A keg is generally cheaper than buying the same volume of beer in cans or bottles. There are several reasons why purchasing a kegerator and kegs can result in significant cost savings.
1. Economy of Scale: When you buy a keg, you are purchasing beer in bulk. The cost per ounce of beer is typically lower when buying in larger quantities. This means that the price per pint from a keg is often cheaper than buying individual cans or bottles.
2. Eliminate Packaging Costs: With a kegerator, you eliminate the need for individual cans or bottles, which can add to the overall cost of the beer. Packaging costs include expenses such as materials, labor, and transportation. By purchasing a keg, you bypass these additional expenses.
3. No Retail Markup: When you buy beer from a store, there is usually a markup added to the price to cover the retailer’s overhead costs and profit margin. By purchasing a keg directly, you can avoid this retail markup and pay closer to the wholesale cost of the beer.
4. Avoid Taxes and Deposits: Many states impose taxes and deposits on each individual can or bottle of beer. These costs can quickly add up, especially if you consume a significant amount of beer. When you buy a keg, you typically only pay a deposit on the keg itself, which is refundable when you return the empty keg.
5. Volume Discounts: Some breweries offer volume discounts when purchasing kegs. This means that the more beer you buy, the lower the price per keg. If you are a frequent beer drinker or regularly entertain guests, buying kegs can result in even more significant cost savings.
6. Extended Shelf Life: Kegged beer generally has a longer shelf life compared to canned or bottled beer. This means that you can take advantage of bulk discounts without worrying about the beer going stale before you can consume it.
7. Convenience and Flexibility: Having a kegerator allows you to enjoy draft beer at home, whenever you want. You don’t have to worry about running out of beer or making frequent trips to the store. This convenience can save you time and money in the long run.
Personal Experience: I have personally experienced the cost savings of owning a kegerator. As an avid beer enthusiast, I used to buy cases of craft beer cans from my local store. However, I found that the cost per pint was significantly higher compared to purchasing kegs. Since investing in a kegerator, I have saved a considerable amount of money while enjoying fresh and cold draft beer at home.
Purchasing a kegerator and kegs can result in substantial cost savings compared to buying the same volume of beer in cans or bottles. The economy of scale, elimination of packaging costs, avoidance of retail markups, and volume discounts all contribute to the lower cost per pint when using a kegerator. Additionally, kegged beer often has an extended shelf life, providing further value for your money.