Actual Cost Savings of AG over Extract

[brewprint]

Eh, I think it's the cost of grain vs malt extract leading the comparison. The only thing you gain from BIAB vs igloo cooler setup is the time it takes to get your return on investment back. A grain bag is a few bucks. A coole, screen, ball valve and fittings take longer.

Pilsner recipe from BYO
10.2 lbs pilsner malt,
1.1 lbs carafoam

vs

7 lbs pilsner lme
1.1 lbs carafoam

21.02 + 2.35 = $23.37 all grain
21 + 2.35 = $23.35 extract.

Hops and yeast will cost the same. For this recipe it's actually not going to save you money to brew it extract vs all grain unless you substitute pilsner malt for something like 2 row.

Wow this is truly nuts.

I can get LME for $2/lb. That equates to $14. 1lb of carafoam is $2. Then hops are $2.35 which is $18.35.

Who else gets LME for $2/lb? Anyone? This is where I used to feel lucky until I found all grain.

Base malt is $.73/lb (pilsner or 2-row) when paying $40 for a 55lb bag which is reasonable. That turns the total to $7.50 + $2 + $2.35 = $11.85

Right there is 40% off.

All grain is hands down a LOT cheaper when you're talking ingredients.

 

[DurtyChemist]

Wow this is truly nuts.

I can get LME for $2/lb. That equates to $14. 1lb of carafoam is $2. Then hops are $2.35 which is $18.35.

Who else gets LME for $2/lb? Anyone? This is where I used to feel lucky until I found all grain.

Base malt is $.73/lb (pilsner or 2-row) when paying $40 for a 55lb bag which is reasonable. That turns the total to $7.50 + $2 + $2.35 = $11.85

Right there is 40% off.

All grain is hands down a LOT cheaper when you're talking ingredients.

How are you going to mill the grain? LHBS allow you to buy in bulk and use their mill? If so this is great. If you don't have a way to mill the grain you'll have to factor in the price of your mill into your equipment costs.

Side note: AWESOME prices for extract AND base malt. If you can find pilsner malt for $40/55 lb I'd be amazed. It sounds like you're using 2 row prices though.

 

[Hoppy2bmerry]

One thing I am starting to see in this thread, don't get confused, BIAB is all grain brewing, you don't have to go three tier to be "all grain". He comes the chicken and egg arguments.

Yes, if you are not using extract, BIAB is all grain.

 

[Dcpcooks]

Malt is cheaper than extract.
Everything else costs more and takes more time
Extract is not less than all grain. a well produced beer can be had regardless .
building a recipe, tasting grain, stirring a mash tun, that's kinda **** cool!

Cheers

 

[brewprint]

How are you going to mill the grain? LHBS allow you to buy in bulk and use their mill? If so this is great. If you don't have a way to mill the grain you'll have to factor in the price of your mill into your equipment costs.

Side note: AWESOME prices for extract AND base malt. If you can find pilsner malt for $40/55 lb I'd be amazed. It sounds like you're using 2 row prices though.

I know that if I wanted to use the mill at the LHBS they would let me. I do have my own though.

Pilsner malt is $40/55lbs of Avangard. $42 for Vienna, wheat, and Munich. Actually 2-row is $38.

 

[DurtyChemist]

I know that if I wanted to use the mill at the LHBS they would let me. I do have my own though.

Pilsner malt is $40/55lbs of Avangard. $42 for Vienna, wheat, and Munich. Actually 2-row is $38.

Damn. Id be using pilsner malt for a LOT of brews. If they will let you use their mill I'd buy a sack of grain, a pound of hops and a vial of yeast and make 20 gallons of beer PDQ. You'd get a lot of learning from brewing four batches of all grain and you'd know in a short amount of time if it's worth it for you.

 

[RM-MN]

Damn. Id be using pilsner malt for a LOT of brews. If they will let you use their mill I'd buy a sack of grain, a pound of hops and a vial of yeast and make 20 gallons of beer PDQ. You'd get a lot of learning from brewing four batches of all grain and you'd know in a short amount of time if it's worth it for you.

If you use the mill at the LHBS you are at their mercy as they may change the setting of the mill at any time and your consistency is gone. If you intend to brew for years to come, buying your own mill will be a money saver and you won't be tearing out your hair trying to figure out how you went from 74% efficiency to 50% and then back to 70%.:rockin: