burn on inside of stainless steel brewing kettle

dukedog · 01-11-2011, 04:27 PM

Hi all,

I made my first batch from an extract kit this past weekend. When I was done I realized that I didn't stir my wort enough or I left my specialty grain bag in one spot for too long as there was a 3 inch in diameter scorch mark on the bottom of the kettle. There is definitely some carbon there but so far I've been unable to remove it.. going forward with future batches is this something that will negatively affect my finished product?

Is there a way to remove this stuff that won't harm the kettle or would it be fine to leave it? I'm kinda bummed about it as it was brand new.

doulovebeef · 01-11-2011, 04:33 PM

you could try freezing it off, dry ice does a nice job. get that sucker hella cold and u should be able to scrape it off. or a long soak in a degreaser?

Catt22 · 01-11-2011, 04:50 PM

Heavy Duty Easy-Off oven cleaner works well for removing it. Barkeeper's Friend will also work, but it will require more time. Wet the kettle bottom and sprinkle a generous amount of the BKF over the scorched spots and let it soak overnight. Next day use a green scrubbie thingy and some elbow grease. Repeat this procedure as necessary which may require three or more applications depending on how bad the scorching is. You can also put the kettle back on the burner and heat up a small amount of water with a large dose of the BKF. The heat seems to make it work faster. I've also used automatic dishwasher detergent the same way with good results. It's very rare that I scortch anything these days, but when I do, that's how I deal with it. Hope this is of some help to you.

**Ace_Club** · 01-11-2011, 04:51 PM

Soak in PBW or OxiClean. No scrubbing should be necessary.

dukedog · 01-11-2011, 05:57 PM

Thanks guys. I ordered some PBW, hopefully this will do the trick.

Bitterbrush · 01-11-2011, 06:18 PM

+2 on the Heavy Duty Easyoff oven cleaner. Spray it on, let it sit for 30~45 minutes and wipe it clean. Just don't use it on aluminum pots only stainless.

**Steelers77** · 01-11-2011, 06:21 PM

Maybe some white vinegar and baking soda. Put them in the pot let them soak a little then boil it for 10 min. See how that works.

mariojr · 01-11-2011, 08:21 PM

Stainless steel scrubby and some elbow grease should take it off.

**Ace_Club** · 01-11-2011, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariojr

Stainless steel scrubby and some elbow grease should take it off.

This would be a big mistake. The stainless steel scrubby will result in scratches in the kettle. This will make it all the more likely that scorching or other marks will appear in the future. You should not use harsh abrasives like a metal scrubby on a stainless steel kettle.

Additionally, scrubbing with a metal material can remove the surface layer of the stainless steel (i.e., what makes it stainless) and cause rusting.

mariojr · 01-11-2011, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ace_Club

This would be a big mistake. The stainless steel scrubby will result in scratches in the kettle. This will make it all the more likely that scorching or other marks will appear in the future. You should not use harsh abrasives like a metal scrubby on a stainless steel kettle.

Additionally, scrubbing with a metal material can remove the surface layer of the stainless steel (i.e., what makes it stainless) and cause rusting.

I guess I have been living on the edge and will change my technique.