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flyfisherwes · 09-20-2011, 05:39 PM

I need to buy a new brew kettle. I am using a aluminum turkey frier at the moment and I want a bigger stainless kettle suitable for brew in a bag. I like doing stronger beers like double IPAs an the such but I want to go ahead and get a do all kettle so I spend less in the long run. I'm looking for a good deal on an acceptable kettle for this. Any help would be appreciated. Ex size recs (I'm thinking 10-12 gallon) and links or specific kettle recs.

Thanks in advance

**OneHoppyGuy** · 09-20-2011, 05:52 PM

There are several good kettles out there. Look for 18 gauge and preferably a sandwiched bottom.
Best low cost is a keggle (kettle made from a keg). There are lots of add-on parts made for them, they can be had relatively cheap and they can really take a beating too.

In my not so humble opinion you should avoid Blichmann kettles, thin, overpriced and weldless.

Did I just open a Pandora's box?
It boils down to budget and DIY abilities. MoreBeer sells excellent kettles if you have the money.

flyfisherwes · 09-20-2011, 06:50 PM

Hanks for the response I have DIY ability. Quite a bit actually. Budget isn't really a big issue. I am willing to spend on a kettle. But I don't want to be wasteful either. I want something that will last and suit my purpose. Ive only done 7 extract batches and started 11 weeks ago

Seven · 09-20-2011, 08:00 PM

I currently do 5.5 gal BIAB batches using a 10-gal Blichmann kettle and it has worked great. No complaints whatsoever. Do you need to spend that much on a kettle? Not at all. There are many cheaper options out there to choose from.

Another option is to build a keggle if you can find a keg. It requires only basic DIY skills to make one. If I were to do it all over again I would probably build a keggle because they are tough and they hold 15.5 gal.

Good luck!

flyfisherwes · 09-20-2011, 08:01 PM

Are they just regular kegs like miller lite and stuff come in? I had one of these that I may be able to get back.

**OneHoppyGuy** · 09-20-2011, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyfisherwes

Are they just regular kegs like miller lite and stuff come in? I had one of these that I may be able to get back.

Yes, just make sure it's not still owned by a beverage distributor (a.k.a. illegal)
There are alot of web pages and YouTube videos on modifying kegs

take a look at these mods: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/brewsteel-badass-brewstands-263378/index3.html#post3265890

flyfisherwes · 09-20-2011, 08:07 PM

Cool thanks. I guess it was owned by them but what is a deposit for? It's gone now though. I asked

flyfisherwes · 09-20-2011, 08:15 PM

Also aren't kegs aluminum? Isn't that bad for boiling wort in?

**OneHoppyGuy** · 09-20-2011, 08:19 PM

Kegs are stainless steel by FDA law. Check CraigsList There are several here in the SF Bay area for sale right now. I have 2 uncut kegs for $50 each...

jcdouglas · 09-20-2011, 08:25 PM

Aluminum is fine to boil wort in. I use a 15 gallon aluminum pot that came with a lid and strainer. My beer has been tasting fine. It's also pretty light, which is nice when pouring my beer into my fermenter. I may install a spigot so I can do 10 gallon batches.