How to make a Brew Pot

[EZFrag]

Hey. I'm a noob. I'm getting a 20 gallon Aluminum pot for Christmas. i was wondering if there are any instructions for installing a false bottom, a valve, and a thermometer?

Thanks

 

[Chosenwon]

First, try to get stainless if you can. If you can't it probably won't matter much, but there is some arguement on this subject.

Weldless fittings for a ball valve, thermometer or even sight glass usually just require a particular sized hole, for example my 1/2" stainless steel ball valves from morebeer.com required a 7/8" hole.

For a false bottom you need to measure the inside of your pot and just buy one that is as close as possible to matching the inside dimensions.

PM me if you have more questions, but it is all really simple once you gather the parts.

 

[FlyGuy]

Personally, I think thick-walled aluminum pots are superior. And with the money you save, you can purchase some do-it-yourself kits from bargainfittings.com. They have most of what you will need to make your boil kettle.

 

[wildwest450]

Personally, I think thick-walled aluminum pots are superior.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

 

[Mongo64]

If the wall of your pot is thick enough, you might be able to use a pipe thread tap and screw in your fittings. I started out with an Al brewpot and agree they are superior in most ways.

 

[Synovia]

First, try to get stainless if you can. If you can't it probably won't matter much, but there is some arguement on this subject.

There is no argument on the subject. Cooking in aluminum does not give you Alzheimers, period.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

 

[Edcculus]

Guys, I'm no mod, and you don't have to listen to me, but for Christ's sake, answer the man's questions and don't turn this into a aluminum vs stainless thread.

 

[Synovia]

http://www.greatbargain.net/order/howto1.html

 

[zman]

You could just get a Polarware kettle. The come all ready to go and they are....Stainless Steel....Yeah I went there. If you should go with...Aluminum...perish the thought!!! j/k Bargain fittings is the place to get what you need. Good luck and enjoy the new kettle

 

[tkone]

i'm in the midst of doing this with a pot i got at a restaurant supply store.

i drilled two 7/8" holes with a step bit. one for the ball valve, one for the thermo/sight glass (both from bargain fittings). was a little bit of a pain since i live in an apartment, but it wasn't bad.

drilling a 1" hole for my element next week and then a final 7/8" hole at the top for recirc'ing with my pump and i'll be done.

 

[IrregularPulse]

Apartment hole drilling will be very difficult, you'll want at least a 2 bed 3 bath house for drilling your holes. I don't understand the above post. I also recommend Bargain fittings for weldless fittings. If using aluminum, you'll just want to "season" the pot first. Boil a batch of water for 15-30 minutes then your safe.

 

[tkone]

i don't really have any space (even outside space) with which to make any messes .

so the "use water to cool" advice didn't work (i've got no way to run water over it nor collect it after) and I had to move a bunch of **** around so i could move the rug on the floor so i wouldn't ruin that.

just sayin' that you can do it even when you've got no dedicated place for making a mess

 

[Synovia]

i don't really have any space (even outside space) with which to make any messes .

so the "use water to cool" advice didn't work (i've got no way to run water over it nor collect it after) and I had to move a bunch of **** around so i could move the rug on the floor so i wouldn't ruin that.

just sayin' that you can do it even when you've got no dedicated place for making a mess

Plummer's puddy. Just put a little raised ring around where you want the hole. Fill the new "dish" with water.

 

[BargainFittings]

You could drill it in the bathtub. Have 2nd person spray the bit and hole with water (spray bottle) as you drill. Use a stopper / rag to keep chips from going down the drain... or not.

I punched a few holes using the tailgate on my pickup at a brew day. That definitely drew a crowd.

 

[Southside]

I have just cut the top out of my first keg to make it into a brew kettle. Im going to be drilling the hole and adding my ball valve in the next couple of days. However, I have a question about how everyone is making there dip tubes that go to the center. I dont have the cash to buy one. I was going to use some 1/2" copper with a 90 and then cap it and drill some small hole to act as a screen for hot/cold break material and hop matter.

Any ideas on how to do this on the cheap and any pics of what you are using would be great! thank you for any help

 

[sean6247]

After you insert the bushing, get a copper fitting that is 1/2" FIP and 1/2 copper slip on the other side. Then bend a piece of 1/2" copper tubing to end in the center of the keggle. Go the grocery store and buy a pair of copper scrubbing pads and shove between the copper tube and the bottom of the kettle for a filter. Cheap and done, no welding or anything.