3 Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed for the Coopers DIY Beer Kit

February 10, 2025

3 Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed for the Coopers DIY Beer Kit

You've got your Coopers DIY Beer Kit, and you're ready to create your first batch of golden goodness. The fermenter is set up, the ingredients are primed, and you're dreaming of that first satisfying sip. But here’s the thing—there are a few game-changing accessories that most folks overlook, and they can make a massive difference to your brewing experience.

These accessories aren’t must-haves, but once you try them, there’s no going back. Let’s dig into three underrated tools that will elevate your homebrew from “pretty good” to “mate, you brewed this?”

1. A Bottling Wand – Because Spills Are a Pain

Ever tried bottling beer with just the fermenter tap? Sure, it works, but the drips, mess, and potential overflows tell a different story. Enter the bottling wand—a simple tube with a spring-loaded valve that fits onto your fermenter tap. It gives you precise control over the filling process, stops flow when you remove the bottle, and significantly reduces oxygen exposure.

Why is that important? Less oxygen means fresher beer. No more half-full bottles or wasted beer from those accidental overpours. Plus, it makes bottling day quicker and a whole lot less frustrating. Simply push down to fill, and release when done—it’s like magic.

2. A Hydrometer – So You Know When It’s Really Ready

Patience is tough, especially when you’re counting down the days to your first sip. But how do you truly know when fermentation is done? Relying on a calendar isn’t enough; yeast doesn’t follow human schedules. A hydrometer gives you real data.

This nifty tool measures the density of your brew, helping you track fermentation progress and determine if your beer is ready to bottle. More importantly, it helps you avoid the dreaded bottle bombs caused by premature bottling. Over-carbonated beer exploding in your cupboard? No thanks. With a hydrometer, you test, confirm, and bottle with confidence.

3. A Brewing Thermometer – Because Yeast Has Feelings Too

Yeast is the heart of your brew, and just like a good steak, it thrives best under the right conditions. If your brew gets too hot or too cold, yeast can slow down, go wild, or even die off completely—none of which contribute to good beer.

A brewing thermometer lets you keep a close eye on temperatures during fermentation. Ideal brewing conditions ensure that yeast eats up sugars properly, producing the rich, balanced flavours you want. No strange off-flavours, no sluggish fermentation—just smooth sailing (or brewing, in this case).

Ready to Take Your Brewing to the Next Level?

Small upgrades can make a big difference. A bottling wand keeps your brew day clean and efficient, a hydrometer removes the guesswork, and a brewing thermometer gives your yeast a happy home. They’re not essentials, but once you use them, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them.

Drop by Strathalbyn H Hardware to pick up these accessories and share your homebrewing adventures with us. Who knows? Maybe your next brew will be the one your mates won’t stop talking about.

Cheers to better beer! 🍻