Is this acceptable as a brew kettle?

[zepolmot]

I'm wondering if anybody has had any experience using these as brew kettles: http://www.target.com/Granite-Ware-Canner-Rack-Black/dp/B000BZSZQU/ref=huc_ic_1_pn

The description doesn't really mention cooking in it and I'm not sure if it'll throw any off flavors into the wort. I imagine it won't given that its meant for food prep anyway, just looking for verification.

 

[CrystallineEntity]

It'll work. Apparently the porcelain can crack after a while. So it might not last too long. Stainless or aluminum is better. But if that's all you can afford then go for it.
Definitely acceptable.

 

[CDbrews]

you can probably find an aluminum pot that is bigger for the same price or less... check sams club online they have good prices on aluminum stock pots

 

[wilserbrewer]

That will certainly work fine...I believe Target also carries a larger aluminum tamale steamer that might serve you better and last longer??

 

[stratslinger]

I agree it looks good - but for only a few bucks more, Walmart carries an aluminum tamale pot - I think it's 28qt - that would be just about big enough for you to do full boils when you're ready.

 

[ImperialLover]

I used it; but that one is a little small. I had the larger version (8gal) granite ware canner. Do a search and you'll find the 8 gal version for about $35-$40.. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V6W5VA/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20 The only thing that sucks about that version is there are no handles.

As stated above, you can mess them up quickly. I used a metal spoon to stir the wort for one of my boils and it scratched the bottom of the pot. The next time I pulled it out to use it, the scratch was rusted. I had to continually remove rust and use vegitable oil on it. I don't know of a way to fix the issue that is boil proof so I just removed the rust every time I used it. Hope it helps.

 

[zepolmot]

Great, thanks everybody. Found this one http://www.target.com/IMUSA-32-qt-Aluminum-Tamale-Steamer/dp/B001ARYXNW/ref=sc_qi_detaillink

Now if they just had it in stock...

 

[DemonIAm]

Roses sells a 5 gallon stainless pot for $12.99. It's a little thinner than the more expensive ones, but It'll get the job done!

 

[dorklord]

Roses sells a 5 gallon stainless pot for $12.99. It's a little thinner than the more expensive ones, but It'll get the job done!

Roses? Is that a department store someplace?

Anyway, for those that have scratched their enamel pots, there are kits out there that contain the correct kind of paint for fixing those scratches/chips.

One year when I was in scouts, we fixed the beat up enamel pots that we had.

Basically you remove the rust, clean the area, let it dry, paint on the enamel paint, let it dry for however long the bottle says, then sand smooth...I think the instructions included putting it in the oven empty once before you use it, to heat-set the enamel or some such.

 

[mvnegassi]

I have both a porcelain pot and an aluminum tamale steamer. I never use the porcelain pot as a boil kettle anymore because the bottom is excessively thin which leads to scorching if I crank up to a vigorous boil. The tamale steamer is way better. I bought mine at Target from the clearance rack for $14. Full price is $20 I believe.

 

[zepolmot]

Just ordered the 32qt tamale pot from target too, ought to be here within a month.