Has anyone found any products that increase consistency and quality of home brews? And if so, how much are these costing?
Dual stage temperature controllers are the ticket to both.
Glass carboys and fresh hoses help a lot, and very cheap.
Learning is free.
Stainless is your friend. Buy high temperature tubing so you can clean it with near-boiling water. (for post fermentation tubing.) I like the silicon tubing for non-vacuum applications. Get some good stainless steel disconnects of whatever style you prefer.
Honestly, procedure trumps equipment for consistency, but stainless is far and away the easiest to clean. Glass is just as easy, but has an inherent danger that has to be considered.
All good advise here. However, I am inclined to suggest that a fermentation chamber is of the utmost importance. Fermentation temperature is absolutely critical for maintaining repeatability in your brews. A fermentation chamber paired with the digital controller suggested by MNWayne is the best way to go. Even minor fluction in fermentation temperature makes a huge difference in the taste and body of the beer.
Good luck!
Edit: I built my chamber out of an old kegerator. I bypassed the thermostat, added an inexpensive heat source and an Inkbird for about $50 less the cost of the kegerator. I can maintain temperature from below freezing to in the 90’s with +/- 1*F accuracy.