what kit to buy?

[bodmin]

hi all

i have been brewing for a few months and have only made 2 tin, 3kg kits. I have read on this forum somewhere that single tin kits are more reliable and easier to brew ie. (fg).
if so, which are the best ones and which spray malt do you recommend.
thanks in advance.

[stevezx7r]

I'm not sure where you read that the 2tin/3kg kits are not as good as the single can kits. The 3kg kits are easier to make as you don't tend to need to add any other fermentables i.e sugar/spray malt.
They tend to be slightly better quality than the "cheaper" one can kits with the exception of the coopers kits which are, I think, about the best 1 can kits you can get.

[bodmin]

Cheers lads.

I thought i read somewhere that the single can kits get down to final gravity every time, whereas the 2 tin kits seem to stick at around 1017/1018.....a problem i have had repeatedly.

though don't know if this is true?

I will definitely try a Coopers kit with light spray malt and then i have something to compare.

Is there any other additives or ingredients you recommend as i am treading on new territory.

thanks in advance lads

[stevezx7r]

Good yeast, fresh hops, no table sugar, clean gear, good stable temps. That about covers it I think

Saying that, as it's a Coopers kit you should be fine, just replace the sugar with light spray malt and boil it in a lage stock pot for ten mins, cool with water to make 5 gallons (23 litres), check temp and gravity then add yeast. Wait ten days, check gravity again, if it's about right (1010 ish) carefully transfer to barrel or bottles and wait 3 - 4 weeks before getting stuck in

[DRB]

If you are using new unopened packs, just pour it into bucket. Add the contents of the tins swill out tins with around two tin full of boiling water stir until everything is disolved add cold water to desired volume, give it another good stir to mix everything together.