Fabricating brew kettle

Burgia · 07-08-2009, 12:50 PM

I am going to fab a 15-gallon kettle out of SS. Problem is that I only have 16 gauge SS. I feel that will be thick enough for the sides but want to have something thicker for the bottom.
I can tig 2 pieces of SS together but I also have access to some 1/2" or 1/4" aluminum. I was thinking I could build the brew kettle (sides and bottom) out of the 16 gauge SS and attach either the 1/2" or 1/4" aluminum to the bottom by welding brackets on the side of my SS, and bolting that to my aluminum.

I have plenty of access to all the aluminum I need with routers saws and welders to fab a great aluminum pot, but I want to use stainless. I am a little more limited with the equipment I have for stainless.

Anyone have any experience with using an aluminum base for SS pot? If so how does it work?

Sawdustguy · 07-08-2009, 01:17 PM

For the bottom I think you would want to sandwich a 1/4" aluminum disc between 2 disc's of Stainless Steel. That way the inside of the kettle is stainless and sanitary, the exterior is stainless for good looks and easy cleaning and you are taking advantage of the aluminum's superior heat transfer characteristics. I think this is how alot of the Stainless Kettles are manufactured.

This is a description of the Morebreer Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Kettle:

Tri-Clad Bottom

Our kettles are built with a tri-clad bottom featuring an aluminum core sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. Aluminum allows for even heat distribution while the food-grade stainless steel is the only metal in contact with your wort. Even heat distribution eliminates hot spots, which prevents scorching of your malt and makes cleanup a breeze!

Burgia · 07-08-2009, 01:46 PM

Didn't think of that. That seems like the way to go. Anyone have a thought on the thickness of the aluminum? 1/4" or 1/2"?

**wilserbrewer** · 07-08-2009, 02:12 PM

Unless the plates are bonded together, I would be concerned that heat transfer would be really slow.

No go on an aluminum kettle??

Burgia · 07-08-2009, 02:25 PM

Yeah, aluminum would be easier but it seems like everything I read or hear points towards SS being much better.

I would like to hear what people think on this too.

**wilserbrewer** · 07-08-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burgia

Yeah, aluminum would be easier but it seems like everything I read or hear points towards SS being much better.

I would like to hear what people think on this too.

I have one of each, they both work well. I made the suggestion based on the fact that you stated you were perhaps better equipped to fab Al.
This topic has been beaten like a red headed step child. Pro cons Al vs SS.

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/faq-aluminum-pots-boil-kettles-49449/

Also, here is a link to an impressive DIY SS kettle that might yeild some ideas for you.
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/new-stainless-20-diy-pot-123837/

Burgia · 07-08-2009, 03:00 PM

Thanks for the link wilserberwer. May just go aluminum.

**wilserbrewer** · 07-08-2009, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burgia

May just go aluminum.

Sounds good to me...sure stainless rates higher in some books, but big thick 1/4" custom Alum. kettle would also be kickin!

16 ga SS sounds plenty thick to me... .0625 inches, that stuff is pretty tough. I wouldn't be concerned w/ the bottom. IMHO clad bottom pots are really made for thicker sauces. Wort circulates pretty well. You never hear keggle guys complaining about the lack of a clad bottom.

**samc** · 07-08-2009, 03:52 PM

Blichmann kettles are 18ga 304 stainless steel construction.

Burgia · 07-08-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samc

Blichmann kettles are 18ga 304 stainless steel construction.

Decisions, decisions. I'll have to drink/sleep on this.

Sounds like the 16ga would be plenty heavy enough. I can make this pretty easy too. Liked the looks of the one DIY SS pot.

Thanks for everyones help and suggestions!