So I'm finally upgrading to a larger brew kettle (20gal). I'm going with the Bayou 82qt for $159 shipped from Amazon. It gets great reviews from homebrewers. I was wondering if anyone knew of a better value or had any negative experience with this pot. I figure it will minimize or eliminate boilovers on 5 gallon batches and I'll even be able to brew 10 gallons with minimal boilover risk. Cheers! http://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic.../ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
If you are not against aluminum, you can check this one out: $77 shipped http://www.homebrewfinds.com/2014/0...de.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
I figure it will minimize or eliminate boilovers on 5 gallon batches At twenty gallons capacity that's a lock. But take a look at the dimensions, do you really want something that large? My largest 5 gallon batch tops out at around 7.25 gallons in the boil . . . that's only 1/3 of what this big boy holds. If you're planning on 10 gallon'ers you'll have to siphon or add a ballcock valve, just be aware. I'm not trying to talk you out of anything, but compare it to this one.
I get that its overkill for a 5 gallon batch for sure but I'm looking forward to the day when I'm doing 10 gallon batches (using a siphon to get the wort to the fermenter after cooling). I'm currently using a 32qt stainless pot for 5 gal batches and plagued with boilovers. Thanks for the replies. I'm leaning toward stainless vs aluminum. Considering that $160 on this bayou 82qt pot will probably cover my brew kettle needs for the next decade or two I don't even know why I'm hedging on this.
Even at 10 gallon batches having an extra 10 gallons for boilover room seems a little excessive. I think most people ise a Keggle which is 15.5 gallons and its just fine.
It''s not in the price point you're presently considering; I really am loving my 15 gal MegaPot 1.2: http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/...ent/brew-kettles/megapot-1-2-brew-kettle.html Is a quality piece. With the thicker base, I've yet to have scorching. Heats nice and even. Northern runs gift card sales here and the, buy a $100 gift card, get $20. If you're an AHA member they'll give you a discount. So you can get the true price you pay down to close to your price within this thread.
Same here. But boilovers are a routine occurrence. A 20 gal kettle would go a long way towards fixing that problem. (as, I suppose, would a less beefy burner)
I think I'm going witht the 20 gal stainless and maybe throw a few squirts of simethicone in there for boilovers if I'm doing a 10 gallon batch. I appreciate all the advice, kind of just checking that I wasn't missing something very obvious. Ive looked at keggles and Al pots but pretty sure I can spend the 160 on the SS 20 gal. Cheers!
It's a good pot, I have one with this http://www.homebrewing.org/1875-82-qt-Bayou-False-Bottom-Assembly_p_3530.html false bottom as a mash tun for ten gallon batches.
Ya that's overkill for even 10 gallon batches, I use the Bayou 15.5 gallon and put a ball valve on the bottom and brew 12 gallons easy. Save yourself money unless you plan on going bigger later and brewing half barrels.
If I was in the market for a kettle today, I'd get at least a 20 gal for 10 gal batches. 13 gallons of wort will boil over very easily in a 15.5 gal keggle.
Reinheitsgebot, dude! In this context, I'd rather use a bigger kettle than add something to the beer as a workaround.
Bayou's are thin, but serve the purpose for really cheap. If you can afford it, get a thicker one like a mega pot. Keg lessors great too. I agree, boil over isn't gonna be a problem with that kettle. I do 5 gal in 10 gal pot and usually don't have a problem with boil overs.
