Basic Homebrew Kit

I was recently asked a few times what a good basic homebrew kit is, and what it costs. It has been so long since I had looked in that section of homebrew supply stores or their websites, so I had no idea. I almost suggested that Austin Homebrew Supply was the place to go, but that was only because I have used them successfully many times. However none of those times dealt with beginner brew kits. That made me realize that there is a huge knowledge gap where experienced brewers aren't in the best position to advise non-brewers with equipment decisions. Below is a list of the equipment that you absolutely need to begin homebrewing5 gallon batches of beer, and a picture of a basic homebrewing kit that comes from Midwest Homebrewing and Wine Making Supplies website. Most if not all of the equipment listed below can still serve a purpose later if and when you upgrade to more sophisticated equipment.

• Instructions
• 6 Gallon or larger Fermenter and Lid
• 6 Gallon or larger Bottling Bucket with Spigot
• No-Rinse Cleaner

• Sanitizer

• Airlock (Keeps air out of the fermenter)
• Hydrometer (Determines alcohol content)
• Bottle Brush
• Bottle Capper
• Bottle Caps
• Bottles (~48 for a 5 gallon batch)
• Bottle Filler
• Racking Tube
• Siphon Tubing

• Beer Ingredients
• Brewing Thermometer
• 4 Gallon or larger Brew Pot



After doing a little research it seems like you can't go wrong with any basic homebrew kit. I know what you are thinking, but no, this was not a complete waste of time. Here is my spreadsheet that lists the prices and equipment differences between many of the larger online homebrew supply stores, and links to their kits.

To get into homebrewing will cost you about $120 after you buy everything that you need, and even more if you don't already have a 4 gallon or larger pot. However after that first investment it will only cost you between $30 and $50 per 5 gallon batch of beer. It will be a little more expensive if you buy your equipment and ingredients at your local homebrew supply store, but sometimes it is worth it for their help and experience.

Let me know in the comments section if you need me to talk about the "Equipment Not Included" section of the spreadsheet. I do a complete write-up in the near future explaining beer ingredients for beginning brewers.