Reducing the Cost of Entry

 Brewing can be a very expensive hobby. It’s not difficult to spend five to ten thousand dollars on equipment . Luckily most of that expense is not needed. A competent setup can be achieved for much less if you’re willing to start small, forgo some luxuries, and/or assemble some components yourself. I do 2.5 gallon Brew In A Bag (BIAB) on my stovetop which I credit for keeping my startup costs in check.  

Using BIAB instead of a traditional all-grain approach will keep costs down. In BIAB brewing, you will only need one vessel for heating water for mashing, sparking, and boiling. Traditional all-grain systems may have 2-3 vessels. BIAB keeps the number of vessels purchased (and stored) to a minimum. A 4 gallon stockpot will be big enough for 2.5 gallon batches (if you watch the initial boil). 

Brewing 2.5-3 gallon batches is another way to reduce the entry cost of the hobby. Traditionally brewing is done in 5 gallon batches.  Brewing smaller volumes means most of your equipment can be smaller and easier to store.  Brewing on the stovetop means you don’t have to buy a propane burner/tanks or heating element and pump. It also means that you can brew in the comfort of your own kitchen.  I’ve brewed on resistive coil, ceramic cooktop, and gas stoves. Each provided enough boiling power and the hood vent will remove the steam. It is great to be able to schedule a brew day and not worry about it being ruined by rain or inclement weather. Another benefit of brewing small on the stovetop is that it gives you twice as many opportunities to brew for the same volume of finished product. Presumably, if you're considering getting into the hobby, its because you enjoy the process. Brewing definitely has a learning curve.  Failing small and throwing out a batch hurts a lot less when its a 2.5 gallon loss instead of a 5 gallon loss.

Another way to reduce your cost of entry is by making/adapting your own equipment.  For smaller batches immersion chiller are arguably better (a post for a different time). They can be bought for about $100.  By buying your copper refrigeration tubing and a couple fittings, you can easily build your own for $50. Fermentation vessels don't need to be conical or stainless.  A lot of great beer has been fermented in plastic buckets.  Your local bakery/donut shop might even have some food grade buckets they'd be willing to give away.  Drilling a hole and a $1 grommet will give a completely functional fermenter. 

If you're thinking about getting into the hobby but are worried about the budget, think about how you will brew, your batch size, what equipment you truly need to get started.  There are plenty of ways to upgrade in the future.