Home brewing is one the greatest and most exciting things that any beer enthusiast can do. It allows us to craft our own delicious brews in the comfort of our homes. That’s why home brew kits are such a great way to get brewing for the first time as they will usually include everything you need. But, getting started can be an information overload. Even the vast range of home brew kits available can be a lot to take in, and so in this article, I’ll be sharing my top picks for the 5 best home brew kits for beginners, along with reasons why they are worth considering.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned beer aficionado looking to experiment, having the right home brew kit can make all the difference in your brewing experience.

Understanding Home Brewing

Before we dive into the recommendations, let’s take a moment to understand what home brewing is all about and why it has gained immense popularity among beginners. Home brewing refers to the process of brewing beer on a small scale, typically in a home kitchen or dedicated brewing area. It allows individuals to have complete control over the brewing process, from selecting the ingredients to adjusting flavors and alcohol content.

One of the primary reasons home brewing has become so popular is the sense of creativity and customization it offers. Brewing your own beer allows you to experiment with various flavors, styles, and ingredients, enabling you to craft brews that cater to your personal taste preferences. Additionally, home brewing can be a cost-effective alternative to buying commercial beers, especially if you enjoy drinking craft or specialty beers.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Home Brew Kits

Before we explore the best home brew kits for beginners, it’s essential to consider a few factors that can help you make an informed decision:

Budget

Determining your budget is crucial when selecting a home brew kit. Kits can range from affordable starter options to more expensive comprehensive kits. It’s important to strike a balance between your budget and the quality of equipment and ingredients included in the kit.

Brewing Method

Home brewing kits come in different brewing methods, such as extract brewing, partial mash brewing, and all-grain brewing. Each method offers a different level of complexity and control over the brewing process. Beginners usually find extract brewing kits easier to start with, as they require less equipment and provide a simpler brewing process.

Brewing Capacity

Consider the batch size or brewing capacity the kit can accommodate. Most beginner kits produce 5-gallon (19 liters) batches, which is a standard size for home brewing. However, if you prefer brewing smaller or larger batches, ensure that the kit you choose meets your requirements.

Ingredients Included

Check what ingredients are included in the kit. Some kits provide pre-measured ingredients, while others require you to purchase them separately. Look for kits that include high-quality ingredients, such as malt extracts, hops, yeast, and specialty grains, as these can greatly impact the flavor and quality of your beer.

Equipment Quality

The quality of the equipment included in the kit is essential for a successful brewing experience. Look for kits that provide durable and reliable equipment, including fermenters, airlocks, siphoning tools, and hydrometers. Investing in a kit with good-quality equipment will ensure longevity and ease of use.

Support and Resources

Consider the availability of support and resources provided by the kit manufacturer. Beginner-friendly kits often come with detailed instructions and brewing guides. A lot will also have access to online communities or forums where you can seek advice and learn from experienced brewers.

The 5 Best Home Brew Kits for Beginners

Now that we have a better understanding of home brewing and the factors to consider, let’s explore the 5 best home brew kits for beginners. I have carefully selected these kits based on their overall quality, user reviews, and ease of use.

Kit 1: Northern Brewer Deluxe Brewing Equipment Starter Kit

• The Northern Brewer Deluxe kit is perfect for those just starting out in the home brewing world. It features 2 premium glass carboys for 2 stage fermentation and comes with easy to follow instructions. It also includes Recipe Kit, Bung & Airlock, Blowoff Hose, Funnel & Adhesive Thermometers, Auto-Siphon & Tubing, Bottling Bucket & Spigot, Bottle Filler & Tubing, Bottle Capper & Caps, Carboy Brush & Bottle Cleaning Brush, Brewery Cleaner & Carboy Dryer.
• Pros: Includes most of the necessary equipment for first-time brewers; easy instructions make setup and use simple.
• Cons: Not expandable for larger batches, requires a brew kettle and bottles which are not included.

