to replace the sugar that the kit instructions ask for.

There is a guide to getting the best from your kit HERE

 

[Snoopy.]

Thanks for the prompt replies lads.

I think i will go wit hthe kit idea to begin with. Im not a fan of running before i can walk. :
Thanks for the Info on the kits too tubby_shaw. I will without doubt use it.

I shall keep you all posted.

All the best.

Snoop.

 

[jonewer]

Hi Snoopy, also a newbie at this game.

I recently purchased the wherry kit from The Home Brew Shop in Hampshire. Cost about £65.

My only complaint is that the fermentation bucket has no tap, meaning you have to faff about with a siphon.

The wherry is now 5 weeks old. Its clear and losing its cloying sweetness. Actually pretty good beer, very much to my suprise! :

 

[dandan]

Greg (Brew) a forum sponser does some good starter kits, I got mine from him! and got no complaints! also you could try Freecycle I got a good haul off there tonight!

 

[jonewer]

Greg (Brew) a forum sponser does some good starter kits, I got mine from him! and got no complaints! also you could try Freecycle I got a good haul off there tonight!

Greg's wherry kit is identical to the one I got from the other place. Seems like a good bet whoever you choose to buy from.

One word of caution about the woodfordes kits though - the fermentations have a way of sticking, or so I have heard.... I was lucky but it could be a bit of a blow to your confidence if your first kit sticks.......

 

[corby_brewer]

evening Snoopy.

I got my first starter kit from Wilkinsons for a mear £20 you get a 5 galon FV, hydrometer, syphon c/w sedtrap and a 40 pint kit of youngs bitter or larger. Plus not so long back for the same price it included 1 extra 40 pint kit. And with a bit of tweeking you can make some very drinkable beer out of the kits. by adding DSM instead of sugar to any kit will improve the taste no end.

DS

 

[Wez]

Greg (Brew) a forum sponser does some good starter kits, I got mine from him! and got no complaints! also you could try Freecycle I got a good haul off there tonight!

Greg's wherry kit is identical to the one I got from the other place. Seems like a good bet whoever you choose to buy from.

One word of caution about the woodfordes kits though - the fermentations have a way of sticking, or so I have heard.... I was lucky but it could be a bit of a blow to your confidence if your first kit sticks.......

Yep, quite right, they have a reputation for sticking at 1.020 - if that happens don't worry about it - post a thread here and be prepared to be bombarded by suggestions to get it down to final gravity :grin: