I have heard that alumminum is not a good idea to boil in because it puts aluminum into your beer...but is it ok to use as a HLT? I am making my brew system and don't want to buy a brand new pot if i don't have to 
Is Alumminum safe for a HLT?
- Thread starter fat x nub
- Start date
Help Support Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum:
It's fine for either.
Matter'o fact, there's a sticky in this very section about aluminum https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/faq-aluminum-pots-boil-kettles-49449/
Matter'o fact, there's a sticky in this very section about aluminum https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/faq-aluminum-pots-boil-kettles-49449/
OP
OP
Seriously. I'm an aluminum believer. I've been doing 5 gallon batches in an aluminum kettle now for about 7 batches and I just bought a 60 quart aluminum kettle for 10 gallon batches for like $80. The 7 gallon is now my HLT.
SILVER13ACK
Active Member
I just got a 10 gallon Aluminum pot after using SS exclusively in prior batches. It's awesome...10 gallon pot for $45 shipped from Sams Club. Can't beat it.
Ecnerwal
Well-Known Member
Which vendor or purchaser of a stainless kettle told you that gigantic lie?
ThickHead
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2008
- Messages
- 967
- Reaction score
- 48
Cooking with aluminum, or storing your food in aluminum and later consuming that food will positively increase your exposure to and intake of aluminum into your body. There is no arguing this fact unless the aluminum is coated in a non-seeping compound.
However, it is arguable whether this is something that is healthy or harmful. Aluminum is in the air you breath, many of the medicines you may take, the anti-persperant deodorant you may use, etc. You are exposed to it without even knowing it. As with most heavy metals that may enter your body, aluminum is one that you may or may not wish to limit your exposure to. I myself choose not to cook with it as that is one way that I can minimize my exposure to it. Having said that, I have no statistical data that tells me if my current exposure level is healthy or unhealthy. I merely choose the path of moderation.
Zymurgrafi
Well-Known Member
better shut this one down quick! The OP is happy. Let us leave it at that!
:fro:
:fro:
We've pretty much debunked the danger of using them to death. Hell even John Palmer, the author of a little book that no one around here's prolly heard of 
happens to be a metallurgist by trade, and he says it's ok.
No one thaught to look at the faq. or do a search to see what info's here?
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/faq-aluminum-pots-boil-kettles-49449/
Search Results for Aluminum
FOr those of you too lazy to click on linky's
happens to be a metallurgist by trade, and he says it's ok.No one thaught to look at the faq. or do a search to see what info's here?
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/faq-aluminum-pots-boil-kettles-49449/
Search Results for Aluminum
FOr those of you too lazy to click on linky's
ThickHead
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2008
- Messages
- 967
- Reaction score
- 48
Yep, some have. But why should that stop someone from supplying personal opinion or opinion not associated with previous posted opinion? Though I am certain many who have been here for some time could be a bit put off by questions being raised over and over and over and over and over again.
Yep, some have. But why should that stop someone from supplying personal opinion or opinion not associated with previous posted opinion? Though I am certain many who have been here for some time could be a bit put off by questions being raised over and over and over and over and over again.
But you do notice that there's only 10 posts on this thread?...Not a heck of a discusion...because it's been talked to death already. I'm just saying if you want information, or to see the opinions already posted then look at the discussions already had on the subject. In fact there's plenty of single issue threads where the discussion continues in one place already....Like the mr. beer thread, or the quick and dirty cooler conversion thread. If people have further questions/info they add to that thread...
If you guys just want to offer your opinions then have at it...if you want to actually learn something...I offered the links....
Chriso
Broken Robot Brewing Co.
This is covered in the FAQs that others have kindly linked to above, but I want to repeat it to drive the point home:
The key to safely using Aluminum is simply to build a passive oxide layer by boiling water for an hour, and then in the future, by not using caustic cleaners/etc (read: undiluted STAR SAN, among others) on them. The cleaner will strip the oxide layer, and you'll need to re-establish it. (Key word caustic: This is why wort is still fine when boiled in aluminum.)
But as long as you have an oxide layer, you are fine.
I think that sums this subject up completely.
Edit: Did not want to be mis-construed, so replaced wording "Strong acid" with "caustic" for accuracy.
The key to safely using Aluminum is simply to build a passive oxide layer by boiling water for an hour, and then in the future, by not using caustic cleaners/etc (read: undiluted STAR SAN, among others) on them. The cleaner will strip the oxide layer, and you'll need to re-establish it. (Key word caustic: This is why wort is still fine when boiled in aluminum.)
But as long as you have an oxide layer, you are fine.
I think that sums this subject up completely.
Edit: Did not want to be mis-construed, so replaced wording "Strong acid" with "caustic" for accuracy.
Sheesh, not even one of you thought to do this?
I mean, other than me, in the first reply.
Shame on all of you.
Strong acid != Caustic
It's exactly the opposite. Caustic solutions are very basic.
You mean, "corrosive."
Chriso
Broken Robot Brewing Co.
Hence the correction. Sorry - my chem skills are absolute ****e, I'll admit it. (That was the first class I ever failed. It brings back such memories.)
SILVER13ACK
Active Member
Because when you are talking about something like this, no one want's 'opinions'. They want facts, not urban legends, and what someone might have heard once upon a time.Yep, some have. But why should that stop someone from supplying personal opinion or opinion not associated with previous posted opinion? Though I am certain many who have been here for some time could be a bit put off by questions being raised over and over and over and over and over again.
Similar threads
