Mangrove Jacks fan? Here's why most beginner brewers waste money before pouring a single drop.

May 19, 2025

You don’t need a full-blown brewery to make top-notch beer in your backyard

If you can boil water and stir a spoon, you’re already halfway there. No joke.

But with all the shiny gadgets and loud opinions online, it’s way too easy to waste cash on gear you don’t need — gear that ends up dusty, forgotten, or still in the bloody box.

“I bought everything a bloke on YouTube said I needed — still haven’t used half of it.”

Yep. That’s straight from a customer. And no, he’s not the only one.

Here’s the new way to brew:

You don’t need loads of equipment.
You just need the right gear to make clean, safe, tasty beer — from batch one.

The 5 Tools Every First-Time Brewer Actually Needs

Plastic Fermenter with Airlock

This is your beer’s home. It’s where the magic happens. Go for a food-safe one, 20L–30L, with a lid that seals tight and an airlock that keeps bad stuff out while letting gases escape.
Hydrometer

This little stick tells you when your beer’s done fermenting. No guessing. No exploding bottles. Just peace of mind and better results.
Sanitiser

Clean gear = good beer. Get a no-rinse, food-safe sanitiser. It kills germs quick and keeps your brew fresh.
Bottling Wand + Capper

Unless you’ve got a keg (and let’s be real — you probably don’t), this helps you fill bottles without spilling or ruining the beer. Pair it with a hand capper. Easy.
A Decent Starter Kit (Not a Gimmick Kit)

Look for a beer kit that keeps things simple. No weird extras. Just a solid malt extract, clear steps, and yeast that actually works.

Skip These Until Later (Trust Us)

Fermentation Fridges + Digital Temp Gear

You don’t need all that yet. A stick-on thermometer and heating belt can do the job — especially if you’re brewing in a mild Aussie climate.
Fancy Filters

Your beer doesn’t need to look like glass. Focus on flavour and safety first. Let it settle. Cold crash if you can. Filters can come later.
Ingredient Overkill

You don’t need ten hops, oak chips, or wacky flavours on your first go. Nail the basics first. Then add extras that actually add something.

You don’t need a mountain of gear to make good beer.
What matters most? Clean kit, a simple process, and doing the basics well. That’s what gets results — not a shed full of unused gadgets.

Brewing’s not about gear. It’s about confidence.

We’ve helped heaps of new brewers get started without the fluff — just the stuff that works. No stress. No waste. No regrets.

So if you’re thinking, “Can I actually make beer worth drinking?” —
The answer is yes.
And you probably need less than you think to get there.

Keep it simple. Keep it clean. Keep brewing.

Cheers,
Candeece