F.H. Steinbart Co

05/28/2008 Posted by ajfabb

I came here to buy my first home beer brewing kit. The stock kit starts at a very reasonable price--but after customizing I ended up spending more than I wanted to. Nonetheless, John was very helpful and courteous in helping me put a kit together. The place is designed to be self-service, but it helps to get shown around the first time. Now I know how to go in and buy grains in bulk--grinding and weighing them myself.

Pros: lots of equipment and expertise

Cons: spent more than I wanted to

02/15/2008 Posted by wamderingsalmon

I just love this place. I started out buying my initial set up from Let's Brew, but within a few batches graduated to all-grain, and this place has such a huge selection of malts and adjuncts. I can buy 55 lb bags of 2 row pale malt and save a bunch of money, and get whatever specialty malts I need, mill them all there, buy hops by the pound...this place is the shiznit. I have found the staff to be totally knowledgable, and the fact that they dont run around like Les Schwab employees on meth is fine by me...the place is too cool to be in a huge hurry. It's also located in pretty much ground zero for the PDX micro scene...after a hard session of impulse shopping I can head on down to the Lucky Lab, Roots Brewing, The Green Dragon, or the Barley Mill Pub for inspirational motivation. I also work about 5 blocks for the place, so it's quite convenient. Everything I need to brew up batches of my Pale Male Ale, Blueballs Brown, $^&#head Red, and Power Poot Porter. Cheers Mate!!

Pros: If you need it...they have it. I may be in the back but ask and ye shall receive

Cons: Need to fix the stuck door on the hops fridge..how many years has that thing been stuck?

01/22/2008 Posted by CarlitosWay762

I must say that I strongly disagree with the gentleman's statement above. Even when crowded, I've never suffered from a lack of service. Like the first person said about feeling guilty, I agree. The staff always answers questions. You, sir, need to learn some patience. Your review is totally unfair to the establishment. F.H. Steinbarts is the best, hands down, best homebrew supply house in town. On Saturday's, it's best to get there right when they open. Between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., when they close, it gets quite busy. During the week, I've never seen it crowded enough where one would have to wait for answers.

Pros: They have Everything You Need

Cons: Saturdays are Very Busy, so Get there Early.

12/21/2007 Posted by brewblender

I've been homebrewing for a few years now and I have to say that Steinbarts is hands down, the best homebrew store in Portland. I've been to a few other shops in the area and there is no comparison. Not only is the selection superb, their staff is knowledgeable, courteous and always willing to answer any questions. I sometimes feel bad for others waiting because they actually take the time to answer all my questions. It is so obvious from the moment you walk through the door that everyone in there enjoys what they do and enjoys sharing their wealth of information and knowledge with you. I've been to other homebrew shops and the same cannot be said. I am always pleased with the selection and quality of their products, but it's really the people that work there that make Steinbarts the only place to go.

Pros: Selection; Professional, friendly, knowledgeable staff; Amazing Service

Cons: Hard to leave...advanced brewing equipment area has some kind of force that pulls you over and makes you wish you could buy all that stuff!

07/07/2007 Posted by rtmgwt

I concur with other reviewers who have noted that the staff does not seem very interested in helping out new brewers. Perhaps they feel that giving out free info cuts into their business in giving classes about brewing but it comes across as disdainful contempt for beginners which can drain the joy right out of your new hobby if you let it. Their prices are about 20% higher than Let's Brew. Steinbart's main advantage is that it is centrally located. They also sell a wider kind of tubing that I prefer.

Pros: Good location

Cons: Poor service

05/31/2007 Posted by cjbuchholz

I've been brewing for several years and still have questions, maybe I'm just a slow learner .. . New yeast, grains, whatever . . . Every time I go here it just crushes my soul. Business must be good because the staff tends to be rude, ineffective and just generally snarly. I definitely agree with the "glazed look" comment regarding the staff. I asked about ordering a replacemnent thermometer for my "water purification unit" which I purchased there. Was assured they would order one and it would be available in a week. When I called a week later, they hadn't placed the order and really didn't seem too concerned. It's really a shame the service is so poor because it's close to my home and the selection is incredible.

Pros: Selection

Cons: Service

03/11/2007 Posted by bobthompson123

PROS: F.H Steinbart is one of the only serious brew stores you will find in the Portland area. They carry almost any piece of equipment that a beginning or serious home brewer need to get on with their feel-good project, AND you can count on them to be open during normal business hours. Hooray! Enough of the good stuff........... CONS: Do not go into this store until you have done some homework. My wife and I have received glazed looks from each member of the staff after asking them simple questions about bottling, racking, storage, etc. We were newbies at the time so these questions were far from technical. Now that I have made 4 or 5 batches of wine, it also occurs to me that I have watched the staff recommend incorrect wine yeasts to customers over and over again. The guy with the gray hair, glasses, and earring will recommend the champagne yeast every time! I don't know how helpful they are with those people looking to brew beer, but do yourself a favor and read up before visiting their store. IN CONCLUSION:

08/31/2006 Posted by pdx33

I have been thinking about homebrewing for awhile. The staff was friendly and helpful in answering my questions about home brewing. I look forward to taking their next beer making class. If you want to home brew beer or wine, look no further.

Pros: A Brewer's Paradise!

Cons: Small parking lot, but plenty of street parking