Buy once cry once thoughts

[auburntsts]

So eventually, I'd like to scale up to a 10 gal batch, all electric 240v, 3-vessel HERMS rig but an impending move this summer that might only have us in the new location for only 3 years and plus not knowing what our housing situation will be means I'm going to put these plans on hold for the foreseeable future. So now as an interim solution, I'm looking at a propane rig with a 120v RIMS tube. So here's the buy once, cry once question--is it worth it to go ahead and buy kettles with all of the ports/features necessary for a HERMS (think the same kettle config as the Spikebrewing System) or opt for cheaper kettles with fewer features for the gas system and upgrade to new kettles when the time comes?

Note: I want welded ports and have no desire to DIY the holes and fittings into an existing kettle.

 

[dunnry]

I wanted to have a Kal clone when I started brewing, but I wanted to brew extract a few times before committing to all grain. I bought the nice kettle that would go with the electric system should I upgrade. It was a terrific decision. Never looked back. You might just consider going with BIAB for now in 20 gal kettle. I have the 3V e-HERMS setup, but I like using my e-BIAB setup for smaller batches and to save time.

 

[Stealthcruiser]

I M O, if the kettles you speak of , are usable / configured for your future upgrade, then why not?

 

[auburntsts]

I M O, if the kettles you speak of , are usable / configured for your future upgrade, then why not?

I'm leaning in that direction, but want to make sure I'm not missing something obvious that would make getting the kettles configured for my long range plan right from the get go a really bad idea. For example, having TC ports installed on both the BK and HLT for heating elements even though they would be of no use for my proposed interim gas fired system.

 

[Stealthcruiser]

"
"I M O, if the kettles you speak of , are usable / configured for your future upgrade, then why not?"

Will they be a hindrance, in the interim, save for extra nooks and cranny's during cleaning, ( while not a big issue on a boil kettle.....) ?

I'm pickin' up, what you're puttin' down..........Just can't see what would be a "bad idea", unless of course , something shinier comes on the market between now and then.............

Then only you, can gauge it a "bad idea"......

 

[bassmang4]

If you can use them in your current and future state, yes buy the better kettles now with the added ports if you can afford them.

I do like the suggestion on doing BIAB for now in your situation. Get your nice HERMs mash tun now (and probably the false bottom just so you have it for future in case designs change). Use it for biab with a plugged return port. Then it will fit in your 3v herms with no modification.

 

[augiedoggy]

flip side is, then ideally your looking at tri clad bottoms that will not be used once you go electric so most electric kettles dont have them.

 

[auburntsts]

flip side is, then ideally your looking at tri clad bottoms that will not be used once you go electric so most electric kettles dont have them.

Yeah, I am anticipating that going this route will not be a perfect solution, but I'm OK with features that are usable for one setup but not another as long as those features don't negatively impact either process. Using your example, I'm OK paying more for a kettle with a tri-clad bottom as long as said bottom will have no impact on the switch from gas to electric. I'd rather do that then have to sell the old kettles for new ones in order to have the "ideal" kettle" for the new setup.

 

[singybrue]

Absolutely go tri clad! Will help prevent scorching now using the burner, and possibly the future depending on what type of electric(induction).

Normally I would say absolutely, buy once cry once, but one thing to think about-will you still want the same setup 3 years(maybe more?) from now? What if a new system/technique comes around that makes some/all of those fittings obsolete or in the wrong place? What if you decide simplicity is your deal, and go single vessel BIAB?

 

[auburntsts]

Absolutely go tri clad! Will help prevent scorching now using the burner, and possibly the future depending on what type of electric(induction).

Normally I would say absolutely, buy once cry once, but one thing to think about-will you still want the same setup 3 years(maybe more?) from now? What if a new system/technique comes around that makes some/all of those fittings obsolete or in the wrong place? What if you decide simplicity is your deal, and go single vessel BIAB?

Good food for thought. The only real benefit of going with a one-for-all approach, now that I've had a chance to ponder all of posted inputs (thanks to all BTW), is not having to change out equipment when the time comes. But I'm not sure that's really that much a benefit since odds are I'll change my mind on something before the switch (if I ever switch). If I was moving to someplace remote where shipping was an issue, it might make more sense.

 

[JDXX1971]

I am going to suggest going with BIAB also, then you only need one kettle with maybe only one fitting, or none or more depending on what process you decide on. Buy a really nice kettle with the features you need for now and you can always have more work done to it later. There are some good shops out there to do this for you, even if you have to send it to them. Maybe buy a kettle from somewhere that does this kind of work and I am sure they will be more than happy to hear from you in a couple of years when you want to spend more $$$.

 

[auburntsts]

I've got to tell you that staying BIAB (it's what I do now albeit for small batches) and just going bigger is appealing and probably the best solution for my situation. Thanks again for all the inputs!