Your brew kettle will determine whether you are an extract brewer, or prefer all-grain. This is where the magic happens: when they boil, it becomes beer. Your brew style, budget, and preference will determine which brew kettle is best for you. You can rely on it for years of brewing.
You will have a shorter lifespan if you buy a cheap brew kettle. Also, it is likely that you will miss some essential features that are very useful when homebrewing, especially if you do it yourself.
There are many factors that you need to take into consideration when selecting the best brew kettle. To get the most from your investment, consider your future needs as well as your current needs. Today’s article will focus on beer brewing, but we’ll also be looking at the best brew kilns. You may be curious about what a Brew Kettle is, and how it’s used.
What is a Brew Kettle?
It is sometimes called a pot or teapot in some parts of the world. It’s simply a container made of metal that can be used to boil beer. It allows you to prepare any recipe with exotic flavors, and it doesn’t contain any acid. You can use the dispenser to flavor and serve your mix.
These lids are mostly made of stainless steel. To prevent CO2 loss and bacteria introduction, the lid is sealed under pressure. A mesh can be used as a filter, or to add ingredients.
List Of 11 Best Brew Kettle Reviews
1. Ss Brewtech-BE370 Home Brewing Kettle
- Although Ss Brew Tech isn’t around as long, they have had a huge impact on homebrewing. They have created many innovative features for home brewing supplies that no other company has since they launched in 2013. Some of these features can be found in their brew kettles.
- There are 6 capacity options for the Ss BrewTech kettle, including a 5.5, 10, 20, 30, or 50-gallon option. SS Brewing Technologies builds its brew pots out of heavy-duty 18-gauge stainless steel in 304 grade.
- They also have a tri-clad bottom similar to the Spike Brewing Kettle to prevent scorching. A 1/2″ ball valve, optional thermometer, etched volume markers, an optional thermometer, as well as their first-ever integrated rub dam and pick-up tube assembly are all included.
- This is a great choice for those who want a lot of features, but don’t have the budget.
2. CONCORD Stainless Steel Home Brew Kettle Stock Pot
- This CONCORD quality product is a great choice for those who are looking for the best brew kettles on the market in terms of performance and value. This product is more affordable than many other brew kettles, but it comes with everything you need.
- This brewing kettle is made of stainless steel. It will be unsurpassed in durability and resistance to corrosion. This is essential for handling acidic wort. A high-quality ball valve will be installed near the bottom of your pot to ensure that the liquid is most recoverable.
- Although the thermometer that comes with this model might not be accurate immediately, there is a calibration screw located on its back. This model is shipped deconstructed to make it easier for shipping. However, it should be easy to put back together if you have a wrench.
- You can easily disassemble this pot. This will make it more durable and easier to clean. You can always disassemble the pot to clean any difficult parts. This pot has its flaws. The most obvious is the absence of a tri-ply base. Instead, it only features a single layer. This product won’t scorch instantly, but extract brewing is our main purpose.
3. GasOne 10 Gallon Stainless Steel Home Brew Kettle
- It is made from high-quality stainless and is resistant to dust, shocks, and corrosion. The cap is secured in the middle of the bottle with a lid and valve that control the steam pressure and volume. The pot’s surface conducts heat uniformly, ensuring that the temperature remains stable throughout.
- It has a dispenser that allows you to move beer or liquor from one container to another. A latch controls the flow of liquid through the faucet. A valve can be connected to the faucet to pour it into a glass. This will allow you to taste the creation.
- The pot measures 18x15x15 inches and weighs 15 pounds. The pot can store 10 gallons per cooking. It is easy to clean the pot with soap and water. Then you can prepare the next recipe. The pot’s surface keeps any residues or other elements off the pot’s surface and from contaminating various mixtures.
- The pressure control valve controls steam pressure and steam. Steam and stress can lead to uneven or accelerated cooking. This can make it difficult for the flavors to be concentrated and mixed together. It can also control the amount of CO2 that escapes through it.
- Its durability is due to its ability to withstand high and moderate impact shocks. The alloy is also resistant against oxidation and corrosion by salts, oxygen, and other elements. It is also resistant to thermal shocks caused by climate change.
4. Gas One Stainless Steel Brew Kettle Pot
- The gas one stainless steel kettle can be used for everything from home-brewing to peanut boiling. This pot is durable, attractive, and reliable. The stainless steel kettle is finished in a satin finish to compliment your project and serve its purpose.
