This guide compares Kegs and Preserves Jars in Stardew Valley, analyzing their profitability for turning crops into artisan goods. Both are valuable for maximizing profits, especially with the Artisan profession's 40% sell price boost. However, product quality doesn't affect artisan good value; use lower-quality produce for these processors.
Kegs vs. Preserves Jars: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Kegs: Produce higher-value goods like wine, beer, and juice. Alcoholic beverages can be aged in casks for further profit increases. However, Kegs are more expensive to craft, requiring metal bars and oak resin. Processing times are significantly longer.
Preserves Jars: Cheaper and easier to craft, ideal for early-game profits. Faster processing times make them efficient for low-value, high-yield crops. They handle items Kegs can't, like roe and certain forage items. However, their artisan goods generally yield lower profits than Kegs.
Detailed Breakdown:
Preserves Jars:
- Crafting Recipe (Farming Level 4): 50 Wood, 40 Stone, 8 Coal
- Products: Jelly (from fruits), Pickles (from vegetables, mushrooms, and some foraged items), Aged Roe (from most fish roe), Caviar (from sturgeon roe).
- Sell Price: Generally 2x base item price + 50g.
Kegs:
- Crafting Recipe (Farming Level 8): 30 Wood, 1 Copper Bar, 1 Iron Bar, 1 Oak Resin
- Products: Wine (from fruits), Juice (from vegetables and some foraged items), Pale Ale (from hops), Beer (from wheat), Mead (from honey), Green Tea (from tea leaves), Coffee (from coffee beans), Vinegar (from rice).
- Sell Price: Varies greatly depending on the input item. Wine is often 3x the base fruit price.
Which is Better?
The "best" choice depends on your farm's stage and goals. Kegs offer higher potential profits but demand a larger investment and longer wait times. Preserves Jars are a quicker, cheaper route to early profits, especially for low-value crops. Ideally, utilize both for maximum efficiency, leveraging their individual strengths. Consider processing time and base item value when deciding which processor to use for a given item. The 1.6 update expanded compatible items for both, adding versatility.
