10 Things Most People Forget When Buying Beer or Wine Making Equipment

Starting your journey into homebrewing or winemaking is exciting, but before you click “buy” on that shiny new equipment, there are a few important things that often slip under the radar.

Some of these mistakes I made myself, and have seen some close friends also make.

Here are 10 commonly overlooked factors that can make or break your brewing or winemaking experience, that are so easy to forget when you get started.

1. Fermentation Temperature Control

Many beginners focus on the brewing process itself and forget how crucial fermentation temperature is. If you can’t maintain stable temps, your beer might taste off or your wine could stall during fermentation. A fermentation chamber or temp controller can make a big difference.

2. Storage Space

You’ll need more room than you think—not just for the equipment, but for bottles, carboys, fermenters, and cleaning gear. Consider whether your kitchen, garage, or basement has the space to store everything (especially if you’re brewing in larger batches).

3. Long-Term Costs

The initial setup might seem affordable, but don’t forget about recurring costs: ingredients, CO₂ tanks, cleaning agents, and replacement parts all add up over time.

4. Ease of Cleaning

Brewing and winemaking are 80% cleaning. If your setup has tight corners, small valves, or hard-to-reach spots, you’ll dread cleanup day. Look for equipment designed for easy disassembly and sanitation.

This is one thing I learned the hard way!

5. Room to Grow

Most people start small, then catch the brewing bug. Choose equipment that can grow with you—modular systems or scalable fermenters will save you from having to start over later.

6. Batch Size Flexibility

Some gear only handles one batch size. If you want to experiment with small batches or scale up for a party, make sure your system offers that flexibility.

7. Airflow and Ventilation

Indoor brewing can get steamy and smelly. Poor ventilation not only makes the space uncomfortable, it can also be a safety concern. Make sure you can vent heat and moisture effectively.

I make most of my batches in my attic and open a window to get that smell out.

8. Ingredient Compatibility

Some equipment works great with extracts but struggles with whole hops, fresh fruit, or oak chips. Think about the types of recipes you want to make and whether your gear can handle them.

Ask for advice at your brew shop for compatibility.

9. Noise and Odor

Fermentation isn’t silent or scent-free. Airlocks bubble, krausen can overflow, and wine fermentations can give off strong smells. Make sure you’re okay with that if you’re brewing near your living space.

See my tip on air flow and ventilation.

10. Time Commitment

It’s easy to underestimate the time it takes from brew day to bottling. While you don’t need to babysit your batch 24/7, each step—from cleaning to cooling to aging—takes time and patience.

Some things in the process are not time-consuming. However, some are, and you have to make sure that you have the time available and not get disturbed in this part of your brew.

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Related Reads

• https://easybeerandwine.com/wine-making-equipment/
• https://easybeerandwine.com/home-beer-brewing-equipment/

Final Tip From My Experience

Before you invest, talk to other homebrewers, join a local club or online community, and read some real reviews. A little planning now can save you time, money, and frustration later—and make your first brew a big success!

Eddie Mcvay

Eddie McVay is a passionate home brewer and an enthusiastic amateur connoisseur, He has been crafting his beers and wines for over a decade. His journey began with a simple home brewing kit and has since evolved into a deep understanding of the intricacies of brewing. With a knack for making complex brewing techniques accessible to beginners, his articles offer a blend of practical advice, DIY tips, and insights into the art of fermentation. Read more about Eddie Mcvay here.