Time for a new brewpot or save the old one?

[jdlev]

I've got a 20 gallon stainless steel boil kettle which I installed a 5500w element into. The bottom of it looks to be starting to pit. There a little rust spots forming about the size of a pen head in various spots - but it's only on the bottom of the brew kettle. I've tried everything to get rid of them...CLR, bite brew, oxyclean, pressure washer...and I think they're here to stay.

Is there a way to save this pot? I've got about $400 in parts in the thing, and would really like to keep it, but don't want rust to get into my beer either.

 

[flars]

The pits most likely occurred by scratching the bottom with a steel spoon(?) or scrubbing with steel wool(?) which removed the oxide layer. The oxide layer can be reformed with the use of food grade citric acid powder. I don't remember the correct dilution. This will renew the oxide layer, but the pits will remain. The pits will require extra attention for cleaning, but if it is a good quality pot I would keep it.

 

[Malted_hops]

use Bar Keepers Friend (the powder works better than the liquid IMHO) and a green scrubby pad. Should remove the rust and help repassivate.