Bobby - thanks for the thorough response and overview. I've got no real compelling reason to go bottom drain, so I'm intrigued by the Brewbuilt 20 and the Slingblade. But - if a bottom drain kettle can fit in my stand without requiring serious modifications (stand photo below), I'd be willing...
After years of brewing in a electric keggle, I'm moving up to an actual electric kettle and am looking for others experiences. Generally done 10 gallon batches but on higher gravity beers or when I've pushed volume up to 13-14 gallons, obviously gets a bit tight on the boilovers. I'm also...
The Hydra is amazing as a chiller. I've used all three of the main types (plate, counterflow, and hyrda) - and the hydra is the clear winner for ease of use and quick chilling. If I didn't already have one, I'd be all over this.
Sokoloski's FTW. Not much for beer selection, but amazing for a good hearty polish meal.
Also not brewery related - but I always have a great meal at the Nauti Mermaid on W 6th St. Good beer selection, and the food is fantastic.
The other option is to pick up a 5 gal cooler. Get the sparge water a few degrees above target, dump it into the 5 gal cooler and run off your wort into the main kettle. This will allow you to get your wort heating towards a boil while proceeding with your mash.