Same hobby, two different paths to beer…

If you’re new to homebrewing, there’s one big fork in the road you’ll hit pretty early: extract or all-grain? It’s one of the first choices every brewer makes, and like most things in beer, the answer is: “It depends.”

Let’s break it down, without the gatekeeping, so you can figure out what makes sense for you, and your setup.

What is Extract Brewing?

Extract brewing uses pre-made malt extract (liquid or dry) to skip the step of mashing grains. It’s sort of like using stock in soup instead of boiling down your own bones. You still boil hops, ferment, bottle or keg, and do all the fun stuff, but the early part is way easier and quicker.

Pros of Extract Brewing:

• Less Equipment Needed: One kettle, one fermenter, and you’re rolling.
• Faster Brew Day: Usually 2–3 hours from start to cleanup.
• Beginner Friendly: Fewer steps means less room for error.
• Still Makes Great Beer: Yeah, its pretty good for what it is.

Cons of Extract Brewing:

• Less Control: You can’t tweak the mash temp or water chemistry.
• Slightly More Expensive: Malt extract costs more per batch than bulk grains.
• Limited Flexibility: Some styles are harder to hit spot-on.

What is All-Grain Brewing?

All-grain brewing is what the pros (and lots of passionate homebrewers) do. You mash crushed grains in hot water to extract sugars yourself, no shortcuts. It’s more hands-on, more customizable, and more involved.

Pros of All-Grain Brewing:

• Full Control: You choose every grain, temp, and process step.
• Cheaper Per Batch: Buying base malt in bulk saves money over time.
• More Style Flexibility: You can nail down traditional lagers or wild experiments more easily.

Cons of All-Grain Brewing:

• More Equipment: You’ll need a mash tun, sparge setup, possibly a bigger kettle.
• Longer Brew Day: 4–6 hours, easy… maybe more depending on your system setup. If you’re a new brewer just starting out and going into all-grain, expect a 10 hour brew day, haha!
• Bigger Learning Curve: It’s not hard, but it’s a step up.

Budget Talk: What Does It Cost to Start?

Setup	Gear You’ll Need	Approx. Cost
Extract	Basic starter kit, kettle, fermenter, etc.	$100–$250
All-Grain	Mash tun or all-in-one system, larger kettle, more gear, etc.	$300–$800+

If you’re on a tight budget or just want to test the waters, extract is a smart way to go. If you know you’re in it for the long haul, investing in all-grain gear upfront might save you money in the long run.

I think that is one of the many joys of homebrewing is that you don’t need the best gear, or the most expensive gear to make great beer. You can do it on a budget! I got all of my all grain equipment on Facebook marketplace!

Can You Start with Extract and Upgrade Later?

Absolutely. In fact, that’s what most brewers do. You can brew fantastic beers with extract while learning the ropes—and then upgrade piece by piece:

• Swap some extract for steeping grains (a nice halfway step)
• Add a larger kettle
• Try “brew in a bag” (BIAB) for cheap, no-sparge all-grain brewing
• Eventually move into full all-grain when you’re ready

No pressure, no rush. The beer will still be good.

So… Which One’s Better?

Honestly? Neither. They’re just different ways to do the same thing: make beer you’re proud of.

If you want quick, easy, and tasty: go extract.
If you want full control and don’t mind the time: go all-grain.
If you just want to get brewing—pick one and go for it. The only wrong choice is not brewing at all.

Final Sip

Don’t let the all-grain purists scare you off. And don’t feel bad about wanting more control down the line. Extract and all-grain are two sides of the same homebrewing coin, and you’ll probably end up trying both eventually. I started from extract, and eventually moved to all grain.

Whatever path you choose, you’re learning, creating, and joining one of the best hobbies out there.

Now grab a kettle and make some beer!

MoreBeer has tons of recipe kits and starter kits in extract and all grain!

Books I recommend to the beginner and advanced homebrewer:
The Complete Joy of Homebrewing 4th Edition
Modern Lager Beer: Techniques Processes and Recipes
How to Brew: Everything You Need to Know to Brew Great Beer

By Jordan V, Billy’s Tavern Homebrewing

Jordan is a California native. When he is not brewing he can be found drinking beer with friends, duck hunting, and getting lost in a good book or video game. When he is not out on an adventure with his wife, he can be found at home with his two lovable dogs. Stay up to date by following him on Instagram.

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