Cheap-ish Brew Kettle?

[rrittenhouse]

I am limited on funds especially after a starter kit + the first set of extract ingredients. Are there any certain kinds of containers I can get/use? I am thinking of going to a place such as Odd Lots or somewhere that may have a cheaper brew kettle.

I'm pretty sure that I am also looking for a 4-5 gallon kettle. I am still reading over "The Complete Joy of Home Brewing" as well as "How to Brew".

Thanks everyone!

 

[Brooklyn-Brewtality]

define "cheap"

and yes, for a partial-boil extract recipe, you will want a 5 gallon pot

 

[wilserbrewer]

How big are your two largest stockpots, if you are strapped for cash perhaps you could do a two pot boil.

If you are doing a partial boil w/ a small kettle (s), you might want to check out the "late extract" method.

As far as a cheap stock pot, search around....sorry no great ideas...maybe something used on craigslist or a garage sale would save $$$$.

You might just have two large pots already that could get a batch done, and then search out a boil kettle.

And as stated above, a five gallon pot would be nice for a partial boil, it could be done w/ a three gallon if that is what is available now for free???

 

[Revvy]

Is there a "Dollar General" in your area? I got a 5 gallon SS pot when I started brewing for 10.00. I still use it for stovetop brewing, and for 2.5 gallon All grain test batches.

 

[Pete08]

Is there a "Dollar General" in your area? I got a 5 gallon SS pot when I started brewing for 10.00. I still use it for stovetop brewing, and for 2.5 gallon All grain test batches.

+1 Although not as cheap, I saw a 5 gal pot at a "Big Lots" store for $16. A flea market might net you a pot from a turkey fryer kit for the same money or less, might even get the burner!

 

[rrittenhouse]

Well I went and looked ALL around today and I found a 22qt pot at Walmart but they want $50 for it.

I did however find a 16qt pot for I think $16 or so at Kmart but I have been told that I should have a 20qt.

This is the hardest thing to find!!! I also checked craigslist.

I might just have to sit with this: 5 Gallon Stainless Kettle

I'm going to make a new thread about the starter eqiupment that I'm looking at before I go buy. I'm hearing some conflicting methods and i'm a little lost about plastic vs carboy..etc..

Thanks everyone!

 

[JoeMama]

I went to Williamsbrewing and bought their 10 Gal stockpot (with a ball valve) for $100

Sure this is nice for full 5 gallon boils, but it doesnt do jack if I decide to go to 10 gallon batches.

For the price - Its the cheapest Ive found, and its awesome quality for the brewpot!
-Me

 

[wilserbrewer]

For 16 bucks you could have batch 1 in the fermenter...just kidding...but IMO that would git-er-done for a partial boil...no?

For 40 bucks I would look at a 40 qt alum. kettle.

 

[sakeyfour]

Look around for an enamel pot. i got one at Renys here in New England that was 29.00 for a 32 qt. No boil over for 5 gal batches. Works good on the turkey frier burner. Just don't dent it.

 

[dasein668]

Well I went and looked ALL around today and I found a 22qt pot at Walmart but they want $50 for it.

If you aren't set on stainless you could go with commercial grade aluminum stock pots. Use google and search for Adcraft Aluminum. A quick search shows that you can get a 40 quart for the same 50 bucks. This is the route I went for my 15 gallon kettle which cost me somewhere in the neighborhood of 70 bucks. The Adcraft pots that I have (60 quart and 32 quart) are really heavy duty, with the pot walls about 1/8 inch thick.

 

[Beer_Maker]

See if you can find a turkey fryer set on sale somewhere... I think i got mine around this time of year for ~$50.

 

[KYB]

Restaurant Equipment, Supply & Restaurant Supplies | Instawares has some pretty good deals. I got an 8gal and 6gal aluminum pots for about $52 shipped (free, over $50).

 

[theguy]

Sams Club has a 5 gallon pot for apx $20 - http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=328609

I bought the 15 gallon pot for about $45.