- The 5-gallon ALPHA stainless kettle is ready to handle any task, including turkey frying, boiling crabs, or just heating up large quantities of water. This kettle is an excellent companion to your cooking.
5. Northern Brewer – Megapot 1.2 Stainless Steel Brew Kettle
- MegaPot’s high-quality brew kettle is what has earned it an outstanding reputation. Users can swap or add accessories to the east thanks to the IsoFlow(tm), bulkhead fittings. You can also get premium upgrades with this product.
- MegaPot’s 1.2 Brew Kettle is strong because it is made from heavy-duty stainless steel. The upper rim of the kettle is also reinforced with a polished band. Customers can choose from sizes ranging from 8 to 30 gallons (or 30 to 114 Liters) to fit their needs. This product is easy to transport and has silicone-grip handles.
6. Anvil – ANVktle10g Brew Kettle
- Anvil’s 10-gallon brew kettle will not let you down when it comes to brewing. This kettle is great for brewing all-grain or the “brew inside a bag (BIAB) method.
- This high-quality brew kettle is made of 18-gauge, stainless steel 304 grade. It is durable and easy to clean. The pot has a tri-ply clad base, so it can be used on an Induction Burner if necessary.
- A dual F/C temperature gauge is also included. Also, etched internal sidewall markings for water volume in gallons or liters are included. To prevent leaks and contaminants from hiding, no rivets were used in manufacturing.
7. BREWSIE Stainless Steel Home Brew Kettle w/Dual Filtration
- Brewsie 64 QT can be made from fully polished, corrosion-free, commercial steel. There are other options for the brew kettle, including 32 and 40-quart versions.
- The false bottom aids in filtering the brew quickly. Thermometers and ball valves are useful in measuring the exact temperature and optimizing the process. The Bazooka screen, a unique filter screen that removes small particles during filtering, is included in the device. All accessories are made of 304-quality stainless. The tri-clad bottom spreads heat evenly.
- It will take less than 10 minutes to put together the accessories. It can get hot even though it has large handles. It is recommended that you use gloves and a potholder. You can measure your brew precisely using the stamped markers.
8. Northern Brewer – Edelmetall Bru Kettle
- This is just one of the minor features. It also features etched volume markings and an IsoFlow(tm), dip tube, as well as an adjustable thermometer. Customers can choose from a variety of sizes depending on how many batches they wish to brew. The Edelmetall brew kettle is the best and most popular kettle on the market. It will give you boiling bliss.
9. Bayou Classic 800-416 16 Gallon Stainless Steel
- This Bayou Classic 10-gallon Bayou Classic brew kettle, 6 pieces, will work well for homebrewers who use malt extract or the all-grain process. It can also be used as a boiler or mash tune.
- It’s made from premium stainless steel and has a try ply bottom (stainless-aluminum-stainless) to prevent scorching or burning on the bottom of the pot. The pot also includes a thermometer, false bottom, and filter screen as well as a domed lid and etched volume markings.
- There are some minor points to remember. To install the thermometer, the spigot will require some assembly. Mounting the spigot a little too high can result in about 1/2 gallon liquid remaining inside the pot. The temperature probe won’t contact liquid if the batch is smaller (up to 3 gallons).
10. GasOne 8 Gallon Stainless Steel Home Brew Kettle
- The GasOne BS32 is a kettle that you should not overlook. There are also sizes for the 32-quart kettle that can hold 40 or 64 quarts. It is made from high-quality stainless steel and has anti-corrosive and satin finishes. The steel has scale markings on the inside as well as welded ergonomics handles on both sides.
- Tri-ply aluminum is used to reinforce the bottom, which is very efficient in heat conduction. Accessories include a ball valve and spigot, a set of O-rings (mini wrench), and sealing tape. These accessories make it easy to transfer and assemble the unit. Although it doesn’t include a thermometer, the plug has predrilled holes that can be used to place one. It can be used with gas, electric, and induction burners.
11. Kegco BF XBK6-T3 Brew Kettle
- Kegco brew kettles are specifically made for brewing and can be used for many years. This 6-gallon stove-top brew pot can be used for brewing 1-5 Gallon batches, or 5 gallons of concentrated wort boils. Kegco brewing pots are made of 22 gauge, 304 stainless Steel with a tri-clad base that ensures even heat distribution. The lid of the boiling pot can be attached to the handles.
