15 Gallon Blichmann Boilmaker for 5 gallon batches - Page 2

noreaster40s · 07-10-2011, 01:59 AM

Thanks all. I just ordered the 15 gallon kettle along with their burner. Quite the upgrade from what I have now. Now I have to start thinking about fermenters down the road ....

**Demon** · 07-10-2011, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noreaster40s

Thanks all. I just ordered the 15 gallon kettle along with their burner. Quite the upgrade from what I have now. Now I have to start thinking about fermenters down the road ....

Ale pails and sanke kegs. I've got a half dozen carboys collecting dust now. 6.5 gallon ale pails for the 5 gal batches because they are super easy to clean. Sanke kegs for 10 gal batches since it's a cheap and easy solution.

**emjay** · 07-10-2011, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strat_thru_marshall

I have used a 15 gal boilermaker for many many 5 gallon batches, as well as many 10 gallon batches.

Dont buy the 10 gallon pot, you're limiting your ability to do 10 gallon batches. The 15 gallon pot works perfectly fine. Some have issue with the thermometer....but do you REALLY need a thermometer in your boil kettle?? I mean....its either boiling or it isnt. Not like a mash tun where you need to hit/maintain specific temps...

Currently, I use my BK to heat the water to certain temps before it goes into a cooler which serves as the HLT. So in my case anyways, it IS pretty important. Plus, even when boiling, it's nice to see where I'm at when bringing it to a boil. It costs nearly nothing for the little plug, and you're paying for the thermometer when you buy a BoilerMaker, so you might as well get to use it.

**petep1980** · 07-10-2011, 11:58 AM

I do 5.5 gallons, 7.5 gallon pre boils in a 15 gallon keggle. I love not having to worry about boil overs.

1234contact · 02-03-2012, 12:57 PM

How is the 15 gallon Boilmaker doing with 5 gallon batches? I too was debating 10g vs 15g - I bought the 10g and returned for the 15 g. I have yet to brew yet, but any suggestions?

First time doing all grain as well. Thanks for your chain it was helpful in my decision process.

Cheers!

**Layne** · 02-03-2012, 01:08 PM

The 15 works fine for 5 gal batches.

noreaster40s · 02-07-2012, 01:14 AM

1234contact - My Boilmaker is doing fine. I'm doing 5.5 gal batches now so when I first start the boil the wort level is over the thermometer probe. Before the boil is over it's below it though. For me, that's no big deal. Love the kettle though.

1234contact · 02-13-2012, 01:11 PM

Thanks for the update noreaster40s
!

brewtime · 02-13-2012, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildwest450

It works fine for me, I do 6 gallon batches with an 8 gallon preboil. I can just squeeze a double batch in there if I need to. Thermometers can be lowered if necessary, i've done it.

_

+ 1 on moving the thermometer. I do 6 gallon batches in mine all the time only a few times a year do I do 10 gallons. the 15 should be good

**slarkin712** · 02-13-2012, 09:34 PM

I have the 20 gallon boilermaker and do mostly 5 gallon batches in it. It works great and there's no way I can get a boilover. It's the perfect size for 10 gallon batches or even as a mash tun (w/ false bottom) for high gravity 10 gallon batches. I almost bought the 15 gallon, but changed my mind after considering that a high gravity 10 gallon batch could easily have 13-14 gallons pre-boil.