BK bulkhead placement opinions

[JetSmooth]

I've been using various search terms to find a discussion on this but haven't found any clear recommendations so far. So direct me if y'all have a good thread going already.

I have a 36Qt SS Bayou Classic kettle coming to me on the way from Amazon. The 32Qt Al Tamale pot kept getting delayed so I eventually gave up and will refuse delivery when it arrives. $40 more for SS and an extra gallon FTW!

I just placed an order from Bargain Fittings for a SS Kettle Valve and the SightGlass and Thermometer combo. I went with the combo to reduce the number of fittings I'll be using. I may be converting this kettle to electric in the future, requiring one (or two) elements.

I am planning out the assembly and realize I don't have any information on the appropriate placement of these items. Pros or Cons.

I do plan on installing the valve under the handle, like the Blichmanns for easier so all the "stuff" is hanging off the sides. I sort of like how the thermometer is placed above the valve as well. But with the sight glass integrated, does that need to be as low as possible? Will having it installed low and at the same level as the valve be an issue for the sight glass material? Maybe above the valve by about an inch and to the side it better? GAH@! I DON'T KNOW!!!

I tried looking at a bunch of kettle photos and there are so many differences. Jus tlooking for opinions of why everyone config'd theirs the way they did.

 

[JetSmooth]

Bueller? Bueller?

 

[Bobby_M]

You'll want the sightglass port to be low as possible. Use a handheld thermometer right under the fitting with the burner running and if you read over 250F, you should use a heat shield.

 

[JetSmooth]

Excellent advice. Thanks! Good to know the temp limit.

 

[BargainFittings]

Keep in mind too that when you place the fitting low you might end up with the thermometer face below the edge of the kettle. Its good to remember that fact when sitting it on the ground or counter etc when handling it.

 

[JetSmooth]

Oooooh. Yeah. That's just the sort of bonehead move I would make.

So, as soon as the kettle arrives, I'll fill it with water and get a food flame under it and make sure the heat isn't creeping up the side over 250 AND then measure up to make sure there's enough clearance from the thermometer.

 

[JetSmooth]

Man, you weren't kidding about the size of that thermometer! Just got your shipment and it was bigger than I imagined. Nice! Thanks!