Synovia

Recipes 

My aluminum pot is about as cheap and thin as they get, and I've never had a problem (with AG). I have scorched some settled LME, but I've done that in stainless too.

northernlad

Recipes 

Update pots are 3003. 4mm for pots like APT-60, 6mm for APT-60HD

mezman

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Hmm...I don't think that's true.

I just got a reply back from Update about what alloy they use to make their pots (nice and fast too). Susan Lin says it's 1100 series aluminum.


So then the next question is, when it comes to our purposes, does it really matter if a pot's 1100 or 3003 or 3004? Especially when a 60 Qt 3003 pot can be had for only $57? If it dents up, I'll get a new one. I'm more worried about scorching the beer or maybe 1100 aluminum leeches more Al into the beer than a harder alloy would.

Iono, I'm sure I'm making a bigger deal of this than it deserves. But I guess that's what hobbies are about.

__________________
Bah!! Who said that??

On Deck:
Primary 1: Kennedizzle Seasonal (Irish Red for St. Paddy's Day)
Secondary:
Keg 1: Cascade APA
Keg 2: Munchner Helles
Keg 3: Nada

Shameless Self Promotion:

Kennedy Photography

northernlad

Recipes 

That is unfortunate. I will call Andrew from Update in the morning and see what he has to say.
Meanwhile: from http://www.aviationmetals.net/aluminum_sheet.php

1100
Low strength aluminum alloy has excellent corrosion resistance and satisfactory anodizing and conversion coating finishing characteristics. It is unmatched by any other commercial aluminum alloy in workability. Readily to welding, brazing, and soldering. Machinability is poor and tends to be "gummy". Non-heat treatable. Typical applications include chemical storage, processing equipment, kitchen utensils, and general sheet metal work.

3003
Approx. 20% higher strength than the 1100 series, but retaining an excellent workability rating. May show some slight discoloration when anodized, but reacts well to mechanical and organic finishings. 3003 is easily welded and brazed, but solder is limited to the torch method. Like 1100, tends to be "gummy" when machined. Non-heat treatable. Typical applications include food and chemical equipment, appliance components, truck and trailer roofing, heat exchangers, and lawn furniture components.

While I was apparently incorrect about Update, the Crestware brand uses 3003 and Lincoln uses 3004.

mezman

Recipes 

Yeah, that's kinda what my research showed as well, northernlad. I think that I might go with the 60 Qt Winco 3003 Al pot. At only $57, it's not a huge investment if it turns out to not be what I need. And if it does, well all the better!

__________________
Bah!! Who said that??

On Deck:
Primary 1: Kennedizzle Seasonal (Irish Red for St. Paddy's Day)
Secondary:
Keg 1: Cascade APA
Keg 2: Munchner Helles
Keg 3: Nada

Shameless Self Promotion:

Kennedy Photography

northernlad

Recipes 

Spoke to Update this morning. It is indeed 1100.

cjever19

Recipes 

So this $57 pot is now $67. Anyone know of any other deals?

northernlad

Recipes 

The deal is at some point they don't get any cheaper.

mezman

Recipes 

If $67 is too steep, you can watch it, maybe the price on it fluctuates. Or look for other stores selling them.

I've been quite pleased with the pot. No complaints or problems yet though I've only made three brews since I got it in May. I'd pay $67 for this pot again if I needed a second for some reason. I think it's worth it.

__________________
Bah!! Who said that??

On Deck:
Primary 1: Kennedizzle Seasonal (Irish Red for St. Paddy's Day)
Secondary:
Keg 1: Cascade APA
Keg 2: Munchner Helles
Keg 3: Nada

Shameless Self Promotion:

Kennedy Photography

Jhenjum

Recipes