I have noticed that a lot of people have been using turkey fryers for their boils. Does anyone know if it is okay to buy a used fryer that was presumably used to deep fry a turkey? Is the oil/taste/odor permanently stuck in the aluminum pot?
Turkey fryer
- Thread starter stavebomb
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Copperpots_Brewing
Well-Known Member
Well, when people say 'turkey fryer' I think they mean the same propane burner used for turkey fryers. Not like an electronic fryer (that sounds like what you're describing). but if you're just using a stock pot, you should be okay of you bleach or oxi clean it.
Copperpots_Brewing
Well-Known Member
Kaleco said:
Barf... Get a new pot! Haha.
Why not try it, boil some clean water in it for a while and taste it. Do you taste any off flavors? If not, I'd say you're good to go. If you do, then that would seep into your beer and be a NO GO captain.
GryphonBrew
Well-Known Member
My first pot was one that I had used for turkey/fish frying as well as crab boils. I took the spigot off and replaced it with a big ball valve and nipple. I would at least replace any rubber/plastic pieces. Then I washed the heck out of it with PBW before the first use and had no problems. I still use that pot to heat spage water now.
i use a turkey fryer that i have. I did a turkey in it and just boiled water in it to build up that oxidation layer since my kettle is aluminum not SS. And i did a batch in there and everything is good so far. I tasted the wert before it pitched it and it tasted good.
I think the key is not to let the oil sit in there for long when your done. Like dont store the oil in there, pour it back into the container that it came out of.
I think the key is not to let the oil sit in there for long when your done. Like dont store the oil in there, pour it back into the container that it came out of.
HopHeadGrady
Well-Known Member
Cmon man, take some pride in your gear here... You will making beer. 
If its a good deal, I'd buy it for the propane burner if that is in good condition. As others said, boil some water in the pot and see if it tastes off or the water becomes discolored. Also, keep your eyes open for deals. I know after Thanksgiving and through the new year, our local Home Depot and Lowe's both had turkey frying kits for sale which included the burner, 40qt pot, thermometer, and strainer on clearance for $30.
yea i picked mine up for 40 complete set from bass pro pre turkey day. It came with burner 6 gallon aluminum pot turkey rack and thermometer was marked down from 80
a good deal i thought. The only bad part is the stupid safety timer on the burner, it shuts off after 15 min unless you wind the timer back up. Im gonna try to remove it. Its dumb.
a good deal i thought. The only bad part is the stupid safety timer on the burner, it shuts off after 15 min unless you wind the timer back up. Im gonna try to remove it. Its dumb.
acuenca
Well-Known Member
I bought mine on CL and had been exclusively used for such... Just clean it out with some good dishwashing detergent... and some steel wool.... oxidize if it's aluminum and you are good to go.
Likely hood of off flavors is slim even with a used pot if it is well cleaned and you boil clean water through once or twice before using to make beer. Just check after first boil if there are any oils floating on the top of the water if not you should be fine.
PapaFoxtrot
Well-Known Member
It's best not to use steel wool on aluminum(or stainless) as steel fibers can embed in the metal, resulting in rust. The green 3M scrub pads are fine - just remember they are abrasive.
Papa
I "fixed" mine with a couple of large zip ties. Turned the timer so it's "on" and then put a zip tie on each side of the dial to hold it in place. You'd probably only need one to stop its rotation.
I did one brew having to turn the timer every 15 minutes and that was enough!
klay23
Well-Known Member
Haha, I have the same issue with the timer... Picky little thing too. Had it stick and wouldn't lite back up... Turkey fryer I have works well other than that
Doubt you would get a good boil out of an electric one.
Alucard1983
Well-Known Member
if the outside is sticky and full of crap go to a industrial store and buy some degreaser spray it on there and let it sit 5-10 min then use a scrubbing pad to remove the dirt. after clean it well inside an out then you should be ready to go
if it can heat oil to frying temp, it should heat water to ~212. but i've never tried electric, i like a li'l fire under my brew.
How big is it? 30 qt?
FWIW, IMO and XYZPDQ, you're better off going with gas if you can get it. Yes, electric should get the job done. Speaking as someone who has brewed on both an electric stove and a gas stove, I REAAALY prefer having that immediate control. Electric heating elements will take some time to respond, whereas corrections to your flame will be more immediate.
Right as I get towards my hot break I like to stand there with my hand on the burner (well, burnerS in my ghetto-brew situation), ready to dial it back and then ramp it back up to avoid boil over.
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