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Originally Posted by Chest Rockwell
I did the following for my first batch to do it quick and on the cheap:
$20 enameled stock pot from Wal-Mart
Big stirring spoon I already had
Pyrex measuring cup I already had
$15 Plastic fermenter
$20Bottling bucket (would be optional)
Airlock
Bottles I'd saved from drinking beer (no twist-offs)
$5 Bottle caps from local brew store (brewery overrun)
Bleach for sanitization
I upgraded and added equipment later.
And yes, please support your local brew shop.
[Cartman] NO NEWBIE, THAT'S A BAD NEWBIE!!![/Cartman]
Do that...you can get what you need for a first batch PLUS ingredients for under $100.
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I would suggest just a few cheap upgrades from what you suggest..
#1 - Glass carboy versus plastic fermenter. You're talking about $21.99 for a 6.5 gallon carboy versus $14.50 for plastic. Glass will not scratch unless you're doing something crazy to it. I scratched my bucket on the second batch I brewed and it was no good for fermenting after that. Might as well save yourself the frustration out of the gate.
#2 - Get some BTF Iodophor for sanitizer. A 33oz bottle will last damn near a lifetime (1/2 capful treats 2.5 gallons I think) and Iodophor will not pit stainless steel like bleach will. It also requires only 2 minutes of contact time for sterilization versus 20 minutes and unlike bleach you don't need to rinse. 33oz bottle of BTF runs $10.99 online or 4oz for $3.99
Also note that you should be using a plastic or stainless stirring spoon, but most kits come with this already. Using a wood spoon is a no-no because it will absorb and leech off flavors into your wort.