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Product Description
The new and improved Coopers DIY Beer Kit includes everything needed to make 6 gallons of great tasting beer- a new patented fermenter that makes brewing even easier and quicker, an easy to read plastic hydrometer specifically made for beer, plus an Instructional DVD-ROM to answer all your brewing questions. This kit comes with everything you need to get started including the fermenter, lid, Krausen Collar, 30 740ml PET bottles, tap, bottler, brewers log and marker and a complete Australian Lager Package including the beer kit, Brew Enhancer 1, yeast and carbonation drops for easy bottling and carbonation.
The PET bottles include a CO2 and oxygen barrier.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
132 of 139 people found the following review helpful
Although the kit has some substantial drawbacks, which I'll discuss shortly, it was enough to get me started in home brewing and teach me enough to know what upgrades I needed to make. I rated it a 4 based based primariliy on its value.
The drawbacks are these: 1) the screw on lid to the fermenter bucket is very difficult to take off - it desperately needs a better way to grip it while holding the bucket still. I'm sure I looked pretty comical with the [round] fermenter stuck between my knees while trying to get a grip on the slippery lid; 2)the valve would not stay tightened within the fermenter bucket, and any attempt to open or close the valve with one hand merely twisted the whole valve assembly around in the bucket instead of just rotating the valve open or closed. Sometimes it was very difficult to have two hands free to work the valve. 3) although it was a nice touch to have included a bottle filler with the kit, I wished it was a little better made as it constantly dripped (and the valve is not the size for other bottle fillers, I discovered). Note that some of these problems (size discrepancies, for instance) may be related to the fact that the kit is made in Australia and I'm rating it based on my U.S. experience.
Some of the positives - 1) the bottles are large (25 oz.) so there's less washing, bottling, etc.; 2)the fermenter is HUGE so there's little worry of any disastrous beer explosions during the initial and heavy fermentation period; and 3) the Cooper's carbonation drops are unbelievably easy to use and a great idea (if you keep bottling and don't start kegging or mini-kegging as I did).
Overall, the kit is viable and can get you through enough batches to know whether you like to brew beer at home. If so, you may find yourself wanting to buy more and/or better equipment and using more traditional brewing methods. The canned "hopped" extract beers, like the one included in the kit, are not in my opinion as good as unhopped extract brews using grains and hops, especially if corn sugar is used as the primary fermentable. But it's important to remember that the equipment in the kit can be used for hopped or unhopped extract brewing. If you're curious about brewing beer, but don't want another mortgage to get started, I'd recommend this kit. Then after a few batches (make sure you let them age!) you'll know whether you're interested enough to move onward/upward, keep using the Cooper's Kit (perhaps with unhopped extract and grains), or post it on Ebay.
The drawbacks are these: 1) the screw on lid to the fermenter bucket is very difficult to take off - it desperately needs a better way to grip it while holding the bucket still. I'm sure I looked pretty comical with the [round] fermenter stuck between my knees while trying to get a grip on the slippery lid; 2)the valve would not stay tightened within the fermenter bucket, and any attempt to open or close the valve with one hand merely twisted the whole valve assembly around in the bucket instead of just rotating the valve open or closed. Sometimes it was very difficult to have two hands free to work the valve. 3) although it was a nice touch to have included a bottle filler with the kit, I wished it was a little better made as it constantly dripped (and the valve is not the size for other bottle fillers, I discovered). Note that some of these problems (size discrepancies, for instance) may be related to the fact that the kit is made in Australia and I'm rating it based on my U.S. experience.
Some of the positives - 1) the bottles are large (25 oz.) so there's less washing, bottling, etc.; 2)the fermenter is HUGE so there's little worry of any disastrous beer explosions during the initial and heavy fermentation period; and 3) the Cooper's carbonation drops are unbelievably easy to use and a great idea (if you keep bottling and don't start kegging or mini-kegging as I did).
Overall, the kit is viable and can get you through enough batches to know whether you like to brew beer at home. If so, you may find yourself wanting to buy more and/or better equipment and using more traditional brewing methods. The canned "hopped" extract beers, like the one included in the kit, are not in my opinion as good as unhopped extract brews using grains and hops, especially if corn sugar is used as the primary fermentable. But it's important to remember that the equipment in the kit can be used for hopped or unhopped extract brewing. If you're curious about brewing beer, but don't want another mortgage to get started, I'd recommend this kit. Then after a few batches (make sure you let them age!) you'll know whether you're interested enough to move onward/upward, keep using the Cooper's Kit (perhaps with unhopped extract and grains), or post it on Ebay.
77 of 79 people found the following review helpful
Before I proceed with this review, I must say that as I am an Australian residing *in* Australia, I am basing this review on the exact same Coopers kits that is available in local shops here. For this reason I cannot comment on this kit in comparison to others on Amazon, such as "Mr Beer" etc.
Well what *can* I say? This kit is fantastic. I have always enjoyed a beer, or two - or even ten - and this kit is capable of making some excellent product with little effort. I have never brewed in my life, yet with this kit I am able to produce some very respectable results when I follow the instructions. Its quite easy, and much less daunting than what I thought it would be.
Everything you need is in this kit, from a large fermenter (mine is 23L, or 40 pints), 30 plastic bottles, instruction manual (as well as DVD and VHS tape in mine), brewing sugar, initial brewing kit etc. Basically you can just purchase this product and get brewing immediately with no need for any extra purchases. Big thanks to Coopers for giving the absolute novice all they need to get brewing.
The instruction manual is decent but the supplied instructional DVD/VHS is extremely helpful. I chuckled seeing Paul Mercurio starring in it, and people who follow Australian cinema will probably do likewise at the incongruity of this casting decision. Anyway, Paul and his "lovely assistant" show you through all of the steps in a lighthearted and straightforward manner. I cannot emphasize how useful it is to actually see somebody do even the most basic steps to give you confidence and know you are on the right track. Sometimes instruction manuals - and mind you, the one included is great - don't cut it for first timers or the timid. Coopers score full marks here.
After you have followed the supplied instructions, give the end result a few more weeks after bottling (I know it can be tempting to guzzle your new creation) - believe me the longer you wait the better. I was very shocked with how good mine turned out, given my inexperience brewing anything. Its stratospherically better than many of the "Aussie Icons" such as the horrendous VB, Fosters etc. I will be sure to keep brewing using my Coopers kit, as it is not only works out much cheaper than buying beer, its also a fun hobby that anyone can have a go at. Not to mention the infinite scope for customizing your brew once you have a bit of confidence.
This product would make an excellent gift to a husband/boyfriend or something that would be undoubtedly worshipped by University / College age people. And not just that, anybody with a love of good beer and interest in what turns out to be quite a fun hobby should give it a go. You don't have to drop a lot of money on this kit, making it even more attractive.
Once you have done a few brews with this kit, may I suggest the Coopers 'Brewmaster Selection' kits, also available on Amazon. These provide other kinds of beer such as India Pale Ale (IPA) and so on. These are EXCELLENT if you wish to go further and expose yourself to what might be new kinds of beer to your tastes.
Another thing to look out for, which sadly does not appear to be for sale on Amazon, is Coopers Brew Enhancer (1 or 2). This is a mixture of Dextrose and other goodies that really add an extra dimension to your beer. For readers outside of Australia, you may have to check with your local brewshop for something that is equivalent. If you are really desperate for all things Coopers, you can order just about anything you could ask for off their website.
In conclusion, all I can say is that if you have ever thought about home brewing, but been daunted by stories of infections, beer that tastes like bilge water or other things, it is time to allay those fears. This Coopers kit will provide you with all you need to make excellent beer, even if you are a total novice. In addition to this, Coopers provide the excellent support you come to expect from a family owned and run business.
Cheers!
Well what *can* I say? This kit is fantastic. I have always enjoyed a beer, or two - or even ten - and this kit is capable of making some excellent product with little effort. I have never brewed in my life, yet with this kit I am able to produce some very respectable results when I follow the instructions. Its quite easy, and much less daunting than what I thought it would be.
Everything you need is in this kit, from a large fermenter (mine is 23L, or 40 pints), 30 plastic bottles, instruction manual (as well as DVD and VHS tape in mine), brewing sugar, initial brewing kit etc. Basically you can just purchase this product and get brewing immediately with no need for any extra purchases. Big thanks to Coopers for giving the absolute novice all they need to get brewing.
The instruction manual is decent but the supplied instructional DVD/VHS is extremely helpful. I chuckled seeing Paul Mercurio starring in it, and people who follow Australian cinema will probably do likewise at the incongruity of this casting decision. Anyway, Paul and his "lovely assistant" show you through all of the steps in a lighthearted and straightforward manner. I cannot emphasize how useful it is to actually see somebody do even the most basic steps to give you confidence and know you are on the right track. Sometimes instruction manuals - and mind you, the one included is great - don't cut it for first timers or the timid. Coopers score full marks here.
