What's the big deal with kit brewing

[NGD]

The only thing I don't like about extract beers is the price. All-Grain is cheaper.

I hear this reason quite a bit, but I have a hard time getting the reason through my thick head. Most extract kits are $4-13 higher in price and add something along the lines of 1-3hrs to your brew day. Your time has to be pretty cheap to make up the difference.
On the flip side, I get the attraction of tweaking every aspect of your brew to differentiate it. Its fun and obviously a labor of love. It allows one to produce a beer that is completely unique to them and their brewinf style. Money however is not saved with all-grain.

I view kegging vs. bottling the same way. I bottle some so I can share, not because its faster or better (although belgians and stouts do seem better bottled conditioned)

 

[govner1]

I hear this reason quite a bit, but I have a hard time getting the reason through my thick head. Most extract kits are $4-13 higher in price and add something along the lines of 1-3hrs to your brew day. Your time has to be pretty cheap to make up the difference.
On the flip side, I get the attraction of tweaking every aspect of your brew to differentiate it. Its fun and obviously a labor of love. It allows one to produce a beer that is completely unique to them and their brewinf style. Money however is not saved with all-grain.

I view kegging vs. bottling the same way. I bottle some so I can share, not because its faster or better (although belgians and stouts do seem better bottled conditioned)

As someone that started as an AG brewer I agree re the cost of extract kits. But, keep in mind that a lot of the work & time involved have already been done.
Yes, AG may be “cheaper” but you need to consider the cost of equipment needed for AG, I.e., Mash Tun, HLT, extra heat source, etc.

I’ve done a few partial mash brews on group brew days when it was impractical to move my system and made some good brews.

Keeping in mind the learning curve, limited resources, space, etc. it is a perfectly good way and ultimately less expensive way to start brewing.

 

[mxstar21]

Extract beers are a great way to go if you don't feel like going all-grain. Going with a good yeast strain and adding steeping grains can make a world of difference.

 

[Kharnynb]

If you buy kits anyway, the price difference is very little, once you start buying bulk grain, it is a lot more.

But in the end it's a time and energy issue, if you want to be quicker, with less equipment and don't mind paying a bit more per brew, go extract.
If you want to go into more detailed malt bills, do more yourself and like to do own recipes, all-grain wins out.