Tri bottom really matter?

[Geneticjim]

Does a tribottom kettle really matter? I found a 15 gal kettle with a hole for a ball valve and graduated markings for water volume for 126. Or the same pot with out the hole or ball valve in tri bottom for 135. Then I have to drill out the hole and buy another ball valve.

 

[kristiismean]

No, it does not really matter, but it's a nice feature to have for longevity.

The one thing that I would look for when spending over $100 on a kettle would be a welded in bung for the SS valve, the welded makes like much easier than the weldless.

 

[LLBeanJ]

I wouldn't have a BK without a clad bottom, but that's me. Others get by just fine with a single layer bottom. The benefits, as I see it: if you're an extract brewer, there's no chance you'll scorch the extract if you forget to turn off the burner; if all-grain BIAB, no chance you'll burn a hole in the grain bag if you are adding heat and forget to raise the bag or put something in the bottom of the kettle to protect the bag. Not a big deal to turn off the heat or take steps to protect the bag, but I'm lazy and prefer not to have to worry about such things. YMMV.