How much do you spend on homebrewing?

[ScubaSteve]

How much do you all spend on this hobby? I used to think it was a relatively cheap hobby (when compared to cars, etc.) but I find myself spending $30 everytime I go to HD/Lowe's, in addition to my $30 per visit to the LHBS...

Me? I'm looking at $250/month.....Damn! That could be a nice contribution to an IRA!

 

[Ol' Grog]

I average about two kits a month on line and the a nick-nack here and there, probably about 50 a month.

 

[ScubaSteve]

I average about two kits a month on line and the a nick-nack here and there, probably about 50 a month.

That's not bad for 2 kits and a "nick-nack"! For me, a nick-nack is buying a thermometer, QD's, or fittings, etc. That'd be around $80 at least!

 

[bradsul]

I just invested in my kegerator so this month is pretty high. I finished up my rig a couple months ago so my costs have actually dropped considerably. I'm not sure what I spend per month because I buy in bulk now. But if I had a budget I'd say I'm well within it since my rent cheques haven't started bouncing yet.

 

[homebrewer_99]

I actually belong to another catagory...sometimes spend too much, but can afford it...

 

[John Beere]

I actually belong to another catagory...sometimes spend too much, but can afford it...

I was about to post the same thing... I spend what it takes and don't really look back or budget for it.

 

[the_bird]

I was about to post the same thing... I spend what it takes and don't really look back or budget for it.

Did you ever do the math on how much the cold room project set you back?

 

[ScubaSteve]

Ha! If I rented, I'd have WAY more money to spend.....mortgaging a house in Southern California is like wrestling a python. What with prop taxes, HOA, etc. it's frickin' ridiculous!

We've got our first born arriving in February, and I'm starting to feel guilty about spending money on brewing. I'm in the middle of building my rig (it functions, but I still don't have my HERMS equipment incorporated) and it seems like I always need that "one more thing".

 

[ScubaSteve]

Did you ever do the math on how much the cold room project set you back?

I'm interested in this as well. This is one of the few HB projects (along with a bar) that can actually add value to the home.

 

[the_bird]

I don't really have a budget, per se, but I tend to be a pretty cheap bastard. All-in, I doubt I've spend much over a grand for everything - kegging gear (including fridge), burner, carboys/Better Bottles, keggle, wort chiller.

 

[Drunkensatyr]

Per month, we do anywhere from 3-6 brews AG ~ 15-30 per batch, and then there is the star san and odds and ends that we keep picking up...propane...etc. About 150-200 a month I would guess. Glad momma likes to brew also!

 

[ScubaSteve]

Per month, we do anywhere from 3-6 brews AG ~ 15-30 per batch, and then there is the star san and odds and ends that we keep picking up...propane...etc. About 150-200 a month I would guess. Glad momma likes to brew also!

Dude, you brew with your mom? Not a bad deal if SWMBO likes to brew...my wife sees it as, "Why don't I ever get what I want?" (She's pregnant and no longer seeing any benefit to my brewing ) Then I tell her to go to Target and get what she wants.....

 

[dblvsn]

I'd say I probably spend $50-75/mo on average. Now that I've finally gotten a lot of my AG equipment that cost will come down... or will it??? Still need to finish putting the taps in my keezer, tower in my kegerator, another co2 tank, finish out my kegs with all the valves, thermometers, site tube, etc... need a permanent AG stand, pump, man this list could go on for awhile. I guess what I spend isn't going to change anytime soon.

 

[homebrewer_99]

Ha! If I rented, I'd have WAY more money to spend.....mortgaging a house in Southern California is like wrestling a python. What with prop taxes, HOA, etc. it's frickin' ridiculous!

We've got our first born arriving in February, and I'm starting to feel guilty about spending money on brewing. I'm in the middle of building my rig (it functions, but I still don't have my HERMS equipment incorporated) and it seems like I always need that "one more thing".

I hear you...you gotta do what you gotta do...

 

[david_42]

Since I have all of my gear, it's just a matter of the makings. I probably have ~$600 total in equipment. I do need three more faucets, but no hurry.

 

[Shoopdog]

The obession, er...hobby, can get expensive at times. Thankfully, I can afford to spend the money on whatever items I may need within reason. Obviously, I am not going to purchase 20 gallon rigs, but my all grain set-up is all bought and I am not looking back. Nice way to spend a day, or a weekend evening!!!

 

[Bobby_M]

I don't fall into any of those. I spend quite a bit because I'm never happy with my current setup but I don't really count it, add up receipts, or "budget" for brewing. I don't have any problem spending my disposable income on my hobbies.

Maybe when I decide to buy a couple glycol jacketed conicals... then I'll be over budget anyway you slice it. It's more money than anyone should ever spend on a hobby.

