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DKershner · 08-28-2009, 03:37 PM

This is just a general question that isn't meant to stir up debate in anyway, and I picked Blichmann since they appear to be the most expensive kettles, but I was wondering what the price difference gets you. Is it much like other cooking equipment where the heat pattern is well dispersed and the materials used are more durable? Just wondering what you get for the money (besides the spigot and thermometer). What advantages are there over say a Bayou Classic SS Kettle, or a Keggle?

Boerderij_Kabouter · 08-28-2009, 04:21 PM

You get the best valve, thermometer, and sight-glass arrangement out there IMO. You have to factor those costs and all the fittings into the equation to compare apples to apples. A legally acquired keg costs around $75-100, then add all the parts onto the list and you are spending a bit less than the Blichmann's but in my opinion do not have as nice a set up.

The false bottom looks to be the best design available and the stepped bottom ensures a good seat. Basically, you are paying for a professionally designed and assembled tool that is specific for the job it is doing.

Keggles work great, that is what I currently use. But I illegally procured my kegs before I knew it was illegal and piece mealed my crapped together system for a couple years. In hind sight, I would have saved my money until I could affoard a nice kettle (Like the Blichmann) and bought what I really wanted the first time around.

Others will likely be here in a minute to tell me you can brew the best beer in the world for $0.50 and that they don't need to spend a bunch of money to make great beer. That is true, but I like having nice tools. It makes the hobby WAY more enjoyable IMO.

**Whiskey** · 08-28-2009, 04:25 PM

Quality, heavy gage SS, great thermometer, three piece valve and an included level glass. John stands by his product, is a home brewer himself and for me at least, Blichmann Engineering is somewhat local.

***Yooper*** · 08-28-2009, 04:29 PM

Well, that's like asking Kia vs. Cadillac. Both brands can get the job done, and some of the "cheaper" solutions work fine for many brewers. Many of us would love to have the Cadillac, though.

As was mentioned, heavier gauged steel, better handles, nicer hardware, etc. You can get the job done with a cheap turkey fryer pot, but it's a little easier to have the nice Bling-man (that's how I've always thought of it!) with the nice additions.

zman · 08-28-2009, 04:43 PM

Well I will let you know once I win the Blichmann in the HBT BJCP HOmebrew competition...lol

. I checked one out in person at one of the LHBS near me. They look pretty bad ass and Blichmann is a quality company. I am going to be downsizing to a smaller place in the next month or so and might not have the space to brew out doors. If that is the case I will have to part with my keggle and burner and get a 10g Blichmann instead. Oh the agony...

wildwest450 · 08-28-2009, 05:44 PM

You can make your own WAY cheaper. I only use aluminum pots, they heat much faster than stainless, so you save a little on propane. If I ever win the lotto, maybe, until then aluminum is just fine.

**Derrin** · 08-28-2009, 07:49 PM

I have Blichmann and B3 HD Kettles. The Blichmann is more refined but not any heavier gauge. The only 'complaint' which is more of an observation is that the Blichmann does not have a clad bottom which I feel it should for the money. The site glass and thermometer and valve are all very top quality. The B3 kettles are a little heavier duty, but much rougher, literally. The interior is almost a brushed finish and clean up takes a lot more elbow grease. The Blichmann MLT I have cleans with a wipe of the sponge, not the scrubby side either.

**jpc** · 08-29-2009, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derrin

I have Blichmann and B3 HD Kettles. The Blichmann is more refined but not any heavier gauge. The only 'complaint' which is more of an observation is that the Blichmann does not have a clad bottom which I feel it should for the money. The site glass and thermometer and valve are all very top quality. The B3 kettles are a little heavier duty, but much rougher, literally. The interior is almost a brushed finish and clean up takes a lot more elbow grease. The Blichmann MLT I have cleans with a wipe of the sponge, not the scrubby side either.

I have a 10-gallon Blichmann, and I'm satisfied. If I had to complain about anything, it would be that for five-gallon batches in a 10-gallon pot, the thermometer is mounted a bit high.

I typically get a good amount of beer stone on the bottom of my pot; every five brews or so I take Barkeeper's Friend to it to remove it, and it's good as new.

mikfire · 08-29-2009, 04:26 AM

They are a quality product. In my experience, you pay the money for the good tools or you will spend half your time fighting your equipment. Besides, they are damned sexy and they make all your brewing buddies jealous.

+1 on using Barkeep's Friend on the beer stone.

**whalenutz** · 08-29-2009, 04:35 AM

Getting the Blichman kettles IMO are a no brainer, i have disposable income every december and this year i am getting the 15/15/20 set up with the bells and whistles, the real question is the dam price on the conicals do i get two or three and if so why would i not get the others being as they are not that much cheeper i do belive i will get the blichmann but wtf why the price... why should i care, if the disposable income, because i do not like getting effed with out lube....but what the hell its the caddy as said before, just wish shipping to ak wasnt so dam pricey...anyway that my point of view...