Kettle recommendations for new AG brewer

[Brew_Meister]

Long time member, with a few years off from brewing. I picked back up recently and have 5 extract/pm batches back under my belt since probably 15 in total. I am going to purchase equipment for AG. I need to upgrade my 5 gallon kettle and have decided on a 15 gallon kettle in case I decide to move to 10 gallon batches. Help me decide between these two kettles:

http://www.peoplesrestaurantequipco.com/products/Update-International-SPS%252d60-60-Quart-Stock-Pot.html

http://www.homebrewstuff.com/brewing-equipment-1/brewing-kettles/brewing-kettles-heavy-duty-15-gallon-60-quart/15-gallon-kettle-w-valve-thermometer.html

Is the extra $100 worth it for the valve and the thermometer or should I go with the first and save the $100 for other equipment?

Cheers,
Brandon

 

[MalFet]

Valves are great, and open the door to recalculations, etc. Thermometers are meh. In a kettle, the only two temperatures of any interest are boiling and not boiling, though of course that might depend on how you chill.

 

[theonetrueruss]

I bought that exact model update international from another source.. I paid 130 for mine and would do it again. I love that thing. I drilled my own holes for a spigot and a sight glass/thermometer. The proce on the second one is pretty good with the valve and thermometer already there though. Looks like the same pot to me. By the time you get drill bits, weldless kits etc you'll have spent close to the same amount.

I don't think either is a bad choice. Do what feels right.

 

[Lou1998]

I own two of these and am happy with them. I do 5 gallons right now but they have space to expand to 10 gallons. You can easily drill a hole for a valve, sight glass, etc. Or, just use and immersion chiller and racking cane with a stainless steel scrubber on the end if you aren't comfortable drilling.
http://www.waresdirect.com/products/Restaurant-Supply/Update-International-/Stock-Pot167555