Comes with gauge, and yes, the valve dosent have a hose adapter. But I got one at lowes for like $2.50. The bottom dosent have a clad plate in it i dont think. (Its at the guys house we brew at) We have only done 2 brews so far but it have performed very well for our needs. He seems to have...
This is what i got recently:
BREWPOT / HLT 9 GALLON HOMEBREW - eBay (item 290279788707 end time Dec-31-08 17:23:31 PST)
Just need a nipple adapter and you are ready to go! I couldn't built one for cheaper then i found this one for.