Ss Brewing or MegaPot

[Marc77]

If you're going weldless I'd consider Bayou Classic pots. Their 20 gallon pots are dirt cheap ($114 on amazon right now) and you can drill and make the pot exactly how you want it. I've done 5 gallon and 10 gallon extract batches and haven't had any problems. I'm moving up to all grain in a month and eventually I'm going to build a kal clone set up with the Bayou's. If I end up switching them out for something else then so be it.

But unless I'm missing something I don't see any point in spending the same amount for one pot that I can for three Bayou 20 gallon pots. Granted you have to do the work yourself. But as I said then you can make it exactly the way you want them.

 

[SpikeBrewing]

If you're looking for a welded option follow the link below . We also have the capability to weld in TC fittings (and we do it better than anyone).

www.spikebrewing.com

 

[tmendick]

If you're looking for a welded option follow the link below . We also have the capability to weld in TC fittings (and we do it better than anyone).

www.spikebrewing.com

I probably would have went with spike, but I wanted induction capability

 

[SpikeBrewing]

I probably would have went with spike, but I wanted induction capability

Fair enough. That's the one down side of single layer kettles.

 

[garrettbuckeye]

I probably would have went with spike, but I wanted induction capability

Same here.

 

[Abrayton]

Old thread I know. Wondering if anyone has more thoughts on this? I’m torn between the two kettles.

 

[Rev2010]

Old thread I know. Wondering if anyone has more thoughts on this? I’m torn between the two kettles.

Are the Spike kettles out of your price budget?


Rev.

 

[Abrayton]

Are the Spike kettles out of your price budget?


Rev.

Not necessarily but they are a bit higher when Northern Brewer has 20% off and free shipping. The mega and SS also come with ball valve and dip tube including the price

 

[BarleyPopBrewer]

Not necessarily but they are a bit higher when Northern Brewer has 20% off and free shipping. The mega and SS also come with ball valve and dip tube including the price

An old adage comes to mind; You get what you pay for. Get the Spike. It's on a higher level than any other kettles out there IMO. You will not be disappointed.

 

[Vale71]

The only thing I don't like in my SSB kettle is the trub dam. It's way too small and even with a good whirlpool you'll end up picking up some trub at the end. One thing to consider if that's the deciding factor for your.

 

[Abrayton]

The only thing I don't like in my SSB kettle is the trub dam. It's way too small and even with a good whirlpool you'll end up picking up some trub at the end. One thing to consider if that's the deciding factor for your.

Other than the dam or whirlpool, is there some other method or gizmo. I currently whirlpool and auto siphon from the side which is a PITA, one of my reasons for wanting an upgrade kettle

 

[Rev2010]

Other than the dam or whirlpool, is there some other method or gizmo. I currently whirlpool and auto siphon from the side which is a PITA, one of my reasons for wanting an upgrade kettle

I got a Spike Kettle recently. Main came with some dings and stuff so they sent me a replacement, but I got it with the sidewall diptube and I can tell it's going to be a big help! With the stepped bottom and it drawing from the top lip side wall I can just tell I won't have anywhere near the issues I had with my Blichmann G1 when doing beers with adjuncts like my Belgian Wit. My Blichmann valve used to clog constantly due to the orange peel and coriander. With the Spike's sidewall top step pickup diptube I can't see that happening at all. In addition, the Spike uses a slightly larger diptube/ball valve diameter of 5/8". At first I kinda thought this stupid as it's outside the standard 1/2". Surprisingly though I found that my 1/2" silicone tubing fits on snugger and doesn't require any sort of clamp to hold it in place which on my MegaPot 1.2 (which I use for my sparge water) the 1/2" tubing doesn't hold on very securely on it's own. And when looking at the ball valve barbs I can see the difference and also feel the wider opening would also help prevent clogging.

Lastly, the welded ports are nice. I can't stand how the valve on my Megapot is always rotating which requires I rotate it back and re-tighten. The trick to installing the ball valve and thermometer so that they are in upright position (meaning not rotated or upside down) is to add teflon tape wraps until it finally screws in to where it's tight and leveled.


Rev.

 

[Tagobolts]

Looking to get a brew kettle (and wort chiller) to complete my setup. I havn't brewed for a while but when I did I used a 5 gallon pot (it probably wasn't even that big as I know I had to always add water to my carboy). Was looking online and also came across this. the Spike stuff looks awesome (and it has my initials) but not sure I can afford that type of investment when just getting back into brewing again. Might have to just pick up one from Amazon or something.

 

[Art2019]

Not to throw a monkey wrench in the gears, but have you looked at spikebrewing.com? I was in the same boat as you (although I went 15gal) a month or so ago and ended up with a Spike. Great pot! It isn't tri-clad, but honestly I'm doing full boil 10gal all grain batches in it and haven't had any issues with scorching. If you're planning to mash in it, I could see tri-clad being important for the even heat distribution. My main concern was getting welded couplers. The last thing I wanted was an o-ring to go in the middle of a boil.

That said, I do have an SSbrewtech 7gal chronical and it rocks, very high quality and super functional, so I'm guessing their kettles are pretty sweet too. The trub dam on the kettle is intriguing and might help keep your wort nice and clear, although with a good whirlpool (I stir my Spike like crazy) and some time to allow it to settle I don't have issues picking up trub when I'm filling the fermenters.

Best of luck with the purchase, and let us know how the first batch goes!

Cheers.

I apologize for being off topic. I'm looking at 15 gal brew kettles as well and Spike is on the list I've narrowed down (Ss Brewtech & MegaPot are other 2)
What ports do you have on your kettle and are they all TC or did you opt for NPT? I'm just getting into biab from extract so don't quite have a handle on what to get or what not to get, at this point.
I asked rep (Mike) for a quote on a simple setup for biab brewing & he sent me one for 4 ports - thermometer, ball valve, recirc, & whirlpool (and included pump).
I thought it was a bit overkill & asked him about what & why he included so much. I'm waiting for reply Monday.

 

[Art2019]

..

 

[Spartan1979]

So, you like Ss 15 gal? Just starting to research equip for biab for doing 5 gal batches. Looking at Ss, Megapot, & Spike.
I like the features but location of thermostat, a tech said it was at the 5 gal mark, which was pretty high for my purposes. Most I'm reading on, states they use a digital instead of thermometer attached, anyway. And I noticed you have it plugged.
Do you like it pretty well? I've just ordered my 1st all grain kit coming soon.

You're asking a question of a member that hasn't posted in more than 4 years.

 

[Art2019]

You're asking a question of a member that hasn't posted in more than 4 years.

Ooops!