Help with kettle size 10 or 15 gal

[schach23]

Hey guys,

New brewer here

Doing my first few extract batches then going to transition to all grain. Not sure if I want to do the BIAB or partial mash but either way I need a new boil pot. I cannot decide between a 10 gallon or 15 gallon. I don't see myself doing 10 gallon batches but I do see myself doing 90 min boils and high gravity stuff stouts. Most of my batches will be 5 gallon batches. I want to buy one time and get something that will last on my propane burner. Basically looking for size recommendations.

Thanks

Scott

 

[Eugenio]

Id recommend the larger one if space isnt a constraint.

I have an 8gal one, and when doing full grain 90 minute boils, the wort is to within 1" of the rim, a 10g one would probably be just right but I would still worry about boilovers. And with a 15 gal I think you could do some 10g batches if needed.

 

[mainiac]

I agree . . . I am in the process of upgrading my brew rig from an 8 gal pot. I do BIAB, and full volume 5 gal batches can be quite a challenge with heavier grain bills. I had considered going to a 10 gal pot, but looking back on my experience thus far, I opted for a 62 qt (15.5 gal) pot. I rather have extra vessel space to accommodate heavier grain bills, be able to do a true full-volume mash, and not worry about boil-overs . . . especially since I brew exclusively indoors electrically.

I will probably keep my 8 gallon rig to do my apple ales that only require 2.5 gal of wort, but I think that unless you are looking to do half-batches, the 15 gallon pot will suit you better in the long run.

 

[MEPNew2Brew]

I agree - 15 gallons. I am an AG brewer. For a 5.5 gallon batch of 1.070 brew of IPA, I start with about 7.25 gallons pre-boil. (For those thinking that is a hell of a boil off, there is a fair amount of loss to trub.) 10 gallons does not leave a ton of room for boiling. So, I'd recommend the 15.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Concord makes a 50 qt., 12.5 gallon stainless steel, about $85 on eBay shipped.

Nice SS pots for the money, or at any price for that matter

 

[AirAssault]

I think either one will suit your needs for 5 gallon batches just fine. But with that said, your needs may change in the future and you might decide that you want to start doing 10 gallon batches. If you can afford it I would go with the 15 so you arn't restricted in the future if you decide to move up to 10 gallons. If your handy, a keggle may be an option to look into as well.

 

[doug293cz]

If you think you might do BIAB, pass on a keggle. The bags tend to hang up on the rim making bag removal more difficult and messy.

I'll also weigh in with the others saying 15 gal, for all of the reasons given already.

Brew on

 

[wilserbrewer]

You could consider an inexpensive 10 gallon, then if and when you want to do 10 gallon batches do it right w/ a 20 gallon kettle...
40 qt alum $29.99
http://www.staples.com/Supera-AP-40-40-qt-Aluminum-Stock-Pot/product_1115499