Overview of Cheap Brewing Equipment Options

Homebrewing can be an incredibly rewarding and delicious hobby. However, the equipment required to brew beer at home can get quite expensive. Many beginner homebrewers are shocked when they start adding up the costs for kettles, fermenters, kegs, burners, chillers, and all the other gear needed to brew beer from scratch.

Fortunately, with a bit of creativity and compromise, it is possible to assemble a functional homebrew setup on a budget. This guide will explore strategies for sourcing discount equipment and building your own rig to cut costs. We’ll also compare cheaper alternatives for essential brewing hardware against more expensive versions.

Overview of Cheap Brewing Equipment Options

When trying to save money on a homebrew system, focus on getting good deals on the core essentials:

Brewing Vessels

• Inexpensive kettles – thinner stainless steel or aluminum stockpots
• Plastic buckets or PET carboys instead of glass carboys
• Repurposed or secondhand commercial equipment

Fermentation Vessels

• Food-grade plastic buckets
• Repurposed plastic containers
• Mini-kegs or corny kegs

Burners & Heat Sources

• Propane burner from hardware store
• Electric heat sources – stovetop, induction burner, electric kettle

Chilling Equipment

• Pre-chilled water in bucket or sink full of ice water
• Immersion chiller built from copper tubing

Accessories

• Shop towels for straining
• Reused commercial SAN kegs as fermenters
• Build your own stir plates and yeast starters

With some creativity, homebrewers can assemble complete brewing systems for a fraction of the cost of turnkey setups from homebrew shops. Let’s look at some specific recommendations for sourcing discount brewing hardware.

Buying Used and Reconditioned Brewing Equipment

One of the best ways to save money on major brewing gear is to buy used equipment. Commercial breweries frequently upgrade their operations and sell off their old stainless steel tanks, kegs, burners, and other hardware. Homebrew clubs or local breweries are great resources to find used equipment.

Items to look for:

• Stainless kettles – Scrub away corrosion and replace valves/fittings
• Kegs – Recondition commercial kegs for home use
• Burners – Clean and test commercial burners
• Chillers – Inspect plates on plate chillers, replace gaskets

With some elbow grease, used commercial gear can be restored to like-new condition at a fraction of the original price. Be sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize any used equipment.

Building Your Own Brewing Equipment

Constructing your own brewery gear is a great way to customize your setup exactly how you want it on a budget. Many homebrewers get into welding and metalworking to fabricate kettles, burners, and chillers.

Some ideas for DIY builds:

• Kettles – Weld together stainless sheet metal or polish aluminum beer kegs
• Burners – Assemble propane burner from gas fittings and metal stand
• Chillers – Make immersion chiller from copper tubing and garden hose fittings
• Keggles – Cut the top off a sanke keg to make a brew kettle
• Mash Tuns – Use an igloo cooler with PVC manifold and false bottom

With some simple power tools and materials from the hardware store, the possibilities are endless for homebrewers willing to put in some work. Be sure to follow all safety precautions when working with pressurized gases, pumps, and electricity.

Buying Discount New Brewing Equipment

For those who prefer to buy new brewing gear rather than used or DIY options, there are still plenty of ways to save:

• Starter kits – Basic kits have minimal equipment but lower cost
• Kettles – Thinner stainless or aluminum kettles are cheaper
• Plastic fermenters – Food-grade buckets are inexpensive
• Cheap burners – Hardware store propane burners under $50
• Clearance sales – Check for discounted floor models or old stock
• Group buys – Split costs by buying in bulk with other homebrewers

Saving money on new equipment means compromising on some quality and features. But cheaper kettles, carboys, and burners can produce award-winning homebrew. Focus on value picks that get the job done without extra bells and whistles.

Choosing the Best Brewing Equipment on a Budget

When selecting budget homebrew gear, keep these criteria in mind:

Kettles

• 5-10 gallon capacity for small batches
• Stainless steel or aluminum for durability
• Thick enough bottoms for even heat – 1-2mm minimum
• Avoid thin single-layer kettles that scorch wort

Fermenters

• Food-grade plastic (HDPE, PET) or glass
• 5-6.5 gallon batch size
• Bucket lids and airlocks for sealing
• Smooth surfaces for easy cleaning

Burners

• 20,000+ BTU output for boiling
• Sturdy frame with wind protection
• Hose and regulator included for propane
• Easy to adjust flame

Chillers

• 25+ feet of 1/4″ or 3/8″ copper tubing
• Quick chill times – under 15 minutes for 5 gal
• Simple design without leaks
• Easy to disassemble and clean

While it’s tempting to buy the cheapest options to save money, carefully inspect equipment for potential downsides. Pay special attention to materials, durability, and ease of use when comparing cheaper alternatives against more expensive ones.

