Getting Started with Homebrewing: Essential Equipment Guide

• Large enough for a full boil (5-gallon batches need 7–8 gallon kettle ideally)

• Stainless steel preferred

• Lid included
  
  

2) Fermenter (6–6.5 gallon bucket or carboy)

• Food-grade bucket with lid

• Airlock + stopper

• Spigot makes bottling easier
  
  

3) Airlock & Stopper

• Allows CO₂ out

• Keeps oxygen and contaminants out

4) Sanitizer (Non-Negotiable)

• No-rinse sanitizer like Star San

• Prevents contamination

• Clean beer starts here

5) Hydrometer (or Refractometer)

• Measures original & final gravity

• Tells you alcohol %

• Confirms fermentation is complete
  
  

6) Auto-Siphon & Tubing

• Transfers beer without splashing

• Reduces oxidation
  
  

7) Bottling Equipment

• Bottle capper

• Caps

• Bottles

• Bottling wand
  
  

Starter homebrew kits usually come with all of these items with the exception of the brew kettle.