As with many posts I’m working to step up to all grain brewing, but I don’t want to have to do this again in a year so I’m trying to figure out the right criteria for selecting a kettle. I really don’t want to think in a year from now, “If only I had known …. before I bought my kettle”.<\/span> as opposed to aluminum which will pot over time<\/p><\/blockquote>\n 2) Choose 20G or greater kettle size:<\/span><\/p>\n I’d like to be able to do 10G batches if my heart desires. A 20G kettle will allow for high gravity 10G batches, smaller kettles will make things moer challenging. also, this eliminate the frequently suggested keggle idea as this is only a 15.5G kettle.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n 3) Can live without built in valves for now, but can upgrade late if desired:<\/span><\/p>\n I’m brewing without valves with no problems. I know valves will most likley make things easier, but it isn’t a firm requirement. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly its possible to punch\/cut\/drill holes and add valves at a later time, if\/when desired<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Open questions<\/span> I’ve read a lot of forums and such so far to get here, but I’m new to this and from what I’ve learned from doing extracts is that there is a lot to thing about when.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n 5) Does base thickness matter?<\/span><\/p>\n Seems like there are ranges from 1mm to 5mm. With most hovering around 2mm. I’m guessing this is for even heat distribution, but how much is enough<\/p><\/blockquote>\n 6) Does side thickness matter?<\/span><\/p>\n ranges from not specified to 1mm to 2.5mm. Seems like just about anything would work. Any issues with punching holes on a thin one later to add valves?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n 7) Need to be NSF certified?<\/span><\/p>\n Some claim to be, many don’t specify<\/p><\/blockquote>\n 8) build construction\/materl<\/span><\/p>\n I’m not too familiar with the things I’ve seen a) aluminum wrapped\/sandwhiched in stainless steel, b) 20 gauge stainless steel, c) 18\/10 Stainless Steel, d) 18\/10 T304 stainless steel, e) 3-Ply Bottom, and many more<\/p><\/blockquote>\n 9) Anything else?<\/span>
From what I’ve read here is my starting point<\/span>
1) Choose stainless steel:<\/span><\/p>\n
4) Does 1-3 sound right, particularly #3?<\/span><\/p>\n
I’m probably way over thinking this as I’ve seen posts from many happy brewers with pretty much all the pots I’ve taken a look at, but I haven’t been able to find any criteria for choose a kettle other than size recommendations. thanks for any feedback.<\/span><\/p>\n