choosing the right kettle

[superjunior]

Ok, I'm ready to step up from extract can kits. I'll start out doing a 5 gallon batch or 2, but I really want to do 10 gallon batches. I'm shopping around for a nice stainless kettle with valve and thermometer, but not sure what size would be just right to do both 5 and 10 gallon batches. I was thinking a 15 gallon should do it, but boiling about 3 gallons for a 5 gallon batch would put the wort level just below the thermometer. Would a 10 gallon kettle be too small for a 10 gallon batch? This is going to be an investment and I only want to buy one kettle to do it all. What do you guys think?

 

[Trouble_Brewing]

Maybe I'm a little confused by your question, but if I was going to invest in a bigger pot, I'd want to be ab;e to do full boils. In any case, there's no reason not to do a full boil for 5 gallons if you buy a 10 or 15 gallon pot. Also keep in mind you should start with more than 5 gallons for a 5 gallon batch. So I think the thermometer will be a non-issue.

 

[Wellshooter]

If you want to do 10 gallon batches get a Keggle. You will need at least 12 gallons in the pot to start the boil plus some head space. A 16 gallon SS beer keg is just right. Mine was converted by these guys http://www.homebrewhq.com/Default.aspx
and I got it second hand. Very well made and I have done a dozen or so 10 gallon batches in it.

 

[superjunior]

Maybe I'm a little confused by your question, but if I was going to invest in a bigger pot, I'd want to be ab;e to do full boils. In any case, there's no reason not to do a full boil for 5 gallons if you buy a 10 or 15 gallon pot. Also keep in mind you should start with more than 5 gallons for a 5 gallon batch. So I think the thermometer will be a non-issue.

thanks for the reply. the kit I just bought (5 gallon batch) saise to start with 2.5 gallons. adding a little more water will increase the ibu's, so I'd start with about 3 gallons. it goes on to say bring the temp up to about 150-165 to steep the grains. looking at the picture of a 15 gallon kettle looks like 3 gallons will be below the thermometer.

 

[Trouble_Brewing]

Most kits assume you are using a 5 gallon kettle, hence the recommended 2-3 gallon boil. I think you will get better results doing full boils. If you are concerned about the better hop utilization just cut back the bittering hops a bit to compensate. When you move to 10 gallon batches I think you'll find that using kits is not going to be cost effective anyway.

 

[goose1873]

15 gal pot or keggle...you should build a mlt and switch to all grain while you are at it...its easier then it sounds and something i regret not doing sooner...

 

[superjunior]

Most kits assume you are using a 5 gallon kettle, hence the recommended 2-3 gallon boil. I think you will get better results doing full boils. If you are concerned about the better hop utilization just cut back the bittering hops a bit to compensate. When you move to 10 gallon batches I think you'll find that using kits is not going to be cost effective anyway.

so I should start the boil with 5 gallons of water? than adding the other ingredients would give me over 5 gallons, and the boil off would bring it back to 5 gallons? I'm so confused

 

[Malticulous]

You will need a chiller, even more than a valve and thermometer. I like my cheap SS 60 qt pot more than a keggle. I can pour right out of it and It's easy to clean.

 

[Trouble_Brewing]

When you are doing full boils you always need to start with more water volume because it will boil down. The amount depends on the shape of the pot, length of boil, and a few other variables. As a rule of thumb though, you can figure on around 6 gallons to boil down to a little over 5 gallons in a 60 min boil. For 10 gallons you will need closer to 12 gallons starting volume.

I'm not saying you have to do this, but if you are going to buy a bigger pot you really should consider it.

 

[superjunior]

thanks for the replies fellas. just ordered a 15 gallon stainless kettle with ball valve and thermometer from morebeer.com. 282.00 with free shipping :rockin: wort chiller is next