 

[uglygoat]

i've spent the money on equipment for the ag about two years ago, and think i've gotten my money out of it by now.

my batches cost between 15-20 dollars depending on how heavy they are, which is way lighter than what i spend on commercial brew when i'm not brewing.

the biggest cost, which is mostly absorbed by the household is the eneregy. water/and gas.

i budget my batches, and 'finance' equipment upgrades and maintence.

 

[dibby33]

I just spend as much as I need. just doing extracts just now (still not crushed any grain) so it is not that much.

...now where is the mill store?

 

[Yuri_Rage]

Look at my gallery...I spend too much. Thank God SWMBO is cool.

 

[mrk305]

$25.00 to $40.00 a week at the LHBS. Not bad considering I have really great beer to drink and share. I give a few to friends and customers every week, so I keep having to buy bottles. I don't even ask how much things are at the LHBS. I love that place and go there sometimes twice a week. I just give him my list of grains and while he grinds them I walk around grabbing things. Nothing is ever priced in the store. I think you get better prices for bringing them a beer every once in a while.

 

[ArroganceFan]

I just look at how much I am saving by not buying commercial beer

 

[ScubaSteve]

I just look at how much I am saving by not buying commercial beer

I tell myself that every time I go to the LHBS.....but I know Lowes/HD is getting the rest of my paycheck

 

[kenche]

I have been brewing for 5 months and have just finished my 13th 6 gallon batch.

This is 78, 12 packs of beer. In B.C., a 12 pack of decent brew is $20. So to buy that quantity of beer would have cost me $1560.

I have $300 in equipment, and each PM brew averages $20 so add another $260 for ingredients and my total is $560.

I have just 'saved' $1000.

Pretty good so far. I am however going out this weekend to pick up a 14 gallon brew pot, and a propane burner. Once I add the soon to be kegerator, I will probably be breaking even.

But once I have all of this equipment, I will likely be pretty content so the savings should start to accumulate again.

 

[RadicalEd]

Heh, I'm a starving college student, so pretty much anything I spend is more than I can afford...

Not that that stopped me from buying 3 better bottles, several kegs + regulation manifold, and then building an MLT. And buying 3 lbs. of hops. Sigh, the things I do for beer...At least I'm not getting trashed on light BMC or cheap vodka, like everyone else on campus (after the big win today--woot!).

Other than that investment, though, I only plan on brewing once or twice a month, and going PM/AG that should bring me down to $15-40 a month. With the price of BMC at $15/24pk in Michigan, I'm paying no more /volume than if I was drinking the swill, so at least I can justify it to myself in that way.

 

[sudbuster]

If i had all the money back that i have spent on brewing, i could then spend about 1/8 th of it and buy all the beer i could use in my lifetime. But, WTH, it's a hobby, right? For me, a long, enjoyable, hobby, and a way to relax. Also you never stop learning, or trying new things etc. What's more, it only costs a pitance compared to restoring old cars, or keeping up with the Jones's......

 

[Flyin' Lion]

I just spent $100 last week, but SWMBO's wine kit was $60-so she doesn't say much about my spending.

I don't brew a lot, but it is still more than I can drink, so I keep my expenses small.

 

[ScubaSteve]

If i had all the money back that i have spent on brewing, i could then spend about 1/8 th of it and buy all the beer i could use in my lifetime. But, WTH, it's a hobby, right? For me, a long, enjoyable, hobby, and a way to relax. Also you never stop learning, or trying new things etc. What's more, it only costs a pitance compared to restoring old cars, or keeping up with the Jones's......

Oh MAN! Keeping up with the Joneses is BY FAR the most expensive thing we'll ever do. We buy bigger/better cars, houses, and clothes than we need just to keep up with appearances. If that weren't an issue in our society, I think we'd all be a lot better off spending money on the things that matter!

 

[Danny013]

Poor starving college student here, too. Everytime I go to the store it's more than I can afford, lol. I just got all my gear, picked up a big brew pot, a extra better bottle for a secondary, plus all the little things like thermometers and extra bottles and such.

I live in a small apartment with the gf, too, so I've got to listen to her about space, lol.

Whatever, it's a fun hobby and I've got all the equipment now so it'll be a little cheaper. I told her I wouldn't get any more equipment, too. (She doesn't know that I'm picking up my 1 gallon carboys back home though!).

 

[Onescalerguy]

SWMBO and I probly spend around 100$ or so a month and brew around 20 gals a month.Living in a fairly remote location,shipping is a big percent of my cost per beer.We buy 200-300lbs of grain(and hops,yeast,etc.) every 6 months or so.We got into this to save money but it's gone WAY!!!!!! past that.Homebrewing has become our lifestyle!A steal at twice the price.
Cheers