Time for a new brew kettle/pot... advice please?

[J187]

I know there are tons of these posts, but I wanted to start an open dialog.

I am switching to full AG. Going to do 5 gallon bathes in a 10 gallon pot. After reading a few of the posts here, I'm leaning toward going with a cheaper pot and adding my own sightglass and thermometer - adding a valve too if need be.

I have been leaning toward SS because I like the idea of it staying nice and being able to use PBW to clean it, but I can easily be talked out of that if you guys would make a provocative case for aluminum being easy cleanable and working just fine.

I had my eye on the Winware 40 qt SS. It's $111 on amazon, adding a sight glass/thermometer and spigot, I'll be up to $170 or more.

I know the $48 winco 40 qt aluminum stock pot on amazon is a popular choice and that seems like I could trick it out with all the bells (not a whistle fan) for around $100 or so.

What do you guys think? I'm open to anything. I definitely want to have a thermometer and valve, I think I'd like to add a sight glass but again, I'm open.

 

[LoloMT7]

Check this one out.. it's not a 10 gallon but an 8 which is big enough for a 7 gallon boil.. 10 gallon would probably be better but this just looked like a good deal so i though I would share. http://www.homebrewstuff.com/32-qt-stainless-steel-kettle-w-bazooka-screen.html

 

[forstmeister]

Check out www.homebrewing.org


I just bought a SS 9 gallon with valve and thermometer for about $90 shipped. They run specials quite often.

 

[hio3791]

I have the Bayou Classic 1060 62-Quart Stainless-Steel Stockpot and I am very pleased with it.

 

[J187]

Thanks Forst, I always forget about adventures because they don't usually come up in google searches.

 

[brew_ny]

I have the Bayou Classic 1060 62-Quart Stainless-Steel Stockpot and I am very pleased with it.

I have the same one with a spigot on it great to do 11 gallon batches in

S_M

 

[J187]

Oh I forgot about the thunder Group 40qt for $47 shipped.

 

[J187]

So far here is the way I am leaning:

Winware 40 QT professional Aluminum stock pot. $48 shipped
T325B brewer's hardware 2.5" probe thermo w/ weldless $32
Brewer's hardware weldless sight glass elbow $ 27
Brewer's Hardware two piece ball valve SS $13
Brewer's hardware SS weldless bulkhead $12

Total $132

EDIT: the above except with the kettle kit from BH which includes the 3 piece valve and elbow, as well as the sightglass kit and the thermometer for $92. Making the total around $140.

Any thoughts??

 

[J187]

Sorry for double posting... I tried to delete this thread - I didn't expect not to be able to. I really wish the mods would open up that feature to all, it's quite useful. I reposted this in the Beginner forum because it isn't getting a lot of looks here and I'm trying to fire off an order asap. Thanks!

 

[mjmac85]

What about using a keg? Over do it a bit to give yourself room to grow into. Don't forget to check craigslist.

 

[bsperr]

Also check out the Concord stainless kettles on e-bay. The prices are hard to beat and others have really enjoyed them.

 

[funnycreature]

Check out www.homebrewing.org


I just bought a SS 9 gallon with valve and thermometer for about $90 shipped. They run specials quite often.

I love dealing with AIH! They are fast to respond and very personable. I got the 9 gal SS pot with one weld and love it. Would go one size up and probably get a second weld, too.

 

[BxBrewer]

SS with welded fittings.

http://morebeer.com/products/brewing-kettle-85-gallon.html

 

[HopOnHops]

I got the 10 gallon ss megapot from austin homebrewing. Drilled a hole in it using a step drill bit and added a ss ball valve. Thing is solid as a rock. Great pot and not too bad at 80ish

 

[J187]

What about using a keg? Over do it a bit to give yourself room to grow into. Don't forget to check craigslist.

Thanks, I'm not really a keggle kinda guy. I guess the aesthetics matter to me.

SS with welded fittings.

http://morebeer.com/products/brewing-kettle-85-gallon.html

I definitely want a 10 gallon. Heard way too many people say they regret not going 10. Thanks though.

 

[J187]

I got the 10 gallon ss megapot from austin homebrewing. Drilled a hole in it using a step drill bit and added a ss ball valve. Thing is solid as a rock. Great pot and not too bad at 80ish

Where do you see that on the site? I'm missing it?

 

[J187]

The concord pots look nice. Good call on that.