Spike Brewing Kettle Review

**A4J** · 02-05-2012, 07:47 PM

First off, I got the kettle from SpikeBrewing at a discounted rate to be able to review it. [See original thread here.] I asked for an extra port/coupler for an extra $10 and I paid $160 for the whole thing shipped.

When I got it, I noticed right away that the lid handle was broken [see image below]. No big deal since I never really use the lid anyway.

Somebody else posted that the weld on the couplers aren't pretty but for the price, who cares. I agree. They didn't leak and I was able to fit my ball valves and other 1/2" fittings without a problem. It might've been better if these were male couplers instead of female couplers so I won't have to deal with nipples, but it's the end of the world.

The pot measures approximately 17 13/16" inside diameter by 14 3/16" high which is a little over 15 gallons. I don't have a caliper so I can't say how thick the kettle walls are, but they feel substantial. The whole thing weighs about 20# so this isn't some flimsy stainless steel. It is wider than it is tall and it sits past the side of my burner stand. Again, not a problem for me.

This is a tri-clad bottom pot which supposedly provides even heating for gas-fired applications. I've been brewing for the past 3 years with an aluminum kettle so I don't know if this is a real benefit or not.

**A4J** · 02-05-2012, 07:47 PM

Despite the handle on the lid being defective, the handles on the actual pot itself is pretty hefty and it didn't feel like it was going to come off.

The second coupler was placed approximately at the 7 gallon mark. Personally, I think it would've been better if it was placed a couple inches lower. For a thermometer location, it's a little too high and for an inlet port (what I was using it for), it's a little too low.

Overall, I have a few criticisms, but I'm being nitpicky because you can't beat the price.

**jholen** · 02-05-2012, 08:50 PM

Thanks for the post!

Just using an old aluminum turkey fryer pot currently.