Homebrew Kit Reviews
Ask somebody how to homebrew and they’ll probably say, “Get a kit.” If only it were that easy. After a quick Google search you’ll soon be asking yourself a dozen questions:
“Where’s the best place to buy from? Why are these kits all different prices? Which ones will make the best beer?”
The homebrewing market is flooded with all different types of kits from hundreds of companies. You just want to make great beer – not wade though confusing kit descriptions, crossing your fingers in hopes that you picked the right one.
Let me save you the trouble. In the table below, I give a list of 5 of the most popular homebrew supply companies and links to their starter kits.
Homebrewing Kit Comparison
| Vendor | Not Included | Fermentor | Shipping | Kit Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MoreBeer.com | Kettle, Bottles, Ingredients | 6 gal Plastic Carboy | Free over $60 | $109 |
| Northern Brewer | Kettle, Bottles, Ingredients | 6 gal & 5 gal Plastic Carboys | $7.99 flat rate | $149.99 |
| Midwest Homebrewing | Kettle, Bottles, Ingredients | 6.5 gal bucket + 5 gal plastic carboy | Varies | $89.99 |
| Austin Homebrew | Kettle, Bottles, Ingredients | 7.9 gal bucket + 5 gal glass carboy | Free over $100 | $138.99 |
Out of all of these companies, my favorite is MoreBeer.com. I have purchased from all of these companies not only have I been most satisfied with MoreBeer, but their kit configuration is the best in my opinion. The reason I prefer their kit is that I recommend using a carboy over a bucket for a fermenter, and a 6 gallon carboy is better than 5 gallons. Combine that fact with their free shipping policy and they get my vote. Keep in mind though that I recommend all of these kits and they will all make great beer if used correctly.
How do you use the kit?
To be blunt, the instructions that come with kits stink. The manufacturers are in the business of making equipment, not teaching homebrewing.
After getting fed up with lousy kit instructions, I decided to start The Homebrew Academy. It’s an online training program where I show you exactly how to brew with step-by-step videos.
Our beginner program, Just Get Brewing, is perfect for brewers who are just starting out with a kit but don’t know how to use it. You can learn more right here.
Ingredient Kits
The other item that you will need is an ingredient kit. As a beginner, you should start with a malt extract kit with specialty grains. Here are the links to that type of ingredient kit from the vendors above:
As mentioned in the table, the equipment kits do not come with a kettle or beer bottles. Commercial beer bottles can be reused for homebrewing, so it is best to start saving them if you plan on homebrewing soon. Make sure they are the pop off type ( not screw off), and wash them thoroughly after consumption. Finally, you may already have a suitable pot or can pick one up locally at a kitchen supply store or Wal-Mart. A 5 gallon (20 quart) or larger pot will work fine as a kettle.
