nickmv

Recipes 

So I'm looking at upgrading my 44qt SS Bayou Classic to a 15gal (60 qt) double ported welded SS kettle.

At first glance, I'm immediately looking a Spike Brewing's 15 gal setup (valve and sight glass not included) of just what I want for only $190. This guy's a local to HBT so I figure I might give him my business, but I also am one to look around before purchasing something expensive like a new kettle. Does anyone know of any competing or better deals?

I know I can beat that with a weldless solution, but honestly, welded seems to the way to go as far as longevity, durability/strength, etc. I'm open to conversation on this topic as well.

Any thoughts?

__________________
Primary: Cottage House Saison

Secondary: DFH 90 Min IPA (dry hop)
On-Deck: Cottage House Saison

Kegged & Waiting: Yooper's Oatmeal Stout, BM's Centennial Blonde, BM's Blue Balls Belgian Wit

ON TAP: Pumking, Experimental IPA, Breakfast Stout, Mint Choc Stout

2013 Beers So Far:
BM's Centennial Blonde
BM's Blue Balls Belgian Wit
DFH 90 Min IPA
Cottage House Saison

724b

Recipes 

More Beer has a 15 gallon kettle with two welded ports for $139 shipped...
http://www.homebrewfinds.com/2012/11/more-beer-15-gallon-stainless-kettle.html

nickmv

Recipes 

Yeah I saw those 2 solutions. Unfortunately, neither has a horizontal port configuration. I'd like to have my thermometer + sight glass kit on one port, and my valve on the other. Those 2 kettle shown offer neither such options, as you'd need a lot of liquid for a sight glass + thermo combo to work at the top port.

Any other suggestions?

__________________
Primary: Cottage House Saison

Secondary: DFH 90 Min IPA (dry hop)
On-Deck: Cottage House Saison

Kegged & Waiting: Yooper's Oatmeal Stout, BM's Centennial Blonde, BM's Blue Balls Belgian Wit

ON TAP: Pumking, Experimental IPA, Breakfast Stout, Mint Choc Stout

2013 Beers So Far:
BM's Centennial Blonde
BM's Blue Balls Belgian Wit
DFH 90 Min IPA
Cottage House Saison

724b

Recipes 

How about using a T on the lower ball valve port and adding your site glass there? Something like the Kettle Sight Glass Tee Connection here...

http://weldlessfittings.com/kettlefittings.html

Only, you wouldn't need a weldless connection.

Bobby_M

Vendor Ads 

Recipes 

Putting a sight glass on your bulkhead for draining is a bad idea.

__________________
BrewHardware.com
Sightglass, Refractometer, Ball Valve, Weldless bulkhead, Thermometer, Decals, Stainless Steel Fittings, Compression Fittings, Camlock Quick Disconnects, Scale, RIMS tube, Plate Chiller, Chugger Pump, Super Clear Silicone Tubing, and more!

nickmv

Recipes 

Totally agreed. That's a lot of pressure to force on a sight glass when draining.

Anyways, it's a moot point, as I just ordered the model I referenced in my first post. I think I'll be plenty satisfied, and I've supported a small-timer with good-looking work trying to do some business.

Now, if only Brew Hardware would go ahead and reopen the site so I can get my orders in for a sight glass thermo combo and a 3-piece ball valve.

__________________
Primary: Cottage House Saison

Secondary: DFH 90 Min IPA (dry hop)
On-Deck: Cottage House Saison

Kegged & Waiting: Yooper's Oatmeal Stout, BM's Centennial Blonde, BM's Blue Balls Belgian Wit

ON TAP: Pumking, Experimental IPA, Breakfast Stout, Mint Choc Stout

2013 Beers So Far:
BM's Centennial Blonde
BM's Blue Balls Belgian Wit
DFH 90 Min IPA
Cottage House Saison

dmfa200

Recipes 

Putting your sight glass at the drain port is not a good idea.
Tried it, doesn't work so good.

When draining, the level on your sight glass jumps all over the place and you will have no idea of how much fluid is leaving the kettle.

__________________
I don't know what you said, but your wrong.