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BTDT tips~
As a new home brewer I look to you the experienced (been there done that) brewing community for pointers.
What are your absolute must haves for home brewing? Aside from the basics stockpot, spoon, funnel, fermentor, airlock, carboy, stopper etc...
What was a big waste of money someone said you "had to have"?
Are you having fun???????????
A way to control temperatures. Makes a huge difference in the quality of your beer. An oxygen set-up for aerating and a equipment to make huge starters would be my next two choices.
I tried one of those fermentap systems once, where the carboy sits upside down, they suck, don't waste your money.
If I wasn't having fun, I wouldn't be doing it. I've had two offers from commercial brewers to help them out in my spare time, I don't do it because I figure as soon as it's a job, it won't be fun anymore.
I know you mentioned the stock pot, but in my experience a pot big enough to boil a full 4 to 5 gallons along with a good heat source is invaluable. A 1 gallon jug or something to make a starter in is nice to have as well.
I haven't honestly bought anything that is a complete waste of money, although I use somethings more than others. Just do a little research, and you should be able to figure out what you need and what you don't.
I also have a great time brewing. I actually think that I enjoy brewing more than the drinking.
norcalnewb wrote:
I also have a great time brewing. I actually think that I enjoy brewing more than the drinking.
That reminds me: Which came first - The chicken or the egg?
I've only brewed twice, but you learn a lot each time you do it. Here's my two cents:
1. Nylon boiling bag - forget the cheese cloth and it's cheap
2. Wine Thief - makes checking your gravity much easier
3. Wort Chiller - I made mine for about $35 and can cool 2.5-gal in 15 minutes
I also would have bought a refractometer a lot sooner than I did, really valuable piece of equipment.
I think the Auto-Siphon is one of the greatest additions I have made to my equipment. I think total cost was less than $20 for the siphon and the tubing, and it is pretty much the easiest thing in the world to use.
Thinking harder, my keg system may be the best investment to date, but the auto-siphon is pretty awesome too 
I will second the auto siphon. I never felt too comfortable sucking on the tubing to get my siphon going, although I do miss the shot of vodka I used to try to sanitize things a bit.
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