Where to go after starter kits

[SmallSpacesBrewing]

Ive posted this before on other threads but here it is again :)

A DIY boiler. Total cost: a couple of FVs and about 10 pounds for 2x 1500w heat elements. + I also made a aluminium element protector and I put a modified grill there also to strain the mashing bag after mashing. Works great. I have to turn of 1 of the 1500w elements when boiling. I heat about 27 liters of water in 20-30 min. I only loose about a degree Celsius when mashing for 60 min. You could also install a small pump but I haven't yet.
Parts are from eBay. Easy to install.

Also get yourself a chiller. I got.mine cheap, about 20 pounds.

 

[Sandimas]

Greg Hughes and Graham Wheeler are both good books, I recommend them both. And recipes in both all-grain AND extract.

Greg also runs BrewUK that do an excellent range of Extract recipe packs with everything in, all you need is a large stockpot 12L or 15L, cheap off eBay
https://www.brewuk.co.uk/beerkits/craftybrews/brewextract.html

Coopers also have a some recipes on their website for pimping their base kits with extra hops and grains
https://uk.diybeer.com/brewing-info/recipes

Both are good ways to move beyond basic kits without making the jump to all grain.

 

[GhostShip]

All I would say is that my ninth kit has just gone into the FV and I’ve learnt things with every single kit I’ve done. I would do a few kits first and get used to how the whole process works and how things like temperature control can have a big effect.

All the help you’ll need is on this forum. Every single question I’ve asked has been answered clearly which has helped my knowledge along the way.

I’m not necessarily recommending Cooper’s kits, but their recipes do show what you can add to a basic kit to take it to another level. Have a read through some of the ideas and maybe bring some of them to your kits;
https://uk.diybeer.com/brewing-info/recipes