$100 Brew Kettle??

[Craig311]

If you were stuck with a standard turkey fryer setup that consistently isn't large enough for the beers you like to brew (5 gallon AG full boils)... and had $100 dollars you could spend on a brew kettle right now...

What would you get? Or would you recommend saving a bit more? Or investing elsewhere first?

To explain where I am... I'm using a converted round cooler for a MLT, the turkey fryer setup, fermenting in the "swamp cooler" fashion, and bottling. My short term goals are to have a larger kettle and start kegging (kegging setup + temp controller + keezer.)

I figure I should focus on the brewing process first and get the kettle. Bottle a few more batches while looking for a freezer, etc. What would you do?

 

[JetSmooth]

$100 ought to get you a used keg and weldless fittings.

I have been using a 36Qt kettle with weldless fittings on a Bayou Classic SP10 burner for three brews now. Putting the kettle (and a carboy and spare sixtel keg) on Craigslist so I can buy the fittings to upgrade an old Sankey I picked up.

 

[jmick]

here's what I use. 60 qt stock pot

it is well under your $100 range; or you could go even larger with an 80qt for $65. I have been really happy with the purchase.

 

[S0meB0dy]

I would recommend checking craigslist for some used kegs. You can usually get them for $20-30 a piece. Then you can add some fittings or just use it with the top cut off and use a siphon.

 

[Airborneguy]

I agree with looking around for a used keg/keggle/pot first. I found mine here recently for $100.

Also, do you have a restaurant supply store anywhere near you? They can be great sources for affordable pots.

 

[smokinghole]

I second restaurant supply places. I got a real nice 40qt pot with a thick aluminum bottom, and a stainless mash paddle for $100.

 

[HItransplant]

I second restaurant supply places. I got a real nice 40qt pot with a thick aluminum bottom, and a stainless mash paddle for $100.

agree..

I just spent like 3 weeks looking around to find the best deal/bang-for-your buck and surfing this forum looking for opinions on the ideal size of brew kettle for full boils......finally picked up a stainless 40 quart kettle (same as megapot) for ~100 bucks (shipped) from instawares.com.

good luck.

 

[509inc]

I bought a 8 gallon aluminum pot from wall mart for $30.

 

[vinyl_key]

I'd vote for a used keg and the parts needed for a keggle

 

[nicadrick]

+1 on the used keg setup up. If you watch clist you should be able to round up what you need. I was able to get 2, 1 for BK and 1 for HLT, including having the tops cut for under $100.

 

[Elshauno]

Check this 40 qt stainless pot for under 100 same as the mega pot made by update international http://www.waresdirect.com/products/Restaurant-Supply/Update-International/Stainless-Pot168823

 

[HopHead24]

I bought three kegs with two welded fittings shipped to my front door for $325. Check craiglook.com no not craigslist. Look for a guy named Ben!!! I should have asked for another fitting to add on of Bobby Z's sight glasses.

 

[Craig311]

Thanks for all of the replies. I think the instawares pots might be best for me right now. Hopefully the future holds bigger and better!

 

[Craig311]

Well... The $100 has turned into $250. Does that change your opinions? I'm pretty set on getting a kettle.

 

[smokinghole]

Dude I'd still go with something from a restaurant store for like $100 then use the other $150 for other brew gadgets.

 

[Craig311]

Dude I'd still go with something from a restaurant store for like $100 then use the other $150 for other brew gadgets.

That's what I'm thinking. Thanks!

 

[Malticulous]

I got my 60 qt SS pot from Cabela's for $59. I've seen a 100 qt aluminum pot at Sportsman's Warehouse for $99 some time ago.