Cheap Kettle Options for Brewing

The boil kettle is one of the largest investments for a homebrew setup. Here are some budget-friendly kettles to consider:

Kettle	Material	Pros	Cons	Price
Stockpot	Stainless Steel	Inexpensive, available	Thin bottoms, smaller sizes	$30-60
Aluminum	Affordable, conducts heat	Reactive, dents easily	$20-40
Brew Kettle	Stainless Steel	Thicker material, better heat distribution	Only comes in large sizes	$80-150
Keggle	Stainless Steel	Reuse free vessel, thicker stainless	Used, curved shape may not work with some burners	$0-50

• Stockpots – Cheap, readily available. But thin bottoms lead to scorching.
• Aluminum kettles – Affordable but highly reactive and prone to dents.
• Brew kettles – Optimized for brewing but only cost-effective at 10+ gallon sizes.
• Keggles – Repurposed kegs make decent kettles. Caution with sanitation.

Overall, a 5-10 gallon stainless stockpot offers the best value for boiling small homebrew batches. Add a trivet or diffuser to prevent scorching if the material is thin. For larger batches, a converted keg is a cheap way to get more stainless steel volume.

Best Fermenter Options on a Budget

Fermenters don’t need to be expensive. Here are some budget-friendly fermenters for homebrewing:

Fermenter	Material	Pros	Cons	Price
Plastic Bucket	HDPE	Inexpensive, easy to source	Scratches, not transparent	$10-20
Glass Carboy	Glass	Impervious to scratches, transparent	Heavy, fragile, pours slowly	$20-40
PET Carboy	Plastic	Impervious to scratches, transparent	Can be brittle over time	$20-30
Corny Keg	Stainless Steel	Reusable, easy to clean	Used, may need new seals	$0-30

• Plastic buckets – Extremely cheap but prone to scratches over time.
• Glass carboys – Excellent clarity but heavy and require careful handling.
• PET carboys – Lightweight plastic alternative to glass but can get brittle.
• Corny kegs – Free if you can source used kegs and replace seals.

For primary fermentation, plastic buckets offer incredible value. For secondary or aging, glass or PET carboys are better options that won’t scratch and degrade over time. Used corny kegs make interesting hybrid fermenter/serving vessels. Compare material durability and replacement costs when choosing budget fermenters.

Discount Burner and Heat Source Options

You don’t need fancy brewing-specific burners to heat your kettle. Consider these budget burner options:

Burner	Type	Pros	Cons	Price
Propane Burner	Portable propane	Very inexpensive, high BTU	Lower quality materials, more prone to rust	$30-60
Turkey Fryer Kit	Propane burner + pot	Good value combo package	Large combined equipment size	$50-80
Electric Kettle	Electric	Simple, safe indoor use	Longer boil times, expensive for larger volumes	$30-100
Induction Burner	Electric	Fast, energy-efficient	Requires magnetic cookware	$50-150

• Propane burners – Extremely cheap but may rust quickly. Great for outdoor brewing.
• Turkey fryer kits – Convenient all-in-one propane burner and pot combo.
• Electric kettles – Limited capacity but safe for stoveless brewing.
• Induction burners – Fast and efficient but needs compatible steel cookware.

For propane burners, inspect materials and assembly to gauge longevity vs upfront cost. Electric options trade power for convenience. Pick based on brewing location and goals.

Cheap Options for Wort Chilling

Rapidly cooling boiled wort prevents contamination and unwanted flavor compounds. Here are some affordable ways to chill:

Chiller	Type	Pros	Cons	Price
Ice Bath	Water immersion	Simple, no equipment needed	Slow chill times	$0
DIY Copper IC	Coiled copper tubing	Effective, customizable	Time to build, risk of leaks	$30-60 in materials
Immersion Chiller	Coiled copper IC	Pre-built, quick chill times	More expensive, fixed sizes	$50-70
Plate Chiller	Compact heat exchanger	Fastest chilling, stainless steel	High cost, risk of leaks, clogging	$100+

• Ice baths – Practically free but very slow chill times.
• DIY immersion chillers – Customizable and affordable but require assembly.
• Pre-built immersion chillers – Convenient but limited sizing options.
• Plate chillers – Fast and compact but expensive and require careful maintenance.

For homebrewers on a budget, DIY immersion chillers offer the best balance of cost, customizability, and performance. Carefully build and test for leaks before first use. Upgrade to a plate chiller down the road for speed and efficiency.

Accessories: Buying, Improvising, and DIY Options

Beyond the core brewing equipment, accessories like pumps, fittings, and capper can add up quickly. Consider these money-saving tips:

Item	Buy	Improvise	DIY
Funnel	Plastic funnel	Cut bottle	Roll paper
Capper	Bench capper	Wood block	3D print parts
Tubing	Vinyl tubing	Garden hose	Assemble from parts
Thermometer	Instant-read	Cooking thermometer	Arduino monitor
Stir Plate	Basic model	Small fan	Build with magnet & motor

• Buy – Look for plastic or lightweight versions. Multi-use tools.
• Improvise – Repurpose kitchen, garage, and home items when possible.
• DIY – Print, build, or assemble your own accessories from raw materials.

