Hello,
Looking for some advice with a Brew Kettle purchase.
I have currently brewed 2 partial-boil batches of beer (IPA & Stout) with a 12qt. stainless pot that I already had around the house, and it is definitely time to upgrade!
I would like to experiment with some BIAB and AG techniques, so I am thinking at least a 10 gallon kettle would be ideal. I am also on a somewhat limited budget, as getting a larger kettle is going to require other equipment (burner, chiller) to keep up with the increased volume.
I am also decided on the fact of going stainless; I have read that aluminum works fine, however stainless will be my material of choice.
I have narrowed my options down to basically two kettles, viewed here:
http://www.birdmanbrewing.com/polar-ware-42-qt-economy-pot-w-ss-ball-valve-torpedo-screen-probe-thermometer/
and
http://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-1044-44-Quart-Stainless-Steel/dp/B000VXHKMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1346787579&sr=8-2&keywords=bayou+44+qt
The Polar Ware is appreciably more $$ with slightly less capacity, but the thermometer, and ball valve seem like they would be well-used features for future brew endeavors.
What would you guys recommend between the two? Basically, is it worth the extra $$ for a built in weldless thermometer and ball valve, or is this just more to clean/sanitize, and keeping it simple with the Bayou at first is the way to go? I could always add weldless fittings to the Bayou down the road...
Any advice is much appreciated, thanks
Drew
Looking for some advice with a Brew Kettle purchase.
I have currently brewed 2 partial-boil batches of beer (IPA & Stout) with a 12qt. stainless pot that I already had around the house, and it is definitely time to upgrade!
I would like to experiment with some BIAB and AG techniques, so I am thinking at least a 10 gallon kettle would be ideal. I am also on a somewhat limited budget, as getting a larger kettle is going to require other equipment (burner, chiller) to keep up with the increased volume.
I am also decided on the fact of going stainless; I have read that aluminum works fine, however stainless will be my material of choice.
I have narrowed my options down to basically two kettles, viewed here:
http://www.birdmanbrewing.com/polar-ware-42-qt-economy-pot-w-ss-ball-valve-torpedo-screen-probe-thermometer/
and
http://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-1044-44-Quart-Stainless-Steel/dp/B000VXHKMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1346787579&sr=8-2&keywords=bayou+44+qt
The Polar Ware is appreciably more $$ with slightly less capacity, but the thermometer, and ball valve seem like they would be well-used features for future brew endeavors.
What would you guys recommend between the two? Basically, is it worth the extra $$ for a built in weldless thermometer and ball valve, or is this just more to clean/sanitize, and keeping it simple with the Bayou at first is the way to go? I could always add weldless fittings to the Bayou down the road...
Any advice is much appreciated, thanks
Drew
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