Downsides to 100qt pot

[Bachhus]

Hello, I've been checking out the site for a while now and am getting ready to build a stand and start brewing on my own. I'm leaning towards an aluminum kettle due to cost difference. I've sourced a 100qt pot for a good price. I plan on starting with 5 gallon batches but would like the option of doing 10 gallon, including higher gravity styles.

My question, is a 100qt too large for 5 gallon batches? Any downsides to using one this size for it?

Thanks
Mark

 

[Clonefarmer]

Hello, I've been checking out the site for a while now and am getting ready to build a stand and start brewing on my own. I'm leaning towards an aluminum kettle due to cost difference. I've sourced a 100qt pot for a good price. I plan on starting with 5 gallon batches but would like the option of doing 10 gallon, including higher gravity styles.

My question, is a 100qt too large for 5 gallon batches? Any downsides to using one this size for it?

Thanks
Mark

If you have the equipment to heat something that large than there should be no problem.

 

[Sean]

A standard Turkey burner will heat it just fine for 5 gal batches, and will work for 10 gal batches as well. Just slower. You will probably have a lot of surface for boil off, so you will need to make sure you do not over-reduce your wort.

For an aluminium pot that size, you might consider at least 6mm thickness. In my opinion. The handles tend to fall off thinner pots.

 

[mwsenoj]

Also, something to consider is your evaporation rate. It should be higher the wider the pot is.

(Al oo minnie yum) is how they say it down under

 

[Berock]

Downside: The additional money from compared to a smaller pot and storage space for a bigger pot. Very little downside in my opinion.

 

[BrewThruYou]

Haha. I read that as 100gallons and thought "Why are these people saying it's fine?"

 

[Bachhus]

Thanks for the fast responses! Not sure if i'm doing it a** backwards or not but I am actually going to design my stand and system around my kettles to an extent. Once I get them I will mock up a height that allows me easy access to what I need to do.

I'm planning on using natrual gas plumbed from my garage so i have been researching burner options. Once I get the pots I'll desing the stand, I've got the welder and bandsaw and necessary skills to fab that part up.

Mark

 

[Catt22]

Thanks for the fast responses! Not sure if i'm doing it a** backwards or not but I am actually going to design my stand and system around my kettles to an extent. Once I get them I will mock up a height that allows me easy access to what I need to do.

No, you are not doing it backwards at all. IMO, it's much preferable to design the stand around the kettles. This will help you avoid undesirable surprises.