Stainless Weldless Fitting Question

Scottatron · May 26, 2013

I currently brew 2.5 gallon batches and I am currently using a cooler mash tun. I want to upgrade to using all stainless steel. I am wondering if a small pot (say 2 or 3 gallon) pot would be to "curved" to create a seal that won't leak. Does anyone use a weldless fitting on a smaller pot? All the threads I've seen on the forum mostly discuss using a weldless fitting on a converted keg.

Does anyone use these fittings on a small pot in their setup?

Thanks in advance.

user 103238 · May 26, 2013

You should be able to drill the hole high enough to avoid the contour and to ensure a good seal, and use some sort of a dip tube to pickup the fluid that is below the valve.

Bobby_M · May 26, 2013

I think the OP means just the radius of the smaller pot being an issue. I don't think so. The gasket has a lot of give and the pot wall itself will flatten a bit under the compression.

KeystoneHomebrew · May 26, 2013

Get hi-temp "fat" silicone gaskets and it shouldn't be an issue. One on each side (even though one should suffice) and you're home free.

user 103238 · May 26, 2013

I really wish you'd stop using logic Bobby.

. Serves me right for responding after a 4.5 mile run.

Slight thread hijack - just brewed Friday after adding the thermometer and sight glass to my 62-quart brew kettle. Worked like a champ!!

Bobby_M said:
I think the OP means just the radius of the smaller pot being an issue. I don't think so. The gasket has a lot of give and the pot wall itself will flatten a bit under the compression.

Scottatron · Jun 2, 2013

Thanks for all the advice! I'm going to take the plunge and use a smaller pot.

KeystoneHomebrew · Jun 3, 2013

The most important thing is to use what works. All the fancy equipment in the world is useless if it doesn't create awesome beer!

Scottatron · Jun 8, 2013

I've ordered and received my weldless fittings and I plan to use a bazooka screen for a false bottom. Is there a general rule as to where to drill the hole in the pot (mash tun)? I'm assuming as close to the bottom as possible. For my cooler mash tun, I just drilled a hole close to the bottom (it didn't come with a spigot), attached my stainless braid and it worked fine.