Thinking of making your own beer at home? Here’s the basic gear you’ll need to brew around 40 pints, plus essential tips on space, temperature control and the brewing process itself.
Equipment You'll Need for Home Brewing
For a standard 40-pint batch, the essential equipment includes:
- 30-litre fermenting bucket with lid
- Easy Start Siphon (medium) with flow stopper and bucket
- No-rinse steriliser
- Mixing paddle
- Good-quality beer kit
- Bottles or barrels
Vigo offers a full range of brewing supplies and fermentation accessories to help you get started.
How Much Space Do You Need?
Plan for two areas:
Fermenting area - where your fermenting bucket will sit for 1–2 weeks.
Storage/conditioning area - for bottles or barrels once fermentation is complete.
What Temperature Is Best for Fermentation?
Temperature control is critical for producing quality beer. Aim for 20-27 °C as a guideline. Avoid locations like airing cupboards, which can overheat or fluctuate in temperature.
If you’re struggling to keep your brew at the ideal temperature, consider using:
- Thermostatically controlled immersion heater
- Brew belt (wraps around the fermenter)
- Heat tray (sits beneath the fermenter)
Why Sterilisation is So Important
Poor sterilisation is the most common cause of spoiled beer. Infections can turn your beer sour or create off-flavours. A proper no-rinse steriliser will eliminate bacteria and wild yeasts without the need for rinsing, helping you keep every batch clean and consistent.
Browse our full range of brewing accessories here.
