Best eBIAB pot

I am eager to start my first BIAB, but I have a newbie question.

I am in the market for a BIAB pot and I am not sure which one to get. There are some requirements I would like to include. I am looking for an 80, 82, or a 100 quart pot. That’s at least 75 liters I think. I have looked at the bayou, classic 82 quart pot with the basket for about 175 usd but I was having second thoughts on it. The first issue was that I think there might not be enough room in the basket to put feet on, so as to increase the height 3 or 4 inches. Another poster on another board had this very same problem. Also I hear that the stainless on this pot is a bit thin, less than one millimeter.

I am also looking at this site http://www.kitchenfantasy.com/shopping_cart/stockpots.html and was interested in the 75 quart pot. The price is right, however, with shipping it would bring it to about 515 usd and its only 75 quarts. I really want to get a bit bigger pot to make the big beers in the big pots (I am thinking about 10 gallons of >1.080 beer, at least). Also it’s nice to have that option.

Another option would be to simply buy an Update International pot. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X1JRXW/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20 It does not have the steamer but I also found this one for a small price http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015ZNHRC/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20. The problem with this option is that I am not sure about making beer with chrome, or how strong this steamer is for 50 pounds of grain in the stockpot.

Or , I could just by a commercial stock pot like the one here http://www.webstaurantstore.com/2737/stainless-steel-stockpots.html?order=price_desc and make my own false bottom, just to have something off the stock pot so the bag won’t break. I also know about putting a plate or a pie tin upside down in the pot, but for me I am also thinking about going electric, thus the reason for having something that does have about a 3 or 4 inch clearance on the bottom.

Lastly I could go with the Bayou Classic pot like this one shown here http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VXKJJ8/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20 Its suppose to be a bit more thicker but it does not come with a steamer. On the bayou website http://bayouclassicdepot.com/1982-bayou-classic-steamer-basket.htm is the steamer and it’s a nice one IMHO, but its also pricey at over 100 usd. Or does someone on this site know of another option.
So the question is what option would be best given that I want something with a steamer or a false bottom type of accessory, and is somewhat large (80 quarts or bigger)

I hope to hear from someone that has a pot similar to what my I am looking for.

Stereo345 on eBay has a fantastic deal on kettles large and small as well as some steamer inserts. I just picked up a 100qt pot for a steal and it's great quality.

I have the Bayou 62 qt with basket. Never had an issue doing electric BIAB (see my thread). I just purchased two more to setup a eHERMS system. The basket rests on a lip that holds it above fittings, so no need to add legs/stand.

Wyzazz, another nice option to have. A few quick questions that I was not able to find the answers to on the website.

According to the ad on Ebay (80 qt size), there is a 2.5 inch gap on the bottom of the pot to the basket. Is there enough room to put a 5500 watt heat stick, Blichmann SS ball valve, and a volume sight, with a 4 or 6 inch thermowell with that type of clearance? Did you get one with the steamer? Would the basket interfere with the lid sitting on the top of the pot like what happened to cris7687?

You may want to consider skipping the basket and going with the steamer rack you posted instead. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015ZNHRC/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Many find that the basket restricts flow while recirculating, and then end up punching quite a few more holes in it. Without the basket it may be more unwieldy lifing the bag, but it is definitely manageable, and you don't have to clean a basket.

I did eventually stop using the basket in the Bayou and I had to enlarge half the holes. Bayou now has false bottoms, bought one and love it.

your false bottom looks excellent. I just wish they would have something a bit larger. I think it would also work for a 3V system. Also your thread as well is excellent.

maybe i will go with this company here. They have a 75 quart stock pot, with heavy gauge stainless and something like a false bottom.

ameliabrewery said:

I did eventually stop using the basket in the Bayou and I had to enlarge half the holes. Bayou now has false bottoms, bought one and love it.

Click to expand...

So with that false bottom, no issues with flow restriction for recirculating BIAB mashing or with draining after the boil? Looks good.

No problem at all. Drop the bag in and I recirculate the whole mash.

ameliabrewery said:

No problem at all. Drop the bag in and I recirculate the whole mash.

Click to expand...

Do you leave it in for the boil, and if so, how does it do with whole hops and pellet hops?

I leave it in boil, but I put my pellet hops in a bag, and have not used whole hops in boil.

I'm in the process of upgrading my 44 quart Bayou Classic to something around 80 quarts. Consensus is to stick with the Bayou kettles? I'm currently still on propane burner (Bayou SP10) with the new addition of a brewers hardware rims tube but would love to eventually go to completely electric.

I still have not bought my pot yet but I am eyeing this one

http://www.ebay.com/itm/80-Qt-Quart.../360532222596?pt=Cookware&hash=item53f1652284

There is something like a false bottom that comes with it and/but there is only 2.5 inch gab between the bottom of the kettle and the steamer.

I will probably get it in an hour or so

I really enjoy my aluminum pot... Just in case youre willing to go outside of SS. I think it was about 100$ with lid and shipped.

http://www.instawares.com/precision-80qt-aluminum-stock-pot.wdi-alhp80.0.7.htm?s_cseid=AMZN

The walls are 1/4" thick. It feels more solid then most SS pots I've seen. It also helps to get a great seal when using weldless fittings.

I really like my 62qt Bayou Classic.

I love my Bayou Classic 44qt too but I couldn't pass this one up for the price:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-80-QT-Q...id-/190794464420?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160

They look pretty good on this guys system!