Brew pot question??

Ernie3 · 10-12-2008, 10:19 PM

Hello all, I am new to this site and Home brewing. Looks like a great site with lots of info! I just picked up a TrueBrew homebrewing kit. I also picked up a Nut Brown Ale ingriedient kit. I can't wait to get things going.... anyway My question is: Does it matter what type of brew pot I use for the Boiling part, what I really mean is the type of metal it is made of?? I will be going to purchase this in the next few days or so and I want to make sure I get the right type. I was thinking about the outdoor TurkeyFryers that Home depot and lowes sell. They come with quite large pots but I think they may be aluminum is that a problem? Any suggestions????

Thanks in advance

jrakich87 · 10-12-2008, 10:24 PM

stainless steel and aluminum are good, they distribute heat evenly.

jrakich87 · 10-12-2008, 10:30 PM

I might be mistaken, but I think steel pots with an enamel coating are bad for brewing, since you can chip the enamel and expose the steel underneath.

**nukebrewer** · 10-12-2008, 10:31 PM

I've only done two brews so far, but I use a 32 qt aluminum pot for my brew pot and it has done fine so far.

-AJ

**eddie** · 10-12-2008, 10:32 PM

Some people claim that aluminum pots contribute a metallic taste to their beer. I use a stainless pot but I've had beers that were brewed in aluminum and I didn't notice anything. I think it might be subject to individual taste. Either way, it's worth it to get the fryer if only for the burner which will allow you to do larger boils. Try the aluminum pot and see if it works for you.

jay4e · 10-12-2008, 10:35 PM

The aluminum that comes with the fryer is good. Preboil water in it for 30 min or so to oxidize the aluminum then only clean it with a sponge don't scrub it. Also I would sugest not using any cleaners on it. Just fill it with water after use and let it soak to loosen the residue at the top after a boil. Long as you clean it after your done brewing it won't need heavy scrubing.

In the future you may decide to upgrade to stainless since its more durable but for now the aluminum will be good.

Sean · 10-12-2008, 10:37 PM

It absolutely must be made of 100% cobalt.

Or aluminium, or stainless. Do a search you'll find some fun stuff!

talleymonster · 10-12-2008, 10:57 PM

The turkey fryers work wonderfully. Many of the brewers on here use them. The aluminum is fine.

Parker36 · 10-12-2008, 10:59 PM

I have 5 gallon stainless pot that was formally used for brewing and now serves to heat water for the mash. Boil now happens in a 10 gal aluminum pot. Both work fine, just don't scratch

Ernie3 · 10-12-2008, 11:14 PM

Cool, I guess the Turkey Fryer it is. My B-day is in a couple of weeks and I almost always wind up with a Home Depot gift card from the In-laws, and with Thanksgiving coming there should be plenty to be had

...Hey thanks for the info too!

Do you guys think I should designate this pot just for brewing? Maybe I should get a second pot just incase I want to try frying a turkey this year...or deep frying wings or something?Thanks again