Which supply store has best selection of kettles?

[SEABrewer]

With Christmas fast approaching, I'm getting the inevitable "what do you want?" question, which gets increasing harder to answer since I generally go out and buy what I want, when I want it.

I've recently started putting together my first All Grain kit together and it's already in pretty good shape (rubbermaid coolers for HLT/MLT, aeration setup, stir plate, yeast starter kit, jet burner, range of fermentation vessels, etc.).

The one remaining upgrade on my list is to get a larger, good quality kettle. I don't really have the time to research kettles in a ton of detail right now, so I thought I'd just ask for a gift certificate to one of the online shops and use that towards a kettle purchase once I'm ready.

So, with that background, which online supply store would be the best choice to ask for a gift certificate from if my primary goal is to purchase a kettle? Also, is there anything else that I should think about adding to my kit?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mindsculptor]

Check out Spike Brewing. They make their own kettles and from what I've read on this forum they're some of the best available. Price wise it breaks down like this:

SB 15 gal w/ ball valve, thermometer, and sight glass: $290
Polarware 601BP w/ ball valve: $270 (at the cheapest)
Blichmann Boilermaker 15 gal w/ ball valve and thermometer: $395

 

[zachattack]

If you want to save some cash, you can also go with a 10 gallon aluminum kettle from a restaurant supply store. Many of us have gone this route. But since this would be a gift you might as well splurge

 

[Bulls Beers]

I just ordered my first Spike brew Kettle. I couldn't wait until Christmas.

 

[bad coffee]

Ebay. You can get some nice NSF stainless pots for a great price. Also check amazon.

 

[WTWjr]

It looks like you're off to a good start. A grain mill and a scale might be other items to consider picking up.

Stout Tanks http://conical-fermenter.com/ is another option for a good quality kettle.

Birdman Brewing http://www.birdmanbrewing.com/ has pretty good prices on a limited selection of Polarware kettles.

 

[DoWBrewer]

Amazon is a good option. I have purchased both of my kettles there. I would also consider subscribing to Homebrewfinds.com. They send out daily deals. The new kettles from Northern Brewer look great. I was saving to buy a 20-gallon version when I found a cheaper Bayou Classic on Amazon, but it was a tough call. The NB kettles have a lot of great features.

 

[Cyclman]

Amazon. Nice thick aluminum kettles at great prices.

 

[storytyme]

Check out Spike Brewing. They make their own kettles and from what I've read on this forum they're some of the best available. Price wise it breaks down like this:

SB 15 gal w/ ball valve, thermometer, and sight glass: $290
Polarware 601BP w/ ball valve: $270 (at the cheapest)
Blichmann Boilermaker 15 gal w/ ball valve and thermometer: $395

+1 for Spike

 

[bford]

Amazon. Nice thick aluminum kettles at great prices.

Any particular brand names or sellers?

 

[Challenger440]

Any particular brand names or sellers?

Try Winco. I believe their pots are 1/4" thick. I ended upvgoing with Thunder Group though. Some of the reviews guessed they were 1/4" and they were cheaper. Went with the 25 gallon pot myself

 

[Cyclman]

I would recommend Winware, a good commercial brand.

 

[Bmoneysmafia]

I second spikes kettles. I got a 10 gallon vertical with a thermo and 2 piece ball valve for 210.00. Great kettle and easy to clean.

 

[ktblunden]

I'm very happy with my 15 gal Spike kettle.