What about all in one kits like Mr. Beer
Submitted by jasonb on Sat, 2006-10-28 03:09
I have been reading alot of the various homebrewing forums on the internet and almost everyone says not to buy the beer brewing kits like "mr. beer" and the like. I'm interested in this hobby, but don't want to spend $100-300 just to see if I like it. What's wrong with the beginner kits?
Worthwhile for your first try, but cost more in the end....
I am sure that I will be in the minority of homebrew experts when I suggest that buying an all in one homebrew kit is not, in and of itself a bad idea. To dive in to homebrewing as a beginner, and buy the equipment that most of us so called "experts" recommend, is a fairly deep reach into the pocket.
I actually started back in 1990 when my wife bought me a Mr. Beer kit.
If you want to spend a lesser amount of money to see if homebrewing is for you, without buying the items needed to really process your own brew, then yes, give the all in one kits a chance.
With a Mr. Beer or similar kit, you will be able to brew a 2-3 gallon batch of pretty good beer. You'll be able to taste the beer that comes as a result of homebrewing. Most likely, if you are truly a beer lover, it will be pretty good. However, it will NOT give you any idea, or accurate representation of the quality of beer that you can achieve by brewing with normal brewing standards.
In short, if you can afford to try homebrewing on the cheap, to see if it is your "cup of tea", then go for it. But, if you are truly willing to give your pallat and your creativity a chance, forego the all in one kit and use the method described here.
Not me
I think these things kinda stink to be honest with you. It's got a little 2 gallon fermenter, screw on plastic caps, cheap recipe. I don't recommend it myself.