Getting Started with Home Brewing
Everything you need to know to make your first batch
1. Pick Your First Kit
Starter Kits (£40–80): Everything included. Perfect if you have no equipment. Takes 4–6 weeks from start to drink.
Extract Kits (£20–50): Faster, simpler. Malt extract does most of the work. Just the ingredients, for when you already have the equipment. The timeline is the same as a starter kit, because a starter kit includes one of these.
Not sure? Email us — we'll suggest what suits your space & time.
2. Gather Your Space
Most kits need just:
- A clean, cool corner (spare room, garage, cupboard)
- Access to water
- Ability to keep it 18–25°C
Need help controlling temperature? Our heat belt (£24.99) keeps fermentation warm in cooler spots — browse our full range of brewing equipment if you need more.
3. Know the Timeline
| Day 1 | Brew day: mix your kit and add the yeast |
| Days 1–7 | Active fermentation (bubbling). Fermentation is usually finished within 1–2 weeks |
| Week 2 | Bottle once your hydrometer reading stays the same for 2 days |
| Week 4–6 | Condition in the bottle for at least 2 weeks, then it's ready to drink (and tastes better each week) |
Ready to bottle? You'll need bottles, crown caps, and a bottling wand (£2.69) to make the job quicker.
4. Common Questions
Will it smell? A bit during fermentation. Nothing unpleasant — just yeasty.
Can I brew in winter? Yes, but cold slows fermentation. A heat belt (£24.99) helps.
What if it goes wrong? Most batches are fine. See our troubleshooting guide for common issues, and our team can advise.
Can I reuse bottles? Yes — any beer bottle works. Clean & sanitise them first with our steriliser.
Next Steps
Browse starter kits, check out our yeast guide, or read full instructions for your kit brand.