After you have followed the supplied instructions, give the end result a few more weeks after bottling (I know it can be tempting to guzzle your new creation) - believe me the longer you wait the better. I was very shocked with how good mine turned out, given my inexperience brewing anything. Its stratospherically better than many of the "Aussie Icons" such as the horrendous VB, Fosters etc. I will be sure to keep brewing using my Coopers kit, as it is not only works out much cheaper than buying beer, its also a fun hobby that anyone can have a go at. Not to mention the infinite scope for customizing your brew once you have a bit of confidence.
This product would make an excellent gift to a husband/boyfriend or something that would be undoubtedly worshipped by University / College age people. And not just that, anybody with a love of good beer and interest in what turns out to be quite a fun hobby should give it a go. You don't have to drop a lot of money on this kit, making it even more attractive.
Once you have done a few brews with this kit, may I suggest the Coopers 'Brewmaster Selection' kits, also available on Amazon. These provide other kinds of beer such as India Pale Ale (IPA) and so on. These are EXCELLENT if you wish to go further and expose yourself to what might be new kinds of beer to your tastes.
Another thing to look out for, which sadly does not appear to be for sale on Amazon, is Coopers Brew Enhancer (1 or 2). This is a mixture of Dextrose and other goodies that really add an extra dimension to your beer. For readers outside of Australia, you may have to check with your local brewshop for something that is equivalent. If you are really desperate for all things Coopers, you can order just about anything you could ask for off their website.
In conclusion, all I can say is that if you have ever thought about home brewing, but been daunted by stories of infections, beer that tastes like bilge water or other things, it is time to allay those fears. This Coopers kit will provide you with all you need to make excellent beer, even if you are a total novice. In addition to this, Coopers provide the excellent support you come to expect from a family owned and run business.
Cheers!
36 of 36 people found the following review helpful
I purchased the Coopers Micro Brewery kit to upgrade from a smaller kit I already had. I must say that this kit is outstanding! The fermenter is first rate and worth the price of the kit alone. It is very well made and will serve your needs for many years and will even do well for moving up to all extract brewing.
I had a few questions when I got it and the support from the folks "down under" has been nothing short of amazing. They really stand behind their products and have a genuine concern for your success.
I HIGHLY recommend this product and the Coopers brewery folks that put it together.
I had a few questions when I got it and the support from the folks "down under" has been nothing short of amazing. They really stand behind their products and have a genuine concern for your success.
I HIGHLY recommend this product and the Coopers brewery folks that put it together.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
My husband loves it
I bought this brewing kit, because of such strong reviews. They didn't disappoint. We made one small error when brewing and stirred it during the fermentation process... Read more
Published 1 month ago by samiam0070
Great kit
This is an awesome kit. Made my first batch from the kit on 3/01/12, I couldn't wait so I had to try it on 3/30/12, it was great! Read more
Published 1 month ago by Lee
Good but not the best.
I got this kit as a Christmas present along with the book "How To Brew" before getting started I read the first couple of chapters of the book and noticed that the kit instructions... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Dave
Good Kit
This product was exactly as advertised, arrived on time and was simple to use. The first batch is complete and a second is in process.
Published 4 months ago by Wayne Soucie
Big Improvement
This review concerns the new DIY kit and specifically the fermenter. The fermenter design was changed in 2011, and I am very happy with the changes. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Paula
Home brewing kit
Great way to brew your own beer. Everthing needed to make your own beer is in this kit, plus a complete beer kit( Cooper's Lager). I find it easy to use and clean.
Published 6 months ago by Larry Pelletier
might not be for you
If you are using this as a starting point and don't mind buying all new equipment after a couple batches, then the equipment might be for you. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Jeff Esposito
Love the simplicity
I did hours and hours of research on kits for homebrewing before finally deciding on this one. This is a very simple to follow way to make beer for beginners. Read more
Published 9 months ago by AmazinMom3
Great Kit!
All these reviews are spot on! I see that it is now unavailable? I think because it's very popular......if not available here you can go the Cooper's website and order. Read more
Published 11 months ago by H. BECKER
Couldn`t be easier
My first experience with brewing. This kit is complete, I added a brewbelt Brew Belt Fermentation Heating Belt, 1-Count Belt
it keeps the fermenter around 10c higher than the... Read more
it keeps the fermenter around 10c higher than the... Read more
Published 13 months ago by A. Bisbing
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