Home Brewers

#501
#501
Hey Hop, arse-kickin' setup. That is one impressive gas burner; BTU's? Really enjoy your pics and posts.
 
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#502
#502
supersmo18 said:
I'm needing to upgrade to a 5 gallon brew kettle and I found this one on ebay. Camp Chef 'Hot Pot' 5 Gallon Pot | eBay

@HopVol: Have you ever used kettles that are enamel coated like this? I'm just wondering if it will be good enough to brew in and keep a boil going for the length of time needed. Don't know if the enamel coating is a bad thing or nothttp:? Any advice would be appreciated. :hi:
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Don't me to hijack...but I have been using a 32qt bayou classic stainless pot for brewing. Heavy gauge with plenty of room for 5 gallon boils. As an added bonus you get to make steamed seafood, low country boil, or cajun fried turkey to go with home brew.

Amazon.com: Bayou Classic 1118 32-Quart Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer: Patio, Lawn & Garden
 
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#504
#504
One other thing. If you can find any half barrel kegs like in my pics they make the best brew pots. You can check Craigslist or if you have any distributors near you. I got two of mine for free.
 
#506
#506
Hopvol said:
Ive never used an enamel coated pot. My only concern would be if the enamel would start chipping or peeling over time. You probably know stainless steel is best and alot of brewers will tell you not to use anything but ss. However it can be expensive. I brewed for several years in aluminum pots. I would bet you can fine an aluminum pot similar in price.

The only other thing I would add is get as big a pot as you can afford. If you get a pot that only holds 5 gallons you will have to do partial boils and top off the fermenter with water. I done this for a long time too but you will eventually want to do full boils because it makes better beer and greatly reduces your chances of contamination. You can always add a spigot to any pot later. You will also have boil overs easy in a 5 gallon pot. Hope this helps.
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Yeah, that does help, thanks. The possibility of the enamel chipping is my biggest concern, so I'll not go that route. The only thing that keeps me from going to an aluminum pot is that they're typically thin, and I don't like risking scorching. But, I am only up to partial mash kits in my abilities at this point anyway, so having this setup works fine for me right now. The last kit I made (first post at the top of this page) I used a 5 gallon SS pot for it, and it did well, but I had to borrow it and the bottom was warped. I've got a glass-top stove that I use for the boil, so with the warping on the pot, the boiling took forever. I would like to get a 7 gal pot but I'm concerned it won't fit on the stove top. I think I may end up going to a 5 gal. aluminum or SS. I just remove the boil from the heat when adding extracts until they're completely dissolved, anyway. I also use distilled water as top-off water, but unless I can get a bigger pot, then I'm stuck using the 5 gallon ones. I still sanitize everything very well, and actually use a sanitized spray bottle with sterilized water to help control boil-overs.

But, thank you for your advice. If we put our minds to it, this forum has the potential to rival homebrewtalk.com. :) Thanks, HopVol. :salute:
 
#507
#507
Hopvol said:
One other thing. If you can find any half barrel kegs like in my pics they make the best brew pots. You can check Craigslist or if you have any distributors near you. I got two of mine for free.
Click to expand...

I'll check this--we have Athens Distributing here in Chattanooga. I might be able to get some half barrel kegs from them. Good idea.
 
#508
#508
Bgasman said:
Don't me to hijack...but I have been using a 32qt bayou classic stainless pot for brewing. Heavy gauge with plenty of room for 5 gallon boils. As an added bonus you get to make steamed seafood, low country boil, or cajun fried turkey to go with home brew.

Amazon.com: Bayou Classic 1118 32-Quart Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer: Patio, Lawn & Garden
Click to expand...