Kit 2: Mr. Beer Deluxe Home Brewing Craft Beer Making Kit

• The Mr. Beer kit is perfect for those just getting into home brewing. It comes with all the necessary equipment, including a fermenter and keg, plus ingredients. It also includes step by step instructions so you can get started quickly and easily.
• Pros: Includes all necessary equipment; comes with ingredient kit; easy-to-follow instructions makes setup and brewing simple, absolute bargain price for what you get.
• Cons: 2 Gallon keg is smaller than some other kits. Not expandable for larger batches.

Kit 3: Brooklyn Brew Shop Everyday IPA Beer Making Kit

• The Brooklyn Brew Shop kit is perfect for those looking to make IPAs at home. This kit includes all the necessary equipment and ingredients needed to make one gallon of delicious craft beer, plus it comes with easy-to-follow instructions that will help you get started quickly and easily.
• Pros: Includes all necessary equipment; comes with ingredient kits for two batches of beer; easy-to-follow instructions makes setup and brewing simple; enough supplies for two batches.
• Cons: Doesn’t include strainer, funnel, pot or bottles for bottling your beer; not expandable for larger batches.

Kit 4: Brewer’s Best Beast Beer Home Brewing Equipment Kit

• This all-in-one kit from Brewer’s Best is perfect for those just starting out in home brewing. It includes everything you need equipment-wise to get started, including fermenter and bottling buckets, auto-siphon, and will make 5 gallons of beer. The easy-to-follow instructions will help you get started quickly and easily so you can start crafting delicious brews right away.
• Pros: Includes all necessary brewing equipment;; easy-to-follow instructions makes setup and brewing simple.
• Cons: Does not include ingredients or bottles. Not expandable for larger batches.

Kit 5: BrewDemon Conical Fermenter Kit

• The BrewDemon kit is perfect for those looking for a more advanced home brewing experience. This kit includes a conical fermenter, which makes fermentation easier and more efficient than with traditional buckets, plus a bottling spigot and all the necessary equipment to get started in home brewing. It also comes with an ingredient kit to make two one-gallon batches of beer so you can practice your craft right away.
• Pros: Includes all necessary equipment; comes with ingredient kit, enough supplies to make 2 gallons of beer; conical fermenter makes fermentation easier and more efficient; only takes 15 minutes to brew, bottle filling valve means no siphoning needed.
• Cons: Not expandable for larger batches.

Conclusion

Home brewing is an enjoyable and rewarding hobby that allows us beer enthusiasts to unleash our creativity and craft our own unique brews. When choosing a home brew kit for beginners, it’s important to consider factors such as budget, brewing method, brewing capacity, ingredients included, equipment quality, and available support. The 5 kits I’ve covered in this article are excellent options for beginners, providing everything you need to get started on your brewing journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ 1: Can I start home brewing without any prior experience?

Yes, absolutely! Home brew kits are designed with beginners in mind and usually come with detailed instructions and step-by-step guides to help you through the brewing process. With a little patience and enthusiasm, you can start brewing your own beer even if you have no prior experience.

FAQ 2: How much does a home brew kit usually cost?

The cost of home brew kits can vary depending on the brand, the quality of equipment and ingredients, and the brewing method. Beginner kits typically range from $50 to $200, but there are options available at both lower and higher price points.

FAQ 3: Are home brew kits suitable for making different types of beer?

Yes, home brew kits can be used to make a wide variety of beer styles, including ales, lagers, stouts, and IPAs. Some kits may specialize in specific styles, while others offer more versatility and allow you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

FAQ 4: How long does it take to brew beer using home brew kits?

The time required to brew beer using a home brew kit can vary depending on the recipe and brewing method. Typically, the brewing process can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, including fermentation and carbonation. It’s important to follow the instructions provided with your kit and allow enough time for the beer to properly ferment and condition.

FAQ 5: Can I customize the flavors and ingredients in home brew kits?

Yes, one of the exciting aspects of home brewing is the ability to customize your beer’s flavors and ingredients. While home brew kits often come with recipe suggestions, you can experiment with different hops, malts, yeast strains, and adjuncts to create your own unique brews. Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor the beer to your personal taste preferences.