[bschold]

I am a big fan of microbrews and now would like to create some of my own as a homebrewer.  I am just not sure where to start equipment-wise as there are so many beginner kit choices out there.  Has anyone heard of or used the kits made by the Brooklyn Brew Shop?

[brewstev]

I'm still fairly new to homebrewing (5 months and 5 batches) and I was given the Northern Brewer Deluxe Starter Kit because I liked the idea of having 2 carboys in case I wanted to do some stronger beers and it came with starter equipment plus anything I would need to get more advanced. It has worked great for me so far. However, if you are not looking to spend much they have a basic starter kit for about $75. You can also look to see if you have a local homebrew shop that sells equipment and I am sure they would be glad to help you out with getting started.

[hoptomation]

I'd recommend checking over this review as a decent starting point for equipment kits.

http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=2583.0

[majorvices]

You can pick up a good starter kit from either your local homebrew shop or an online retail like www.morebeer.com or www.northernbrewer.com.

I'd highly recommend picking up a good homebrewing book as well. John Palmer's "How to Brew" is a great book to start with and wilol apprize you of everything you will need to get started.

[euge]

bschold-

Jump on in!!

This is the minimum you will need to produce a batch of beer in your kitchen. I recommend this route for an absolute beginner because it's cheap and easy and a small commitment in equipment.

From the homebrew shop or online:

• Hydrometer $6
• Red-Baron bottle-capper $18.50
• Caps $3-4
• Autosiphon $8-10 (optional but will make life easier)

From the Lowes or Home Depot:

• Two five gallon buckets and lids $7
• Some flexible tubing 5-6'  $1.25

About $40-50 or so depending on taxes and whatnot.

You'll need a pot that'll hold at least 12 quarts but bigger is better. Eight quarts is possible but ill-advised.

Lastly, a copy of John Palmer's How To Brew is invaluable; however, his site contains everything you need to know: http://www.howtobrew.com/

But you might like this from Northern Brewer: http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/starter-kits/basic-starter-kit.html

The only reason I would buy NB's kit is the buckets are bigger and one is pre-drilled with a spigot, but you don't need that with the autosiphon. And the brush, fermentation lock and bottle washer aren't needed either.

Good luck and RDWHAHB!

[BrewArk]

Or find a local club.  There's frequently somebody that is willing to take a newbie under their wing and loan equipment to them, until they are so hooked on the hobby that purchasing equipment is more important than feeding the children.

[Hokerer]

First get "How to Brew" to help you decide just what it is that you want in a starter kit based on what you decide you want to do.  What worked for me as the best next step is Craigslist.  There seems to be a constant flux of folks either getting out of the hobby or moving up.  In both cases, they often have a nice collection of starter equipment to offer.

[bschold]

Thanks all for the great advice.  Looks like the next step is to buy the book and look into all the starter kits/websites that were recommended.  I'll let you all know what I bought and how the first batch comes out!