Welp...
I made my first attempt at silver soldering on my current brew kettles. It went okay. Not near as intimidating as I was thinking it would be. What I learned is that I need a better stand to keep the kettle level and therefore keep the solder from running. Had some slight pooling outside...
Update:
I have made my first order. Tools and valves. My plan is to practice soldering in a few bulkheads purchased from brewhardware on my current setup. I have always wanted a whirlpool valve...
My plan is to make sure I am very comfortable with the the process of drilling/punching holes...
Great information, thanks. I took a look at the dimensions you spoke of with the Concord Kettles. You're right, not ideal. I think I could deal with the boil off problem but I do like to do smaller batches here and there. Oddly, The ONLY thing I have against Bayou Classic Kettles is the stamped...
When I get harassed by non brewers about making small batches I laugh. Having 3 beers or 15 gallons of beer ready to serve is plenty. I certainly find reasons to make larger batches on occasion but in general am quite happy rotating varieties frequently.
When I went to site originally, it defaulted currency to Euros and when I looked at about me, I noticed it was Netherlands. I wrongly assumed it wasn’t available to me in Minnesota. I’ll take a closer look.
Pricing things out, here's where I'm at without trying to hard to find deals. These are rough numbers...
Spike System Kettles fully setup - $1794
Stout Kettles fully setup - $1631
Concord Kettles fully setup - $1032 (This is the route I am going as of now!)
Concord Kettle Build
HLT
- 15g...
Alright... I have caught up on what the heck a bottom drain is all about. I would then physically plumb a line through my brew table and route hoses accordingly?
Soldering thread is unreal. Working my way through it right now. Confidence is building on my ability to DIY my pots. I'm especially interested in the Concord pots being the price is soooo good!
I'm going to buy the tools and practice on a few pots I own already.
Took a look at the brewbuilt...
You have confirmed my interest in AVOIDING making my own HERMS Coil. But I think I can find a better place to purchase one then as part of my original plan.
I had never heard of a hotrod. Interesting stuff. I THINK I still like the idea of a dedicated element for each pot. Especially at that price.
Thank you for the reply! At first glance they seem wider than others. I haven’t backed that assumption up yet with comparisons... Nor do I know if it matters in terms of brewing, boil off, or specifically for electric brewing... I like the price!
I’m going to price out the valve layout and...
Thanks for the great info!
-In terms of the Tri Clamps, I think that is good perspective.
-The cost saving potential of setting up my kettles is too big to pass up. I’m sold on learning and attempting it. Could you elaborate on what you mean by “punching”. I assume it to be different than...
Thank you for the resources and helping to give me confidence that I can setup my own kettles. I’m going to buy a step bit and practice install on an old kettle I have. I own one chugged pump, but am open to trying a new one and will give blichman a look.
Thanks again!
Thank you for the insight!
-Your keggles look amazing! Hearing you and others talking about installing your own valves makes me interested in exploring that route. Even if it is on a kettle.
-Glad you like the hosehead. I think my thought process is similar to yours. I’ll still mull around...