kettle size for 3 gallon batches

[nicksim86]

I looked at the Anvil 7.5 gallon today and it is really nice but not sure I'm ready to drop $215 on it. I also noticed that the Bayou is thinner than the others and has welded handles. I'm kinda leaning towards the Megapot with a 20% off coupon.

 

[popsicleian]

I looked at the Anvil 7.5 gallon today and it is really nice but not sure I'm ready to drop $215 on it. I also noticed that the Bayou is thinner than the others and has welded handles. I'm kinda leaning towards the Megapot with a 20% off coupon.

I was looking at a lot of the same kettles that you were, and that's what I ended up doing, too. I started with 1 gallon BIAB batches, but wanted to move up to 2.5-3 gallon batches. I very strongly considered the 5.5 gal Anvil, but ultimately decided that I would rather get something bigger so I'd have the flexibility to do larger batches in the future (and my last two batches have been 4 gallons, so I'm glad I did).

I have been very happy with my Megapot, and the price was pretty reasonable with the coupon.

 

[cegan09]

I have an 8.5 gallon and make 3-4 gallon batches. I wish I went with a larger one. I like 3 gallons for experimenting, but I'd like to be able to make 5 or more of a recipe i've proven.

 

[PADave]

I have an 8.5 gallon and make 3-4 gallon batches. I wish I went with a larger one. I like 3 gallons for experimenting, but I'd like to be able to make 5 or more of a recipe i've proven.

Exactly what I said earlier. The difference in price and size between 8 and 10 gallon is small, but having those 2 extra gallons of capacity when needed is huge. And if not needed, no big deal.

 

[Savagejair]

I'm late to the party- I do 2.5-3 gal Biab batches. I wish I had a ten gallon kettle. This is because as I have found this too is my sweet spot for my drinking and consumption. I now really try to do different styles and as of late they have been big beers. Grain bills over 10-13 lbs. and boil overs blow. I'll show you a pick if you like. Takes way too much time to clean. So I'm looking at a 15-18 gal pot for the room and yes if I ever want a 5 gal batch I'll have it.

 

[55x11]

right now i'm doing extract only and have found that 2.5-3.5 gallon batches are the sweet spot for my needs. I'd like to upgrade my kettle from the generic $30 5 gallon one i have now and would like the option to try BIAB sometime down the road.

My rule of thumb is that for X size batch at bottling time you want 1.7-2X size pot. Obviously less if you do extract and add water after the fact.

So for 5G batch (6G in 6.5G fermenter but loss due to fermentation and true), finish with maybe 7G in kettle, which means starting with 8G or so plus some room for Boil overs.

 

[nicksim86]

well I waited too long to decide and wanted to brew this weekend so just got the 24qt Update International kettle off Amazon prime. Eventually I'll probably get something in the 8-10 gallon range with a ball valve, but for now this should get me by on extract brews and my first forays in to BIAB.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X1MKBS/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20