Don’t overspend on accessories. Improvise and get creative with household items or tools from other hobbies before shelling out for specialized brewing accessories.

Strategies to Get Used Brewing Equipment for Free or Cheap

Used commercial gear can be an incredible value if you put in the work to recondition it. Try these tips for sourcing used equipment on the cheap:

• Check with local breweries – many upgrade equipment over time and sell old tanks and hardware.
• Talk to other homebrewers about spare equipment or group equipment shares.
• Watch for used equipment at homebrew club meetings and events.
• Check online auctions, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace for used listings.
• Sign up for brewery equipment liquidation email lists to get news of large sales.
• Ask at pubs or bars if they have any old kegs or taps to get rid of.
• Inspect carefully for damage and test before purchasing. Factor in reconditioning costs.
• Clean thoroughly and replace any gaskets, o-rings, and poppets to ensure good seals and prevent contamination.
• Be patient and wait for good deals rather than overpaying. Having flexibility on sizes and brands helps.

With some perseverance, it’s possible to score kettles, kegs, burners, and chillers for a fraction of retail price if you’re willing to put in the elbow grease. Maintain rigorous cleaning protocols when repurposing commercial equipment for homebrew use.

Buying in Bulk to Save on New Brewing Hardware

If buying new equipment, consider going in on bulk purchases with other local homebrewers to get volume discounts.

Tips for coordinated group buys:

• Find others interested in buying equipment via homebrew clubs or online forums.
• Agree on common equipment brands and sizes to consolidate orders.
• Research vendor discounts for large orders – 5+ units typical.
• Compare shipping costs for single large shipment vs. individual purchases.
• Use online document to coordinate group buy and payments.
• Verify order details and tracking as a group once placed.
• Plan logistics of distributing gear once delivered.

Buying in bulk means compromising on brands and customization, but volume discounts of 10-20% quickly add up across large equipment purchases. Splitting shipping costs also helps reduce the overall expense.

Maximizing Value with Starter Brewing Kits

Brewing starter kits offer an affordable way to get a complete set of basic equipment to start brewing. Typical components include:

• 5 gallon brew kettle
• 5 gallon fermenting bucket
• Bottle/carboy filler
• Hydrometer and test jar
• Cleaning and sanitizing chemicals
• Bottling supplies – caps, tubing, bottle capper
• Basic brewing ingredients – malt, hops, yeast

Starter kits provide limited customization but maximize value across all the essential equipment. Shop around for the best kit components and upgrades:

• Prioritize kettles and fermenters – avoid the cheapest options
• Look for all stainless steel kettles to avoid corrosion
• Upgrade to a glass or PET carboy as secondary fermenter
• Select kits with name-brand cappers and burners when possible
• Consider kits with upgrades like wort chillers and auto-siphons
• Compare kits across multiple vendors on pricing and components

While basic, starter kits establish a solid foundation at an affordable price point. Slowly upgrade components over time starting with those that most impact beer quality.

Common Places to Buy Discount Brewing Equipment

New homebrewers are often overwhelmed by the available options for sourcing equipment. Here are some of the most common places to buy discounted new and used gear:

Homebrew Shops

The classic local homebrew shop is a good place to physically see and compare products. Staff expertise helps guide purchases. Look for occasional sales and open box discounts.

Online Homebrew Retailers

Online shops like Northern Brewer, MoreBeer, and Adventures in Homebrewing offer lower prices due to lower overhead. Look for coupon codes and bulk purchase discounts.

Manufacturer Direct

Some equipment like kettles and burners can be purchased directly from manufacturers, saving retail markups. Options are limited to their specific product line.

Restaurant Supply Stores

Commercial kitchen supply retailers offer lower prices on huge stockpots, sheet pans, and other brewing gear. Quality can be inconsistent.

**Hardware/Home Improvement Stores **

Big box stores sell cheaper propane burners, plastic fermenters, copper tubing for chillers along with other DIY equipment.

Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace

Used listings for equipment are common as homebrewers upgrade their systems. Inspect carefully before purchasing any used gear.

eBay/Other Online Auctions

eBay is a reputable source for discounted new and used equipment. Check seller ratings and details carefully before bidding.

Key Considerations When Buying Cheap Brewing Equipment

It’s tempting to buy the cheapest gear, but this can lead to equipment failures, inconsistent results, and replacing items quickly. When buying discounted equipment:

Evaluate durability – More expensive equipment lasts longer. Weigh replacement costs vs upfront savings on cheaper materials like plastic, thin stainless steel, etc.

Prioritize function – Avoid items with design flaws or missing features like valves even if cheaper. This leads to headaches later.

Inspect closely – Check for damages, wear, leaks, clogs, or corrosion on used equipment. Factor in repair and cleaning time.

Compare brand reputations – Research brand reliability and longevity. Pay more for trusted manufacturers of critical components like burners and kettles.