Another good idea, thanks. The only thing that concerns me is the diameter of the pot, because I have to use my stovetop to heat it. It may not fit. :)
 
#509
#509
supersmo18 said:
Yeah, that does help, thanks. The possibility of the enamel chipping is my biggest concern, so I'll not go that route. The only thing that keeps me from going to an aluminum pot is that they're typically thin, and I don't like risking scorching. But, I am only up to partial mash kits in my abilities at this point anyway, so having this setup works fine for me right now. The last kit I made (first post at the top of this page) I used a 5 gallon SS pot for it, and it did well, but I had to borrow it and the bottom was warped. I've got a glass-top stove that I use for the boil, so with the warping on the pot, the boiling took forever. I would like to get a 7 gal pot but I'm concerned it won't fit on the stove top. I think I may end up going to a 5 gal. aluminum or SS. I just remove the boil from the heat when adding extracts until they're completely dissolved, anyway. I also use distilled water as top-off water, but unless I can get a bigger pot, then I'm stuck using the 5 gallon ones. I still sanitize everything very well, and actually use a sanitized spray bottle with sterilized water to help control boil-overs.

But, thank you for your advice. If we put our minds to it, this forum has the potential to rival homebrewtalk.com. :) Thanks, HopVol. :salute:
Click to expand...

Scorching can happen but if your removing the pot when adding extract it shouldn't be a problem. One other thing you can check, if you have a Bargain Hunter (Essix) or Goodwill store nearby they can be a great place to find cheap stuff. I bought a 10 gallon SS pot there a while back for $40. I used to brew on a flat top stove too and it took for ever to boil a large pot of water, you shouldn't have a scorching issue with a flat top stove either. You may want to search bargain stores and craigslist for a used turkey fryer. They will make a huge difference in boil time. One bit of advice if you buy a propane burner. Look for a flat top one. My old turkey fryer burner has a lip around it and the converted kegs wont sit on it so I had to buy the one in the pics above. Good luck!
 
#510
#510
supersmo18 said:
I'll check this--we have Athens Distributing here in Chattanooga. I might be able to get some half barrel kegs from them. Good idea.
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You can try them. I contacted ajax distributing and they said they don't actually own their kegs and couldn't help me. If you ever come up toward Nashville or feel it would be worth the trip I may be able to hook you up with a used keg you could convert to a brewpot.
 
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#511
#511
Bgasman said:
Don't me to hijack...but I have been using a 32qt bayou classic stainless pot for brewing. Heavy gauge with plenty of room for 5 gallon boils. As an added bonus you get to make steamed seafood, low country boil, or cajun fried turkey to go with home brew.

Amazon.com: Bayou Classic 1118 32-Quart Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer: Patio, Lawn & Garden
Click to expand...

Bgasman, you dont cook other things in your brewpot do you? :nono:

Just messin with you, I used to do the same thing.
 
#512
#512
Hopvol said:
Bgasman, you dont cook other things in your brewpot do you? :nono:

Just messin with you, I used to do the same thing.
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Love that turkey flavored beer!

The transfer of tastes was a real concern for us but I read somewhere that oxyclean would remove all cross contamination. Works well...keeping my fingers crossed.
Probably going to get a smaller fryer/steamer set just to be safe.
 
#513
#513
Bgasman said:
Love that turkey flavored beer!

The transfer of tastes was a real concern for us but I read somewhere that oxyclean would remove all cross contamination. Works well...keeping my fingers crossed.
Probably going to get a smaller fryer/steamer set just to be safe.
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lol, I used to do low country boils, crawfish boils, you name it in my 10 gallon brew pot. People say you can get off flavors from it but I never noticed it. My new keg pot though will have nothing in it but sweet beer. :toast:
 
#514
#514
Hopvol said:
You can try them. I contacted ajax distributing and they said they don't actually own their kegs and couldn't help me. If you ever come up toward Nashville or feel it would be worth the trip I may be able to hook you up with a used keg you could convert to a brewpot.
Click to expand...

