BeerguyNC61
Well-Known Member
Trying to decide what gear to get started with and wondering if Sabco's kettles are worth the price. How do they compare to Blichmann's?
Thanks
Brew-on
Thanks
Brew-on
Trying to decide what gear to get started with and wondering if Sabco's kettles are worth the price. How do they compare to Blichmann's?
Thanks
Brew-on
I gotta go with Blichmann on this one.
The Sabco kettle is 15 gallons (give or take) without a ball valve for $520.
The Blichmann has the same capacity (give or take), same basic features, with a ball valve, for about $400.
Frankly, I think Sabco has gotten just a little too proud of their stuff. About 8 years ago, they used to convert used kegs and sell them very reasonably. In fact, I have two Sabco kettles that I'm using currently that I paid $99 each for. They were used, with a 12" cut out in the top and two welded couplings each. It was a bargain. Then, almost overnight, they quit handling used kegs, went exclusively to the tri-clover design on the ports, and jacked their prices up through the roof. I think Blichmann has put a lot of thought into his equipment and offers a better value.
If you can find a used converted keg (i.e. keggle), it's a good way to save some money and get a great kettle that will last a lifetime. Try Ebay, Craigslist, etc. You might get lucky. And be patient...
In their defense stainless prices went through the roof and kegs came hard to come by. If you were to buy a brand new kettle you'll be spending upwards of $200. Plus the extensive labor to cut the hole, debur it and then weld couplers in. The price is high but so is the raw keg price and labor rate.
The Sabco kettle is 15 gallons (give or take) without a ball valve for $520.
The Blichmann has the same capacity (give or take), same basic features, with a ball valve, for about $400.
Thanks John! Very good info! Do you have any pictures of the Sabco kettles?
Yes, stainless is expensive, but brands like Bayou Classic are still pretty cheap (their primary product is turkey fryers). Also, although I don't want to be a heretic, you can brew perfectly decent beer using an aluminum turkey fryer.
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