Stout Tanks Mash Tun vs Blichmann Mash Tun (w/ false bottom)

[herman2011]

A little surprising you're having a problem with the Blichmann leaking. I suspect this is not common or they wouldn't be so popular. No? Which fitting is leaking?

 

[oakbarn]

The weldless fittings leak. If I fill the kettle the night before, all of the contents will be on the floor the next morning. If they were side by side in a store, the Stout Kettle would sell out based upon the gauge of the metal alone as it is much "stout"er. I personally like the tri clover (tri clamp) fittings as the are easy to change. For months, I never took the valve apart. We finally decided to clean it after we found another "dirty" part. I was amazed at what was hiding in the valve. Lucky it was on the hot side. We had always cleaned the valves by recycling PBW for about 30 minutes. We now do that and then take them apart and soak overnight in PBW. It takes seconds to get them apart and to reassemble the next day.

We had hung a Brewers hardware trub filter on one of the Blickmann's and had to immediately remove it as it actually caused the metal to bend around the weldless fitting. The other just started leaking after about 2 years. of use. We have replaced the o rings and while better, they still leak. We can use them to brew but If we had to do it over, they would all be Stout.

 

[Boar Beer]

I am looking for a new Brew Kettle (boil Kettle) and wondering how you keep the hops from clogging your outlet in a Stout Kettle? I only use whole hops so the whirlpool wouldn't do much for me. I see how the Blichmann would just keep the mash screen in, but without using a hop bag, what do people do?

-I want to buy this pot one time, and keep it forever.

Use a hop bag.... throw it away when your done.
It is simpler, cleaner, and cheaper.

 

[UofMontanaAlum]

The weldless fittings leak. If I fill the kettle the night before, all of the contents will be on the floor the next morning.

I have a 15G Blichmann HLT, MT and BK. I always fill my HLT the night before I brew and have never leaked a drop. I have additional holes drilled in my HLT, MT and BK for electric elements and temp probes (all weldless) and even they don't leak.

 

[oakbarn]

I have a 15G Blichmann HLT, MT and BK. I always fill my HLT the night before I brew and have never leaked a drop. I have additional holes drilled in my HLT, MT and BK for electric elements and temp probes (all weldless) and even they don't leak.

Mine did not leak at first. We have 2 Blickmanns and they both leak. We have replaced the O Rings more than once. The metal in my mind is just too thin. I had added a small 1/4 bleeder valve so I could more easily prime my March Pumps and after that I started having problems. We no longer have the bleeder valves on my Blickmanns because of the leaking problem (and they still leak slightly when brewing) The Stout Kettles have much thicker walls and the weld is strong. If you had them side by side and you did not know which was which, you would always choose the Stout equipment because it is more substantial.

Blickmann makes a good product, just Stout makes a better one.

 

[Boar Beer]

Oakbarn
We have a double Blichmann (one 55 gallon BK on top of the other) and brew 2-3 times a week. We beat the f out of it. Been through several elements, changed low water lever gauge, dropped, banged dented it with no leaks in 3 years (That we could not fix easily). You might check that you got the right O rings and did you put them on the outside of the kettle?
We do have a 3bbl BK and MT from Stout on order. And yes it’s much more rugged.

 

[oakbarn]

I might try to fix again but we mostly use our 45 gal Stout now. The original 10 gallon is now part of our "Historic Brewery" as it is what we started with. We only use the other one for hot water so not too much of a problem. I would have gone all stout from the beginning if I knew how good they are. The only SNAFU is the order time.

We do 20 to 30 gal batches with a Stout Mash Tun, A Stout HLT with Herms and the Stout BK. We have a pump for each and have a system of "t"'s and crosses with valves so we never disconnect a hose during brewing. Just reroute the liquid. It works great now that we have it figured out.

 

[Mikethedonkey]

I ordered a 15 gal BK from Stout and am now waiting for delivery. They said it should ship this month. I will let you guys know how it works.

 

[allgrainpa]

I have read reviews on both but do not have an personal exp with either one. This is my take. Sounds like stout kettles, HLT and MT are made from thicker gauge steel, provides the buyer with more options and even will customize to your spec's and price is very reasonable. The down side is you have to place a order long in advance before getting to brew and they are made in China unlike Blichmann which is made in the USA. John, the owner of stout ,is very attainable and sounds like he stands by his product. If you have a prob he will fix it.

Bilichmann has more users and a larger following. They use weldless fittings and in my opinion fittings that are welded will always be better than weldless regardless of everyone testimony. Blichmann does not provide options you get what you see. One advantage is you can go to a retailer of a boilermaker and see the product before buying it and if your LHBS is reputable they should work with you if a problem arises. And finally as stated above Blichmann is American made which is very appealing.

I am personally leaning toward stout kettles, HLT and MT. If others have added input please post. As stated I have not purchased either and Im looking to make a large investment. All input is very welcome.

 

[Schlenkerla]

Five years later....

Anybody want to see my STOUT 9 Gallon HLT & MLT Set-Up? I brew mostly sessions and do step and no-sparge. So this size is great for me.

I can do both RIMS and HERMS on a stove top with two pumps. Ones a wort pump the other is the hot liquor pump.

All TC with QDC for the water and 1/2 barbs for wort.

Without a doubt, their stuff is Stout!

I cleaned and passivated these last week. You can haul these around with confidence by the handle and the ball valve shank!

 

[6Tap]

Five years later....

Anybody want to see my STOUT 9 Gallon HLT & MLT Set-Up? I brew mostly sessions and do step and no-sparge. So this size is great for me.

I can do both RIMS and HERMS on a stove top with two pumps. Ones a wort pump the other is the hot liquor pump.

All TC with QDC for the water and 1/2 barbs for wort.

Without a doubt, their stuff is Stout!

I cleaned and passivated these last week. You can haul these around with confidence by the handle and the ball valve shank!

View attachment 649050View attachment 649051View attachment 649052View attachment 649053View attachment 649054

Nice setup!
Yep, I’m a BIG Stout Kettles fan too! [emoji482]

 

[Schlenkerla]

Also worth noting the kettle thickness on these are 1.2mm almost a 1/16th of inch verses gauge thickness sheet stock.

That means your going to get bigger TIG welds. It's less likely to burn through the wall when it's thicker.

 

[Schlenkerla]

Better close up of the welds on the MLT and HLT. Some look better than others but they look pretty solid and leak free.

Note these are so shiny that you have too look for the reflection, starting from what appears to be the middle of the weld. When its just the fillet were the rest or other half is the optical illusion.