New 10 gal brew pot or kegging setup???

[DSMbrewer]

I am trying to make a decision on what to get first. A new brew pot so I can do all grain beers or a kegging system so I don't have to bottle any more. I need suggestions cause I'm at the crossroads....very much like Robert Johnson and Eric Clapton......guidance please!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BeerPressure]

10 gallon pot. its much cheaper than a keggin system

 

[DSMbrewer]

the 10 gal pot I want would have a ball valve, sight glass. and false bottom. Way I see it, it's gonna be about $300 either way I go.....am I mistaken??

 

[462studio]

Kegging system.

I built my kegerator before I got my 15 gal pot for AG, and I don't regret it at all.

 

[jackson_d]

you want a 15 gal pot. Not a 10. Or do you mean you only and always do 5 gal batches? If you ever plan on doing a 10gal batch, you need the 15 gal...

But either way $300 is ridiculous, especially for a 10gal. I got my 15 gal pot for $100 shipped, then the parts to install my own spigot and Bobby_M's sightglass were another $100 total... $300 is waaaaaay too much for a 10gal pot...

Also, my $0.02, you dont need a false bottom. Use a hop bag or just use nothing at all. The, 2 weeks after fermentation, cold crash and all the trub drops out. No need for false bottom. I dont even use my hop bag anymore, but a hop bag is much cheaper than a false bottom if you feel you need to use something...

 

[homebeerbrewer]

I bought my kegging system before the brew pot, but I'm not sure if it wouldn't have been better the other way around. It's like the chicken/egg thing.

 

[DSMbrewer]

so Jackson, would you agree with 462 that I should go with a kegging system b4 AG 15 gal pot?? (thanks for the idea btw)

 

[Malticulous]

Kegging sucks. All grain is better. You need a cheaper pot. Mine has not let me down. A valve doesn't have to cost so much either.
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/59-dollars-really-91225/

 

[Got Trub?]

Do you have a way to control fermentation temperature yet? If not that is where I would spend my first $ as that will get you the most bang for your buck in terms of better tasting beer.

If the choice was between kegging vs all grain I would go all grain - but I like the process. If I wanted convenience I would get a kegging setup.

GT

 

[skidaddytn]

I'd say go for the pot if you are the type of person that likes to brew multiple types of beer and have a selection on hand... if you like to do one batch at a time, drink it all, and do the next, than obviously go the keg route...

I don't have a 10g pot yet, but it is for sure my next step... I don't like bottling all that much, but I like the fact that if you put the bottling time in, you can have a selection of beers to consume when you want and share with family/friends...

 

[Schnitzengiggle]

I say kegging system with at least 4 kegs, that way when you do make 10 agllon batches you don't have to bottle over 100 beers. If I could go back and start brewing all over one of the things I would do differently would be to start out kegging...and start out AG, but hindsight is always 20/20.

Kegs are so versatile, you can condition in the keg, a single vessel to bulk condition all your beer is...awesome

You can still botle from the keg, so why only bottle at all...don't get me wrong I love the novelty of bottling, and I think some beers must be bottled, but kegging gives you the versatility to do both.

Having co2 to purge fermenters, or secondaries is sweet.

The list goes on...

If you plan to brew often - keg, and keg soon. If you don't mind the bottling process, and want to increase your brewing volume go with the pot, but a sanke keg off of CL for $25 plus all of your weldless fittings (ie. ball valve, sight glass, etc...) will be less than buying a clad bottomed pot.

Having said that, I just finished my DIY kegerator a month ago, and I did buy a B315 pot form morebeer last year (15 gal kettle with ball valve and thermo fitting). I do highly recommend the kegging system over the pot, from experience.

 

[willatkinson]

Pot - $100.00 - http://bayoubrewkettle.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=35&product_id=103

Keg weldless bulkhead kit w/SS Ball Valve - $22.00 - http://greatbargain.net/opencart/index.php?route=product/product&path=44_35_46&product_id=91

Weldless 90 Sight Gauge Lit - $26.00 - http://greatbargain.net/opencart/index.php?route=product/product&path=44_35_46&product_id=116

Drain tube / pick up - $12.99 - http://greatbargain.net/opencart/index.php?route=product/product&path=44_35_46&product_id=93

Stainless Steel Mash Braid - $14.00 - http://greatbargain.net/opencart/index.php?route=product/product&path=44_35_46&product_id=96

Total: $175 + ship (~20)

 

[DSMbrewer]

both will come in time, keg and AG pot, but it is a tough decision. Which one first? Chicken or egg?
Thanks for the links Will. Schnitz, I agree with you on the versitility, but with money being a little tight, I might go with the kettle first. I bottle in bombers so it's not that big a deal to cap 25 or 26 bottles at a time. I'll start the 10 gal batches when I invest in the kegs I think!! Thanks~!