I actually grew up in Mt. Juliet, so I do travel up there every now and again, and we're expecting our first child in the end of June, so more trips up there will be needed on a more frequent basis. :)
 
#515
#515
supersmo18 said:
I actually grew up in Mt. Juliet, so I do travel up there every now and again, and we're expecting our first child in the end of June, so more trips up there will be needed on a more frequent basis. :)
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Congratulations on the baby! My daughter was born June 29th 1998, man that was a good year. If you decide you want a keg to build a brew pot out of let me know. You would need a propane burner that could handle an 18 inch wide pot.
 
#516
#516
Hopvol said:
Congratulations on the baby! My daughter was born June 29th 1998, man that was a good year. If you decide you want a keg to build a brew pot out of let me know. You would need a propane burner that could handle an 18 inch wide pot.
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Thanks! Yes, 1998 was definitely a good year, in more ways than one for you. :) If I end up going the keggle route, what sort of equipment would I need to cut the appropriate holes in it? (for the top and for a spigot) This is really poking at my curiosity, but I really have to make sure I have the space enough to handle this type of project. I'm the only one in the home that likes beer, so my wife is already giving me the evil eye every time I buy new equipment just because of the space it takes up. :)
 
#517
#517
supersmo18 said:
Thanks! Yes, 1998 was definitely a good year, in more ways than one for you. :) If I end up going the keggle route, what sort of equipment would I need to cut the appropriate holes in it? (for the top and for a spigot) This is really poking at my curiosity, but I really have to make sure I have the space enough to handle this type of project. I'm the only one in the home that likes beer, so my wife is already giving me the evil eye every time I buy new equipment just because of the space it takes up. :)
Click to expand...

Ahh yes, the evil eye from the wife. I have seen it many times. Mine doesn't drink beer either. She has kinda gotten used to it I guess. She doesn't really give me crap any more about spending on home brew equipment. You have to wear them down with subtle but continuous pressure. :)

I used a 4 1/2 inch angle grinder with a jig I built to cut the top out of mine. The same grinder is used to polish them if you want the polished look. Some people prefer to leave them rough looking. For the holes you need a drill and a step bit. The fittings I used are weldless.

As far as space, they are fairly large compared to a cook pot. They are roughly 24" tall and 18" wide. I still have two more to build out for the hot liquor tank and mash tun then I will build a stand for them so my setup is quickly taking over my garage. If space is an issue you may want to stick with the pot and stove but I know my wife hated the smell and was happy when I got the burner to move to the garage. I also have brewed on my patio. I actually prefer brewing there when the weather is nice but it has gotten to where its just to much stuff to move outside so I brew in the garage.
 
#518
#518
Hopvol said:
Ahh yes, the evil eye from the wife. I have seen it many times. Mine doesn't drink beer either. She has kinda gotten used to it I guess. She doesn't really give me crap any more about spending on home brew equipment. You have to wear them down with subtle but continuous pressure. :)

I used a 4 1/2 inch angle grinder with a jig I built to cut the top out of mine. The same grinder is used to polish them if you want the polished look. Some people prefer to leave them rough looking. For the holes you need a drill and a step bit. The fittings I used are weldless.

As far as space, they are fairly large compared to a cook pot. They are roughly 24" tall and 18" wide. I still have two more to build out for the hot liquor tank and mash tun then I will build a stand for them so my setup is quickly taking over my garage. If space is an issue you may want to stick with the pot and stove but I know my wife hated the smell and was happy when I got the burner to move to the garage. I also have brewed on my patio. I actually prefer brewing there when the weather is nice but it has gotten to where its just to much stuff to move outside so I brew in the garage.
Click to expand...

I think I may end up brewing in the garage too, if the stove top idea doesn't work out. I like the idea of the turkey fryer pot set up mentioned above, and I'd probably end up using an LP tank and burner for heat. But of course, I probably won't be doing any turkey frying in that pot! :) Maybe the occasional low country boil or crab legs boil, but that pot would be thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned before any more of my precious beer would ever touch that pot again!

I'm gonna give Athens Distributors a call soon and see what they can do. Worst case is they say no, and I go into turkey pot mode.
 
#525
#525
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