2013 Resolution to get back homebrewing. taken about 8-10 year break for 3 kids, etc. but ready to go. have a nice Gott circular mash tun cooler from previous rig but want to upgrade to new stainless hot liquor and brew kettle with ball valves, etc. need some recommendations on manufacturers to look at. want to get a liquor tank with a temp guage nut don't think I need one on brew kettle. web has plenty of options but want to hear from some fellow BAs with experience. also thinking of buying a rig from King Kooker. money not a huge consideration but want to get some high quality reliable equipment. need to get a new wort chiller as well. Thanks to any and all with opinions and recommendations.
For a HLT you can go cheap but don't go small. For your kettle I'd advise getting one w/a tangential inlet. This way you can use a pump to whirlpool. I really like tri-clover fittings on the hot side but there are only a few kettles available with that feature. If you get a cheaper kettle and don't mind drilling holes in to you can get one of these: http://www.bargainfittings.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=151 Site tubes are nice on kettles too. My BK came w/a thermometer but I never use it.
Welcome back . . . If money really is no object you will do well at any LHBS or online store. They typically carry brands like Blichmann and Polarware which have good reputations. To save a few bucks, search Amazon for "Winware stainless steel pots". This is a middle of the road approach that has served me well. You will have to add your own valves, thermometers, and sight gauges . . . lots of suppliers of parts (I used Brew Hardware). Just about everyone sells wort chillers. I made my own and don't see how it differs from any of the others. They aren't complicated and minor variations have little effect on their results. My only suggestion here is to pick your brew kettle first, then size your chiller to match.
