Homebrewing cost

[andrewjames]

I just joined realbeer and am a lover of craft brew, yet have yet to homebrew. I wanted to know how much everything will cost, to get me started. Also, where to get it... I don't know of a homebrew store anywhere close to where I live?

[Halgarmeister]

Morebeer.com is probably one of the better online sources. The cost of a "basic" equipment kit runs about $100, the cost of ingredients right around $30 per batch, though it gets cheaper the more volume of ingredients you purchase.

This discussion is going on right now here:

http://www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12158

[Payson]

What part of SC are you from? There's a shop as well as a homebrew club in Columbia.

[Helium]

beer-wine.com is good too. they have an excellent starter kit, and will give free advice over the phone.
i live near the warehouse, where you can buy as well, and the people are very nice and helpful.

[andrewjames]

I live in Dalzell. I've been in SC for almost three years now, but just recently decided it's time I brew my own beer. I'll definitely check out Columbia. I buy most of my beer there anyways. However, I can't check for several months... due to a military deployment. I seriously want to get started though, and appreciate the insight.

[Payson]

Be safe and check out PalmettoStateBrewers.com upon your return.

[MichaelM]

www.midwestsupplies.com had the best prices for kits I could find..... 99 bucks gets you everything you need 2 carboys(5 and 6 gallon) 2 buckets and lid (a "spare" 6.5 gallon bucket and a 6.5 gallon bottling bucket) auto siphon, regular racking cane, hydrometer, capper, excelent big funnel with strianer, hose, stick on thermometers for the carboys, a book on homebrewing, a DVD on brewing, and a few other misc odds and ends.... you just need to find you a brew pot(I bought a nice stainless turkey frier setup from ebay) and the bottles oh and of course a kit of some kind(they have MANY) and your off to brewing your first batch.


EDIT: that price is also for either glass carboys or the better bottle carboys(PET plastic) I opted for better bottles because I have two youngens running around and I figured the life expectancy was a bit better for plastic :)