Essential Home Brewing Checklist

What do I need to brew my own beer?

So, you’ve decided to take the leap into the world of home brewing — welcome aboard! Whether you’re dreaming of the perfect pale ale or crafting your own crisp lager, having the right equipment is the key to brewing success. But don’t worry — you don’t need to break the bank to get started.

Here’s a simple, practical checklist of the essential home brewing equipment every beginner needs to get started, plus a few bonus tools that will make your life easier down the track.

1. Fermenter (with Airlock)

This is where the magic happens. A fermenter is the container where your wort (unfermented beer) transforms into delicious brew through the power of yeast. Look for a fermenter with a secure lid and an airlock to release CO₂ safely while keeping bacteria out. Find Home Brew Fermentors

Tip: Most beginners opt for a plastic fermenter with a built-in tap for easy bottling.

2. Sanitiser

Sanitisation is non-negotiable. Every piece of equipment that touches your brew must be thoroughly sanitised to prevent contamination. A no-rinse sanitiser is a must-have for speed and safety.

3. Brew Kettle or Large Pot

This is where you’ll boil your ingredients and create your wort. A stainless steel pot with at least a 10–15 litre capacity is ideal for smaller batches. Make sure it’s large enough to avoid boil-overs. Find Boiler

4. Stirring Spoon or Paddle

A long, food-safe spoon (usually stainless steel or plastic) is essential for mixing in your ingredients. Avoid wood — it can harbour bacteria. Find Stirring Paddles

5. Hydrometer

Want to know how strong your beer is? A hydrometer helps you measure the specific gravity of your brew before and after fermentation. This tells you how much alcohol your beer contains. Find Hydrometers

6. Bottles and Capping Kit

Once your brew is ready, you’ll need clean bottles, caps, and a capping tool. You can reuse bottles — just make sure they’re thoroughly cleaned and sanitised. Swing-top bottles are a reusable and convenient option too.

7. Bottle Brush and Cleaner

Don’t forget the clean-up! A bottle brush helps scrub the inside of bottles, while a bottle rinser or spray ball can make cleaning fast and efficient.

8. Thermometer

Temperature control is everything in brewing. Use a thermometer to make sure your brew stays in the ideal fermentation range, typically around 18–24°C for ales.

9. Brewing Ingredients Kit (Malt, Hops, Yeast)

For your first batch, grab a beginner-friendly recipe kit with pre-measured ingredients. At Malthouse, we stock tried-and-tested ingredient kits for all kinds of brews — perfect for new brewers who want great results.

Bonus Tools (Nice to Have, Not Essential)

• Auto-siphon or Bottling Wand – Makes bottling easier and more precise
• Digital Temperature Controller – For those getting serious about fermentation control
• Fermentation Fridge or Heat Pad – To maintain stable temperatures in any season
• Grain Mill – If you’re ready to graduate to all-grain brewing

Final Thoughts

Getting started with home brewing doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right gear and some quality ingredients, you’ll be sipping your first homebrew in no time. And if you ever need help or advice, the team at Malthouse is always here to support your brewing journey.

Ready to brew?
Check out our [Home Brew Starter Kits] and grab everything you need to get started today.