TOPIC:

I would probably go for the following setup as a first brew...

[code:1tz7vwsk]2x 25L (or bigger) fermenters, one with a tap (if not both) & airlocks
1x Bottle Filler
1x Siphon (auto or normal) with some spare hose!
1x Bit of Star San
1x Long Spoon
1x Hydrometer
1x Thermometer (Normal)
2x Sticky Thermometers
1x Trial Jar
1x Pack of Campden Tablets
1x Bottle Brush[/code:1tz7vwsk]

I think most importantly would be to add some non-manufacturer documentation relating to how to use some of the bits and pieces, such as the little documented but often used method of reducing chlorinates using a campden tablet, or the correct mixing quantity for Star San (in L/ml). The proper use of a hydrometer with regard to temperature correction etc... A few pages on everything together would suffice...

I would then have a drop down menu for some additional options, such as what beer kit to include (which is already included in the price of the kit!).

An optional add on (not included in kit price) would be say, a case or two of ox-bar bottles or swing tops or w/e.

This gives a base price of ~€70 for the equipment with no beer kit based on the pricing on the HBW site. I'm fairly sure there would be wiggle room to drop that a bit if it was going to ensure a sale.

Personally, I started with the Coopers kit from HBW and moved swiftly on to buying more equipment. The fermenter from this however is still one of my favorites.

Washing bottles is a right royal pain. <!-- s:( --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_sad.gif" alt="" title="Sad" /><!-- s:( -->

I would suggest a 5 gallon pressure barell with S-30 CO2
or smaller CO2 cartridges if S-30 is not widely available

You could always offer two starter kits:

Bottled

Draught

Also instead of glass bottles I would use the plastic 1.0l brown pet beer bottles.

Much,much safer then glass and easier to judge carb levels than glass for the novive

I have also been toying with the idea of designing a really CHEAP replacement top with a CO2 injection capability:

Remember the very old bicycle tyre valves ( Before the high pressure system ) that had a bit of very small tubing inside the tire to act as a non return valve? ( Very similar to the design of the S-30 valve but without the blow off safety valve part on the outside.

If we could get these moulded into new caps then bingo - a very simple way to inject CO2 into a bottle. Might make some prototype in brass when I get the lathe cranked up

Keep up the good work - the more novices we get brewing the better for the craft, the industry, the ecconomy.

The way to keep them hooked is by providing a smooth entry into the craft and this sort of well thought out, researched kit is the way

Its win win win!!!

Cheers

Will

&amp;quot;HomeBrewWest&amp;quot;:15lwef87 wrote:

&amp;quot;oconn&amp;quot;:15lwef87 wrote: Ive never had issue with syphon you dont have to slobber all over it.[/quote:15lwef87]
Mouth bacteria versus hard to sterilize taps?

Come on guys, opinions please![/quote:15lwef87]
Out of all the kits/brews people have done i would love to know the stats on how many were infected. I think its a rare enough thing. i always suck my siphon never had an infected batch.
I was using my father in law's equipment the other day - and he's a bit willy nilly with the cleanliness and he has never had an infected batch.
I think people looking to get in want to get in for the cheapest amount possible (in case they do it nce and never again). All of us here have the benefit of hindsight (i should prob look that word(s) up before i go spelling it) - so we can say tell them to do this and that - few newbies will listen to that IMO - their main concern is price - theyre doing it for the first time so e.g. if you tell them bottling is a pain in the arse - for them its a novelty - and if its the cheapest option thats what they'll do.
my €.02 <!-- s:) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s:) -->

&amp;quot;JamesM&amp;quot;:1522ly81 wrote:

&amp;quot;HomeBrewWest&amp;quot;:1522ly81 wrote:

&amp;quot;oconn&amp;quot;:1522ly81 wrote: Ive never had issue with syphon you dont have to slobber all over it.[/quote:1522ly81]
Mouth bacteria versus hard to sterilize taps?

Come on guys, opinions please![/quote:1522ly81]
Out of all the kits/brews people have done i would love to know the stats on how many were infected. I think its a rare enough thing. i always suck my siphon never had an infected batch.
I was using my father in law's equipment the other day - and he's a bit willy nilly with the cleanliness and he has never had an infected batch.
I think people looking to get in want to get in for the cheapest amount possible (in case they do it nce and never again). All of us here have the benefit of hindsight (i should prob look that word(s) up before i go spelling it) - so we can say tell them to do this and that - few newbies will listen to that IMO - their main concern is price - theyre doing it for the first time so e.g. if you tell them bottling is a pain in the arse - for them its a novelty - and if its the cheapest option thats what they'll do.
my €.02 <!-- s:) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s:) -->[/quote:1522ly81]


I had two infected. One near the start where I put the lid of the fermenter wrong side down on the baby chair....possibly the dirtiest place in the house after the toilet seat, despite regular cleaning, think he'd just had dinner. Then once recently where I took a sample using my metal ladel but forgot to dip it in the star san first.
It does happen even with a bit of experience.

Ok fair enough - maybe cleanliness is a bit more important than i make out but in terms of newbies coming into the market price is all that matters to them - so the cheapest thing to get the job done is what they want. Any extras and they will go deaf - cos all that crap that experienced people hate is a novelty for newcomers - well thats how i would be personally.

&amp;quot;JamesM&amp;quot;:3aa19xw0 wrote: Ok fair enough - maybe cleanliness is a bit more important than i make out but in terms of newbies coming into the market price is all that matters to them - so the cheapest thing to get the job done is what they want. Any extras and they will go deaf - cos all that crap that experienced people hate is a novelty for newcomers - well thats how i would be personally.[/quote:3aa19xw0]

Well I think what Brian is trying to do here is to give them a good start that prevents them from turning out a bucket of vinegar on their first go, which is quite common when you read the likes of Jims.
So price maybe a concern but a bit of guidance and the correct materials to sanitise correctly could help them no end.