Kettles, HLT

Home Depot sells $90 Brinkmann 10.5 gal. ALUMINUM kettles for steaming lobster and stuff. I've brewed two AG recipes that are both in the secondary and primary stages or ferm. What's the deal with the cheapness? Looking at some weldless fittings for a sight glass/thermocouple insert attachment to up the ante!! Should I veer back to stainless steel and the BLICHMANN Boilermakers (love that name) or am I good? Thoughts please...

lots of people use aluminum in their breweries. Stainless is probably better for long term use, cleans easier, lasts longer doesn't scratch as easy, etc.....

Just stay away for the lead kettles and I think you'll be fine.

"open can of worms now"

Jay

If you look at the bayou classic kettles, they're stainless and just a bit more. I've brewed in both AL and SS and honestly I think both will work fine - just make sure to condition the AL before your first brew and then as needed.

Williams Brewing sells a 10G stainless pot with ball valve for $99.99. http://www.williamsbrewing.com/BREWERS-EDGE-40-QUART-BREWKETTLE-P2366C50.aspx

The Blichmann will run over $300, so it's not in the same ballpark.

Edit: Birdman Brewing has a 42qt stainless pot for $70: http://www.birdmanbrewing.com/42-quart-economy-stainless-steel-brew-pot/