Which pot?

[Brewfat]

This
http://www.instawares.com/stainless-steel-stock-pot-sps-40.upi-sps40.0.7.htm

or this

http://bayoubrewkettle.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=103

I'm leaning towards the Bayou Classic since it is smaller diameter and taller. Should boil off less and fit on my burner better. The only thing the update has over the Bayou is a clad bottom.

Any suggestions or experience?

 

[JetSmooth]

I had the 36Qt Bayou Classic with weldless fittings. It's a great kettle. However, I found I was hitting the upper-limit of capacity. So I sold it and am planning on a keggle.

Unless you think you may go to ten gallon batches (and you WILL, trust me), I'd advise you to look bigger.

 

[Brewfat]

I have no plans to brew 10 gal batches. I am practically the only one drinking my beer so doing 5 gal batches lets me brew on a regular basis.

If i ever do end up going that route, I'd still have this pot for a HLT.

I guess the real question is if the clad bottom is important.

 

[JetSmooth]

If you're sure you'll stick to the 5 (or even 7) gallon batches, I don't think you can go wrong with that 44qt Bayou Classic. I don't think the clad bottom is that critical.

And yeah, it can always be an HLT if you step up to a keggle.

 

[Brewfat]

Thanks for the input.

What kind of evap rate did you get with the 36qt you had?

 

[JetSmooth]

I probably got about a gallon an hour at a reasonable boil. I could just about get eight gallons in and boil down to seven or so in an hour.

 

[JonK331]

Yeah I'd go with the extra four qts. capacity over the clad bottom.

 

[Brewfat]

I think you've sold me on the Bayou.

The only variable is if I decide to splurge on a Boilermaker...it's tempting.

 

[billymeter]

Morebeer has their 8 gallon heavy duty kettle as the deal of the day for $70 today. Worth looking into.