With our Beer Recipe Kits, you can choose from 3 different formulas:

1. Malt Extract w/ Steeping Grains.
This is the most popular version, it's also the "standard" home brewing technique.

Most home brewers use this formula, and it's especially recommended if you're a beginner. A good recipe using malt extract w/ steeping grains can make award-winning beer. Another advantage is that you can boil on your kitchen stove in a 16-20 quart pot.
Time to brew - 1½ to 2 hours.

2. Partial Mash with 5 lb. Grains.
A more advanced process.  It's not actually difficult, but there are some extra steps to follow and some extra equipment is necessary.

We recommend the "Mini Lauter Tun" and an accurate thermometer.  You can buy both for about $25.  (That's all we use when we brew partial mash recipes.)  Partial mashing gives you most of the benefits of all grain brewing, but requires less time and investment in equipment. It's the best option for home brewers who want to try something more advanced. You can still boil in a 16-20 quart pot on your kitchen stove.
Time to brew - 2½ to 3 hours.

3. All Grain. (Available with your choice of milled grain or whole grain)
The most advanced brewing technique. Requires more time, equipment and dedication.

All-grain brewing requires a full-sized mashing/lautering system, something with at least 5 gallon capacity.  You'll also need a brew pot with a capacity of at least 8 gallons, but 10 gallons is best.  The volume is too large to boil on a kitchen stove (they don't have the power output) so you need a high-power propane cooker. We recommend Polarware's 40 quart pot, equipped with the optional false bottom & thermometer.

You won't automatically make better beer if you switch to all grain brewing. In fact, you're introducing more opportunities to make mistakes. If you're having problems with malt extract brewing, you need to find out what the problem is!  Don't switch to more complex all grain brewing thinking that it'll magically solve your problems.
Time to brew - 4 to 6 hours.