Beer Making Supplies Checklist

There's no place like home(brew)

There's beer, then there's craft beer. Craft breweries exist at every scale: national, state-wide, in cities and communities, and in our neighborhoods where we go to get our local craft beer fix.

For some, these places & experiences are enough. Then there's you.

You know there's nothing more local, or more crafted, than a DIY home brew. While the 16th Century Germans who passed and abided by the food law that lager could only contain water, barley and hops would balk at the concept of experimental home brewing, we think it's about time that you channeled your inner enthusiast to be a true craft beer snob and BREW YOUR OWN DAMN BEER.

We've got the tools & technology. Check out below for a checklist of our recommendations for the stuff you need to embrace your experimental spirit.

Burner

When partial-boil extract brewing, you’ll need a heat source capable of bringing 1-3 gallons of water to boil. Channel your high-school science class with this snazzy burner.

Our Recommendation - Brew Magic

CHECK IT OUT - $86

Stock Pot

The entire boiling process, which includes extract, hop and other ingredient additions takes place in the boiling pot. A 1.5-5 gallons pot will be sufficient for partial-boil extract brews. As you start dealing with larger volumes of liquid, it’s imperative to focus on quality and durability. We've got you covered.

Our Recommendation - Bayou Classic

CHECK IT OUT - $170

Stirring spoon

You'll need a spoon that can reach all the way to the bottom of your pot without putting your hand at risk of getting submerged in boiling liquid. We like ones that have a fairly large, paddle-like head. This one looks cool as it keeps you cool.

Our Recommendation - Update International

CHECK IT OUT - $4

Carboy

A vessel is needed to contain the wort as it ferments into beer. Most beginner kits come with a plastic bucket fermenter, but many homebrewers use glass and/or plastic jugs, typically referred to as carboys. Both kinds work, and each has pros and cons. We like this one.

Our Recommendation - Kegco

CHECK IT OUT - $35

Airlock

An airlock is a contraption that allows gases to escape from the bucket as the beer ferments, but doesn't let anything (like errant bacteria) get inside. They need to be filled with a little water — up to the "fill line" — in order to effectively work as a barrier against the outside. Bubbler airlocks and 3-piece airlocks are the most common kinds. Bubbler airlocks just need to be filled with water and capped; for 3-piece airlocks, fill with water, insert the floater, and cap.

Our Recommendation - Home Brew Ohio

CHECK IT OUT - $6

Auto-siphon

You'll need this odd-looking thing when you transfer the beer from the bucket to the jug, and again when you bottle the beer.

Our Recommendation - Bayou Classic

CHECK IT OUT - $13

Beer Bottles

You will need (48) recappable 12 oz bottles for a typical 5 gallon batch. Alternatively, (30) of the larger 22 oz bottles may be used to reduce capping time. Snazzy labels provided by you.

Our Recommendation - Monster Brew

CHECK IT OUT - $13

Bottle Capper

This is the easiest and least expensive kind of at-home bottle capper, and it works great. All you have to do is press the arms down to crimp a bottle cap around the lip of the bottle.

Our Recommendation - Red Baron

CHECK IT OUT - $13

Bottle caps

You'll need to use new, unused bottle caps for every batch of beer you bottle. Do yourself a favor and get some cool ones!

Our Recommendation - LD Carson

CHECK IT OUT - $8

recipe

Yes, you can make your own but Northern Brewer makes some outstanding recipe kits. Save yourself some time and try a few out before you go rogue.

Our Recommendation - Northern Brewer

CHECK IT OUT - $40--$70

Cleaning Supplies

Sanitize, Sanitize, Sanitize: Your success will rely on how clean your equipment is. Anything that comes in contact with your beer after the boil process should be sanitized. Remember, cleanliness is next to...good beer!

Our Recommendation - Amazon Home Brewing (Sanitation and cleaning section)

CHECK IT OUT