SS Grade for HLT (304, 200 series???)

[Rangemaster75]

Hello! New here so please be gentle.

So...building a HERMS setup. Just bought a 50' Coil on sale and new need a new HLT to put it in. Looking at 10-15gal batches and a few options have shown but I have concerns. The options are:

1. Go with the standard SS keggle of 304 grade. Seems safe but limits the size to the 15.5 and I'd like to have a bit more room for 15 gal batches. However I know they are always a solid choice.

2. OBK (Canadian dealer) has so cheap SS kettles made from "series 200, 20 gauge" SS in a 19 gal size that ends up cheaper than a refitted keggle (due to cost of keggle being $99 plus a ball valve and thermometer) and the kettle comes with a ball valve/thermometer in it. It would look fine, give me extra space.
http://www.ontariobeerkegs.com/19_Gallon_Brew_Kettle_OntarioBeerKegs_p/19-gallon-2weld.htm

So, plan is either one fired by propane burner for big jumps and a 120V 2000W coil installed as and e-assist. (no access to 240V). My big concern is somewhere I read to use 316 grade SS for HLT's but can't find the source. I assume this is due to corrosion occurring.

I've searched and haven't got anything definitive. Hoping somebody here has or somebody has used a cheap/****ty kettle for an HLT and lived to tell the tale.

Thanks in advance!

 

[JLeuck64]

Hard to beat that price! Especially when you consider that you will only be heating water up to 180F/82C. That web site specializes in home brewing equipment so that brand probably works well for all who buy it I would gather. I wouldn't think twice about using one as an HLT, just bear in mind they are weldless fittings so you may have to dink around with them initially to get everything to seal up.
Good luck!

 

[NoIguanaForZ]

Series 200 stainless has a similar microstructure to series 300, but with manganese in place of nickel, which makes it A) somewhat cheaper and B) somewhat less corrosion resistant. Given the price difference, though, it should serve you perfectly well as long as you make a modest effort to take care of it.

 

[Rangemaster75]

Hey. Thanks for the replies and help. My decision ended up being made for me and I couldn't be happier. OBK ended up dropping their price massively on their 20 gal Kettles (Same build/source as the SS Brewtech and Brubuilt Kettles). Normally $389 and the had a flash sale for $195. Couldn't beat spending $25 more than the cheap 20 gauge, 200 series one that I was looking at to get 18 gauge 304 . I ordered 3 for a full HERMS setup in the near future. Score.

Thanks again for the replys.