This Stardew Valley guide compares Kegs and Preserves Jars, two essential tools for transforming crops into valuable artisan goods. Both increase profits significantly, especially with the Artisan profession's 40% sell price boost. However, their crafting requirements, processing times, and resulting product values differ.
Kegs vs. Preserves Jars: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Kegs:
- Pros: Generally yield higher profit margins. Alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, etc.) can be aged in casks for further profit increases. Produces unique items like Mead and Vinegar.
- Cons: More expensive to craft, requiring metal bars and Oak Resin. Longer processing times. Requires the farmhouse's final upgrade (100,000g) to fully utilize cask aging.
Preserves Jars:
- Pros: Cheap and easy to craft using readily available materials. Faster processing times, making them efficient for high-yield, low-value crops. Can process items Kegs cannot (Roe, certain forage items).
- Cons: Yields lower-value products compared to Kegs.
Item Processing Comparison:
The following tables detail the products and base sell prices for each container, considering the 1.6 update additions:
Preserves Jars:
| Item Placed In Jar | Product | Base Sell Price |
|---|---|---|
| Any fruit | [fruit name] Jelly | 2 x [base fruit price] + 50 |
| Any vegetable | Pickled [item name] | 2 x [base item price] + 50 |
| Morel, Chanterelle, etc. | Pickled [item name] | 2 x [base item price] + 50 |
| Cave Carrot, Leek, etc. | Pickled [item name] | 2 x [base item price] + 50 |
| Roe (except Sturgeon) | Aged [fish name] Roe | 2 x [roe price] |
| Sturgeon Roe | Caviar | 2 x [roe price] |
Kegs:
| Item Placed In Keg | Product | Base Sell Price |
|---|---|---|
| Any fruit | [fruit name] Wine | 3 x [base fruit price] |
| Any vegetable (except hops/wheat) | [item name] Juice | 2.25 x [base item price] |
| Hops | Pale Ale | 300g |
| Wheat | Beer | 200g |
| Honey | Mead | 200g |
| Tea Leaves | Green Tea | 100g |
| Coffee Beans (5) | Coffee | 150g |
| Rice | Vinegar | 100g |
Conclusion:
The "best" choice depends on your farm's stage and goals. Preserves Jars are ideal for early-game profit generation and quick turnaround times. Kegs offer greater long-term profits but require a larger investment and more time. For optimal efficiency, consider using both! Prioritize Kegs for high-value fruits and vegetables, and Preserves Jars for lower-value items and those unique to the jar.
