When I first started out, I only purchased what was suggested. If kits were available at that time, I wasn't aware of them, but I never purchased cylinders, beakers, mixers, or any of that jazz. I've always just mixed directly into the bottle that will be used, I time steep, and I just shake the heck out of the bottles.
I switched to mixing by weight after a little while. It's just so easy. Really no clean up, unless the flavor bottle doesn't have a dropper tip. Like Teresa, I've been using the same scale I started with, nearly 3 years now? Maybe 2, I'd have to look it up, LOL. Same batteries, in it, still, too.
VU has some really fantastic recipes posted, ELR has a ton, but I must admit, I've not tried many there. I'm one of those that finds one I like, and kinda get stuck on it.
So, anyway... welcome to VU. DIY can seem overwhelming in the beginning, so just let us know how we can help.