A ceramic on steel brew kettle is also a good alternative so long as it's in perfect condition. Otherwise, stick with stainless pots. For those considering to use aluminum kettles, be warned that this type isn t always used by expert brewers. Kettles made from aluminum as these often absorb the flavors from the brew which could be mixed into subsequent batches. Make sure that the bottles are of returnable grade since these bottles will be cleaned for many times and that these bottles will need to withstand the pressure build-up. If you are planning to brew your first batch of 5 gallons of beer, then you need to get at least 60 bottles of 12 ounce returnable grade bottles. All you need are a good bottlebrush and a sterilizing agent (don't forget to check the expiration date though). If a sterilizing agent is nowhere to be found, plain household bleach should be sufficient enough to do the job. The initial expenses might be considerable at first, but once you have brewed large amounts of beer long enough, you'll eventually notice the costs of home brewing is much less than the costs of buying beer from the store. And did you know that the home brews are known for reduced hangovers? This is true because home grown beers are known for large quantity of yeast that is rich in Vitamin B, and that this vitamin has the capacity to reduce hangover. So from now on, don't be surprised if somebody says that he will dip his fingers into home brewing. Liquid Thermometer is necessary to measure the required temperature of cooling and heating of water as well as the brew being fermented. 6. Hydrometer is a device necessary to measure the gravity of the wort during and after the fermentation. 7. Funnel is usually used on the bottling process. 8. Cleaning tools and sanitizers are the crucial equipments needed in home brewing. If done, add up the contents of the beer kit and cook according to the set directions. By the kit, you will learn that it's best to allow the ingredients to get dissolve first before putting on the lid. After doing this, you need to pour the contents to the cold water present in the fermenter. Again, mix well and allow the fermentation to happen in the recommended temperature.