Buying a new pot/kettle - advice needed

[Beer-lord]

True about the thermometers on kettles. Mine is off and I've never replaced it but use the more accurate ThermoWorks thermometer. If I ever got a new pot, I'd save the money for it and continue using the more accurate version.

[berryman]

True about the thermometers on kettles. Mine is off and I've never replaced it but use the more accurate ThermoWorks thermometer. If I ever got a new pot, I'd save the money for it and continue using the more accurate version.

I say True about Them. on the kettle also. I was going to add that to mine when I put the ball valve on because it would look cool and hi-tech, but everything I read says the same as you guys are saying. I will drill mine one of these days for the ball valve though. I think a welded fitting would be better though to get it that way to start.....

[FrozenInTime]

I have a 15 gallon megapot with ball-valve and thermometer. Love it. I do 5 and 10 gallon brews with it. It's a little overkill, but I've yet have a foam-over.

[RayF]

I have two 15 gallon tall boys used in my system. The tall boys are offered in the 8,10 and 15 gallon sizes. They are very nice kettles for the price. No ball valves or thermometers but they are easy to install yourself. I used a uni bit and cut several holes with ease.

[Kealia]

So many options!!! I think I'm settled on the SS BrewTech one for now.
Not I just need to sit tight and wait for a MoreBeer sale/coupon......

[Kealia]

And today Northern Brewer sends out a Buy One Get One FREE deal on Megapots!

Is it tempting? Yes. Could I use one as a hot liquor tank? Yes. Do I NEED two? No. Am I thinking about it? Yes.

My initial thought was to see if anybody here was interested in splitting the deal, but after tax and shipping it works out to about $195/each and I really don't need the quick pump connection kit. Plus, once shipping was included to send the pot to somebody else it becomes really cost ineffective.

Interesting offer, though - if anybody else needs two pots.

[Whamolagan]

DOIT

[FrozenInTime]

I'm tempted on the deal but I don't really need another pot. That kit that comes with it, I think would be a dust collector to me.

[Kealia]

Being non-decisive the way that I am sometimes has it's benefits. I stopped by MoreBeer yesterday and was able to look at their own line of kettles - Brew Built.

This has two nice features that I really like:
1) A notched lid that allows the lid to be on while the IC is still in the wort. This is great for hopstands IMO as it allows the wort to stay covered and I don't have to remove the IC and then resanitize and put it back in. Just one less thing to do.
2) Weldless fittings. While I've not had problems with the pieces/gaskets on my fermenter, I like the idea of less to take apart and put back together each time, fewer places for crap to hide, etc.

So now I wait still for a MoreBeer sale.....must....be....patient....

[Beer-lord]

It's hard to tell in that picture but it doesn't seem like the lid has that much space for a chiller. Maybe my last one and the new Hydra are build too large but I don't think mine would work with it.
Those prices are not bad even for a non-sale. Certainly well made kettles.

[Kealia]

Are you doubting me?!?!?!?

In person, the notch is much bigger than it looks in the picture.

[Beer-lord]

Why not buy the kettle, ship it to me and let me see if you're telling the truth?
Oh, and send the grains, hops and yeast too so I can see if the liquid markings are correct.

[Inkleg]

In person, the crotch is much bigger than it looks in the picture.

ftfy

[Kealia]

Bump.

Any thoughts on weldless versus welded connections? I was thinking that welded would be nice to not to worry about leaks but is it really necessary?

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[Whamolagan]

Less places to have to clean IMO