Getting a new kettle today

[wookiemofo]

I have about $300 to drop on a new boil kettle... I am sure there are a hundred threads out there with the same question. I just don't have time today to research... so it comes down to this:

10 gal PW $239
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/polarware-stainless-steel-brewing-pot-with-spigot-10-gallon.html

15 gal PW $300
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/polarware-stainless-steel-brewing-pot-with-spigot-15-gallon.html

10 gal BM $310
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/boilermakertm-10-gallon-kettle.html

If I go with the $240 model I'll throw the extra $60 at a keg and maybe a few supplies.

thoughts?

 

[BendBrewer]

Get the 15 gallon. If you get a 10 gallon, it will end up being a HLT eventually and you'll have to buy a new kettle.

 

[HexKrak]

+1 on the 15 gallon unless the meer thought of doing a 10 gallon batch makes you violently ill.

 

[wookiemofo]

Doesn't make me ill... makes me wonder what doing a 10 gallon batch will mean to the rest of my equipment.

10 gallon orange Mash Tun
Beer Fridge that holds 2 maybe 3 kegs with 2 to 3 taps

 

[blad3rR]

get this kettle =)

http://www.homebrewstuff.com/servlet/the-217/15-gallon-60-qt/Detail

 

[wookiemofo]

Ah, i remember looking at that. Problem is I have a $30 for $60 coupon for Midwest that needs using by sunday.

Guess i could just use that for a couple kegs

 

[bowiefan]

I have about $300 to drop on a new boil kettle... I am sure there are a hundred threads out there with the same question. I just don't have time today to research... so it comes down to this:

10 gal PW $239
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/polarware-stainless-steel-brewing-pot-with-spigot-10-gallon.html

15 gal PW $300
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/polarware-stainless-steel-brewing-pot-with-spigot-15-gallon.html

10 gal BM $310
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/boilermakertm-10-gallon-kettle.html

If I go with the $240 model I'll throw the extra $60 at a keg and maybe a few supplies.

thoughts?

My SWMBO got me a 20 gallon Al kettle with lid delivered to our door for $110 check resturantdepot.com. (and no she did not have a membership) 42qt(10.5 gal) was under $60 for aluminum and maybe $89 for stainless.

 

[Docjowles]

Doesn't make me ill... makes me wonder what doing a 10 gallon batch will mean to the rest of my equipment.

10 gallon orange Mash Tun
Beer Fridge that holds 2 maybe 3 kegs with 2 to 3 taps

Yeah I don't drink beer fast enough to justify 10 gallon batches. Gotta work on that :cross:

You can definitely fit 10 gallon batches of lower-gravity beers in a 10 gallon cooler as long as you mash thick. You can also always add gravity after sparging with some DME. When you're talking about 10 gallons of 1.080 beer no one is going to taste a couple pounds of extract.

 

[Sawdustguy]

get this kettle =)

http://www.homebrewstuff.com/servlet/the-217/15-gallon-60-qt/Detail

+1 That looks like a Mega Pot and from the description sure sounds like one too. That is the best price I have ever seen on a Mega Pot!

 

[millaj92]

I think I would want a non-reactive material

 

[d_ozz68]

My SWMBO got me a 20 gallon Al kettle with lid delivered to our door for $110 check resturantdepot.com. (and no she did not have a membership) 42qt(10.5 gal) was under $60 for aluminum and maybe $89 for stainless.

I just looked at that website, pretty amazing prices for the pots. What is the quality of the one that you just got? I was looking at the 60qt aluminum pot for just under $67.00. Seems almost to good to be true......

Edit: here is a link to the one that I was looking at..

http://www.therdstore.com/page/IFSES/ALUMSTOCK/ALST-60

 

[ShakerD]

I think I would want a non-reactive material

Can you explain what you mean?

 

[jmf143]

Can you explain what you mean?

Great question! Seems like the debate of aluminum vs. SS never dies.

 

[BierSnob]

if you want all the bells and whistles go with the boilermaker. If not, just go with a basic pot and get more gear and ingredients with the rest of the money.

 

[rustbucket]

on amazon they have a pot that is a 15.5 gallon kettle, you just have to drill it for a port stainless for 120

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VXD94A/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[Sawdustguy]

I think I would want a non-reactive material

What? The Mega Pot is Stainless Steel. They have aluminum sandwiched between stainless in the bottom for heat spreading.

 

[CDbrews]

I just looked at that website, pretty amazing prices for the pots. What is the quality of the one that you just got? I was looking at the 60qt aluminum pot for just under $67.00. Seems almost to good to be true......

I just got a aluminum 60 qt from sams club for 52 bucks shipped... quality seems fine. Just got it yesterday so I havent used it yet though.

 

[millaj92]

A clad vessel is obviously superior to any, but I was referencing the "bargain buster" all-aluminum pot. "The Al vs SS debate never dies." If you're using only grain (or extract), hops, and water you're fine. If you're custom building water that requires you to add acids or making a crazy beer (like I sometimes do) that utilizes acidic ingredients, you definitely want stainless steel or anodized aluminum, which are both non-reactive. Otherwise, you won't die or anything, you just might get some off-flavors in the wort and the pot won't last as long with regular use.