Prevent dangerous exploding bottles in your homebrewing with this comprehensive guide to bottle bombs. Learn the science behind overcarbonation, identify warning signs, and master prevention techniques ranging from proper fermentation verification to accurate priming sugar calculations. Essential safety knowledge for …
Mark Kegman
Mark Kegman
Mark Kegman spent 15 years as a mechanical engineer before turning his analytical mind to brewing equipment. His methodical approach to testing and reviewing brewing gear has earned him a reputation for thorough, unbiased assessments. Mark maintains a fully equipped home brewery lab where he puts everything from budget starter kits to professional-grade systems through rigorous testing protocols. He's particularly passionate about helping brewers find the best value equipment and innovative solutions for small-space brewing setups. His detailed comparison videos have amassed over 2 million views online.
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Discover the best ways to store your finished beer to preserve flavor and freshness. Learn optimal temperature conditions, container choices, and storage techniques for different beer styles. Expert tips from brewers on how to extend shelf life and prevent common …
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Equipment & Tools
How to Use a Refractometer in Brewing
by Mark Kegmanby Mark Kegman 9 minutes readMaster the art of using a refractometer in homebrewing with our comprehensive guide. Learn calibration techniques, alcohol correction formulas, and advanced applications to improve your brewing precision and efficiency. Perfect for both beginners and experienced brewers looking to upgrade from …
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Brewer’s Toolbox
The Complete Guide to DIY Mead Labels with Mead Label Generator
by Mark Kegmanby Mark Kegman 12 minutes readLearn how to create professional-quality DIY mead labels that meet legal requirements while showcasing your unique brewing style. This comprehensive guide covers design techniques, printing options, legal considerations, and creative inspiration for homebrewers. When I bottled my first batch of …
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Troubleshooting
How to Clean Reused Bottles Safely: The Complete Guide for Homebrewers
by Mark Kegmanby Mark Kegman 12 minutes readMaster the complete process to clean reused bottles safely for homebrewing success. Discover expert techniques for label removal, sanitization, and preventing contamination to ensure perfect beer every time. Bottle cleaning may not be the most glamorous part of homebrewing, but …
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Brewer’s Toolbox
Mastering Mash Temperature: How Small Changes Create Dramatically Different Beers
by Mark Kegmanby Mark Kegman 16 minutes readLearn how mash temperature impacts your beer’s body, sweetness, and fermentability with our interactive chart. Discover optimal temperature ranges for different beer styles and master the science of enzyme activity to craft perfectly balanced homebrew every time. Of all the …
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Brewer’s Toolbox
The Complete Guide to Beer Carbonation
by Mark Kegmanby Mark Kegman 18 minutes readMaster beer carbonation with our complete guide to CO₂ volumes by style. Learn how carbonation affects flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel across different beer styles from low-carbonation stouts to effervescent Belgian ales. Includes interactive carbonation chart and priming calculator for homebrewers. …
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Brewer’s Toolbox
Understanding the True Cost Per Bottle of Your Homebrew
by Mark Kegmanby Mark Kegman 11 minutes readCalculate the true cost per bottle of your homebrew with our comprehensive calculator. Track ingredient expenses, equipment investments, and packaging costs to understand your actual savings compared to commercial craft beer. Includes cost breakdown charts and money-saving strategies for budget-conscious …
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Learn how to convert Alcohol By Volume (ABV) to Alcohol By Weight (ABW) for regulatory compliance. Our interactive calculator and comprehensive guide explains the difference between ABV and ABW measurements, state requirements, and scientific conversion methods. When it comes to …
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Brewer’s Toolbox
Master Bottle Carbonation with Priming Sugar Calculator
by Mark Kegmanby Mark Kegman 12 minutes readMaster the art of perfect beer carbonation with our comprehensive priming sugar calculator and guide. Learn to calculate precise sugar amounts for ideal carbonation levels in any beer style. After weeks of careful brewing, fermentation, and anticipation, the final crucial …