Kegging or going all grain?

[I_B_Mongo]

Kegging saves time.
AG saves money.
It depends which you have more of, time or money.

The price of corneys is constantly going up. When I first started kegging a 5 gallon ball lock was $20 at the LHBS. Now they're $60-65. The price of grains has only gone up slightly over that same time.
So keep that in mind as well.

 

[gbx]

The price of corneys is constantly going up. When I first started kegging a 5 gallon ball lock was $20 at the LHBS. Now they're $60-65. The price of grains has only gone up slightly over that same time.
So keep that in mind as well.

This is true and I wish to change my answer. Used cornys have a limited supply since pepsi and coke don't use them anymore. It won't be long until they are all bought up by homebrewers or crushed for scrap metal and we will have to buy the crappy new made in china kegs. If you can get used cornys, buy them now and worry about all grain later.

 

[CGVT]

Go with all grain first and gradually acquire your kegging equipment.

All you need is a cooler with a braid for a mash tun and you are all-grain tomorrow.

Kegging is expensive, but it you keep your eyes open for sales, garage sale scores, and craig's list finds you can slowly get your kegging equipment without spending a ton of money.

If you have the refrigeration space all you need to keg is a keg, co2 tank, regulatior and picnic tap. Look for them on sale or used. The stuff shows up if you are patient.

 

[beerbreath81]

i went with all grain first, working on kegging set-up now. I do not mind bottling (as i have been doing it for two years and have not experianced the kegging side) i went with this option because i was more focused on quality of beer as opposed to how it was despensed.

 

[Onihige]

All grain. It is SO much more fun, and the result is amazing.

 

[Gameface]

Someone mentioned a fermentation freezer. If you're not controlling ferm temps that is the #1 priority IMHO. That is the biggest key to consistently good beer.

 

[ifearnothing0]

Someone mentioned a fermentation freezer. If you're not controlling ferm temps that is the #1 priority IMHO. That is the biggest key to consistently good beer.

Agreed , my fridge and my ranco temp controller is the most important equipment

 

[jammin]

Someone mentioned a fermentation freezer. If you're not controlling ferm temps that is the #1 priority IMHO. That is the biggest key to consistently good beer.

duh - not sure why this always escapes me.

yeast health and treatment is the key to great beer. love my ranco/freezer combo. biggest improvement I've made.

 

[kkimmes]

I stopped brewing for several years because I hate bottling. My keg investment rekindled my love for brewing. Because I bought a keg system, I took the step to AG.
My next step will be a temp controlled fermentation system. In the middle, get a stir plate and flask for yeast starters and yeast rinsing. I get a kick out of that too!

 

[BrewingChemist]

bottling is a pain in the @$$!!! i vote for kegging!