Very true jt, very ture. But everyone is different - to some, even having to go to several different places to get a pot, burner, voile (and stich it!), copper coil (and bend it), fermenter etc is too much of a hassle.
If there is a sort of 'one stop shop' where you can just say 'send me everything I need, here is the cheque', some people who would otherwise not bother with brewing (or give up half way through getting set up, or give up brewing because they are frustrated with their gear but don't have the time to devote to an upgrade) would respond to that, IMHO.
About three years ago I was searching high and low for parts, and the only reference I had was American or Australian sites. Pain in the arse! Over the past couple of years one here everyone has shared their experiences, and we have a list of suppliers for kiwi's. We are a DIY nation, and I'm happy with what I have achieved, or had others achieve for me!
If you want to buy a pre made kit, then having that option is great. I made mine, and continue to make my brew rig as that is part of brewing in my bible. Making beer is a by product of messing around with a mig welding, power tools, and electricity / gas, the things that I have a healthy respect for given I am a software engineer, not a mechanical engineer. (I'm learning to weld soon... now that's gonna be fun!)
Building cars is the same some people prefer (or can afford )to pay the bill turn the key and drive away
others prefer (or cant afford) to do everything themselves from fabrication right up to the final paint job
- Horses for courses & Courses for horses lol!
I wouldn't bother buying a pre-made setup: pretty much only because I know what I want to be brewing with, and I know how to go about doing it.
A no0b who wants to be able to brew all grain at any level but doesn't know the first thing about the process or equipment needed might want to get some gear off someone who knows what is what.
yep, agree with you Nick. 3 kids, 2 jobs, a brewing business and a girlfriend i quite like... i could get my dog put down, which would free up about an hour a night. but i'd rather walk the dog than go to a welding course... especially when someone else is going to do a better job than me anyway.
hey, i like to cook but i'm not thinking about building an oven, i love to sleep but i'm not building a bed, i love sex and i don't want any more kids but i didn't give myself a vasectomy!!!