5 Things To Consider When You Start Homebrewing

Back in 2008, my friend Pat and I had the bright idea to start down the path of a new hobby.  That hobby would be homebrewing.  From that kernel of an idea, I learned much and have met many awesome folks who share the same interests.  However, when I took that first step, I didn't have anyone telling me what to do and what to look out for.  So, I feel obligated to help out newcomers to the hobby.  Here are my top five things to consider when you start.

5. Make sure you have a big enough kitchen and/or work area.

This is very important due to the fact that homebrewing takes up a lot of space.  This space will include equipment and ingredients that you'll have to store somewhere.  When I began so years back, I was fortunate to have a big college kitchen at my disposal with an industrial sized oven that could cook for an army.  If your home has a average sized kitchen, you should be fine.  Many of us live in small apartments and flats, so space can be limited.  Make use of not just your kitchen, but other storage spaces around your apartment if you plan on investing time into the hobby.

Brewing in small spaces can cramp up your place in no time.

 4. Make a realistic budget for equipment and supplies.

Homebrewing can save you so much money in the long run.  It saves you your hard earned cash from buying brews at liquor store.  However, the entry costs, while not staggering, is not cheap.  Most brew supply shops are pretty honest and try not to price gouge.  However, I have seen a steady rise in prices for starter kits  for the past few years (ranging between $99 to $150 for basic kits).  If you can't outright afford this, you can piecemeal your starter kit until it is complete.  Also, home improvement super stores like Home Depot will certainly hold equipment you need, as well as most hardware stores for smaller pieces of equipment. 

3. Buy quality equipment!

As the hobby has grown, many times I have seen cheap-o starter kits go for sale on Amazon and Ebay.  Any hardcore homebrewer will avoid these kits like a keg of Natural Ice Light.  Cheap kits might seem attractive to the neophyte brewer because they are so inexpensive.  However, you will 1) brew sub-par beer (who wants to drink room-temperature sugar water?) and 2) that equipment will wear down pretty quick due to poor quality.  Save up the money for quality equipment kits and you'll be doing yourself a favor by saving money in the long run.

A typical starter kit.

2. Find a brew supply store that you trust (and is close).

The brew supply store is going to be your headquarters for all your brewing needs.  If you become even a casual brewer, you'll be going there at least 1 or 2 times a month.  Make sure the store you go to has reasonable prices as well as have steady inventory and equipment.  Also, if the people there are nice and see that you are a returning customer, they will be more than happy to give you advice as well as guide you on your next recipe.  I rarely have had bad experiences with brew supply stores.  They are a pretty cool group of people in general.

1. Find buddies to brew with!

Brewing is so much more fun when you have a brew partner or group you brew with.  If starting out for the first time, find a friend or family member that might be interested.  If you have friends you drink beers with, they might be a good start!  Added bonus: it cuts down cost at least in half and you still get a whole lot of beer in your half from even small batches.  If you can't find anyone, see if your local brew supply stores has any demo brews or group brews you can join.  Even better, find a local club of brewing enthusiasts.   

Cheers your brewing buddies!