Best Brew Pot?

[Atticmonkey]

Hi all,
I am just starting into the homebrew world and was wondering about brew pots. I see alot of different pots on the market, some stainless steel some aluminum, and was wondering what the best one to use would be? I see that the stainless are considerably higher that the aluminum but was wondering if there are any major advantages to the steel? Does the aluminum pot affect the flavor of the brew in any way? Any input on this subject would be appreciated. Thanks.

Jason

 

[Mindflux]

Stainless cleans easier, but of course is heavier.

if I were to start from scratch again I'd pick up a used commercial keg, lop the top off and put a ball valve on it (like I have now) rather than messing with a 'normal' brew pot.

 

[ScottT]

I use a self modified keg as a kettle but did so only because of cost. It's cheaper than buying a good Kettle.

IMO the best kettle is a stainless 60 qt kettle with the tripple layer bottom. I want one but am not going to fork over the $200 to get one.

 

[ScottT]

http://www.northernbrewer.com/pics/fullsize/polarware-both.jpg

 

[Sir Sudster]

I agree with MindFlux and ScottT. Converting a keg is the most econmical way to go.

If you don't want to go that route Polar Ware is a good brand kettle.

 

[Cheesefood]

Depends on if you're an extract or AG brewer. Me and some others use the 22qt from Walmart for $50 and we all like it. Grain brewers need a bigger pot, hence the converted kegs.

 

[ScottT]

Depends on if you're an extract or AG brewer. Me and some others use the 22qt from Walmart for $50 and we all like it. Grain brewers need a bigger pot, hence the converted kegs.

Yes, but won't you eventually be going over to the dark side?

 

[Cheesefood]

Yes, but won't you eventually be going over to the dark side?

Not any time soon. Once I've mastered extract brewing I will, but that's a long way aways. I need a new house before I can go AG. I'm good with E+G right now.

 

[homebrewer_99]

What about the one that comes with a turkey fryer?

You could always just use the pot.

 

[Dude]

Stainless cleans easier, but of course is heavier.

if I were to start from scratch again I'd pick up a used commercial keg, lop the top off and put a ball valve on it (like I have now) rather than messing with a 'normal' brew pot.

I totally agree with this. Do it right the first time.

Of course some people have limitations on pot size if they brew in the house, but if you are brewing on a turkey fryer set-up, buy a Sabco, and then a hop-stopper. I've said this many times here, but if it weren't for the keggle/hop-stopper upgrade, I probably would have quit this hobby already.

 

[Atticmonkey]

So if I would happen to go with a converted keg brew pot, where would be the best place to find the keg to convert? Did most of you buy yours online or locally? Also is there any certain way the keg should be opened up, such as cutting tourch or metal saw? Thanks.

Jason

 

[Dude]

So if I would happen to go with a converted keg brew pot, where would be the best place to find the keg to convert? Did most of you buy yours online or locally? Also is there any certain way the keg should be opened up, such as cutting tourch or metal saw? Thanks.

Jason

You absolutely cannot go wrong with a SABCO, IMHO.

I have the universal kettle, it can easily be fitted with a thermometer, sight glass, etc., and they come looking fabulous.

Definitely worth the money and worth doing right the first time.

 

[Sir Sudster]

So if I would happen to go with a converted keg brew pot, where would be the best place to find the keg to convert? Did most of you buy yours online or locally? Also is there any certain way the keg should be opened up, such as cutting tourch or metal saw? Thanks.

Jason

I bought 1 from SABCO and found 2 locally. Check on Ebay ...they sell them there also. If you use Ebay and find one, make sure its close by or shipping will defeat the purpose.

 

[Mindflux]

I found mine via craigslist

 

[El Pistolero]

You absolutely cannot go wrong with a SABCO, IMHO.

I have the universal kettle, it can easily be fitted with a thermometer, sight glass, etc., and they come looking fabulous.

What did you get with the kettle...ball valve, temp gauge, syphon, spigot? $99 sure looks good on those, but by the time it's ready to use it looks like you're talking $250.

I assume tnlandsailor's hop stopper is a better choice than their false bottom?

 

[Mindflux]

El Pisterio,

You can get ball valves and whatnot at your local LHBS for less than sabco sells for. But to be honest, all and all I spent about 100 on my keggle. That was a weldless fitting, ball valve.. bazooka screen and the keg itself... I had to do the work myself, cutting the top out and drilling the hole for the weldless bulkhead.. but no biggy. Sure it aint as pretty as a sabco and the hole in the top is sorta wobbly.. but all i need the hole for is adding my liquids and hops.. so who cares.

 

[DeRoux's Broux]

i second mind flux. the Sabco's are nice and ready to roll when you get 'em, but there are other less expensive ways. just takes some elbow grease. all mine where cut and done by a HBC guy, and saved me bunches of money. but, we're not all that lucky.

 

[Dude]

What did you get with the kettle...ball valve, temp gauge, syphon, spigot? $99 sure looks good on those, but by the time it's ready to use it looks like you're talking $250.

I assume tnlandsailor's hop stopper is a better choice than their false bottom?

I bought the thermometer from Sabco($35), and the hopstopper and sight glass kit from Dennis was $75. The quality of that kettle is amazing, and for the total price for all that you won't come close to matching what it does.

If you have a keg already, then by all means DIY, but I wasn't about to mess around with obtaining a keg by ebay and overpaying for it, then worry about cutting it and adding weldless fittings and all that. I got that Sabco delivered to my house and it was idiot proof. The two couplings can be modified for anything you want to do with it.

For the money it is a steal, IMHO.