- To assist in lifting hot liquid-filled pots, the silicone handles are securely riveted. Kegco brew pots have standard 7/8″ accessory holes and weldless bulkheads that allow for customization and easy cleaning. This kettle also comes with a dial thermometer and a 3-piece ball valve in its lower bulkhead. This Kegco stockpot is ideal for small batches of brewing or as a small hot liquor storage tank.
Buying Guide for the Best Brew Kettle
The brew kettle is the most important investment homebrewers make after they start brewing. It is crucial to choose the right brew kettle. Your brew kettle will last a lifetime if you make the right choice and care for it well.
There are many factors you need to take into consideration when selecting the best brew kettle. To get the most from your investment, consider your future needs.
Budget for Success
This is the topic that no one wants to admit is most important. But it is often the most important. You need to set a budget, but make sure you balance it with the following needs. If the kettle that you like best meets your criteria, but you don’t have the funds to purchase it right away, you might consider saving money and buying a better kettle.
Although it is difficult to think about waiting until you make the investment, it may be worth it to get a smaller or cheaper kettle. You will not only lose the pot’s value, but you will also suffer a lot. You will have to start saving for the kettle you really want.
This may sound like a sales pitch. This is because I made the same mistake. Because it was cheaper than the 15-gallon stainless kettle, I purchased an 8-gallon enamel-coated aluminum kettle. It was broken and had fallen in less than one year. I needed to purchase another kettle. I purchased a 15-gallon stainless steel kettle. This kettle is still in my possession 6 years later.
Although it may seem difficult to wait and put off, investing in a kettle that you aren’t happy with is something you shouldn’t do. This is a significant investment that will be made twice in the brewery.
Size Does Matter
Volume is the most important factor in a brew kettle. Volume is essential for a full boil, plus enough headspace to prevent overflows. It is difficult to exceed the volume requirement. It’s possible to make a 10-gallon batch with a 15-gallon kettle. However, it is much more difficult to make a 10-gallon batch with a 7-gallon kettle.
When it comes to volume investing, don’t be too picky. Although it may seem that the 8-gallon kettle will be more expensive than the 15-gallon one, if you decide to brew ten-gallon batches in three years, you won’t have to buy a second kettle. A 5-gallon kettle is recommended for partial-mash brewers who make five-gallon batches.
If you can brew 5-gallon batches, and have the ability to boil the entire volume (turkey fryer burner anyone? An 8-gallon kettle is fine. A 15-gallon kettle is recommended if you are like me and brew in 10-gallon batches or plan to do so in the future. A 15-gallon kettle will allow you to start with at most 12 gallons of water, and still leave enough headspace to prevent boilovers.
Material
Aluminum and Stainless Steel are the most popular materials for brew kettles. Stainless steel is by far the best choice for a kettle. It is also the most costly. Aluminum is less expensive than steel, and it’s also lighter.
It is less durable than aluminum and must be coated with an oxide layer. This is vital for brewers. It prevents aluminum flavors from being passed on to the beer. However, it can be damaged by chemicals, scratching, abrasion, or other harsh chemicals.
Aluminum pots require special cleaners to protect the oxide layer. An aluminum pot can be a great way to save money if you feel capable of maintaining it.
Some brewers find it cheaper to purchase a stainless pot rather than spend all the time and effort to build and maintain the oxide layer on an aluminum pot.
The enamel-coated aluminum kettle is an alternative to the aluminum pot. They are a great option but can be very expensive and will eventually chip, which will expose the aluminum beneath. If you are looking to save money on a better pot, I don’t recommend an enamel-coated one.
Consider the Features & Amenities
A high-end brew kettles comes with many amenities such as a thermowell, sight glass, or a ball valve. If you have the money upfront, I recommend buying a kettle with all these features.
The kettle that’s right for you is the best choice. With a drill and some welding fittings, you can add these amenities later.
Consider which features would be most beneficial to your brew day if you have the budget to pay for certain features. The thermowell is a nice feature if your kettle doubles up as your mash tun. However, if you’re an extract and grain brewer, the ball valve may be more important for you to transfer the kettle out after cooling, or to recirculate the wort using a chiller.
Conclusion
You should consider the desired brew and the amount of water that will be used to keep the kettle from boiling. Others have useful extras like a temperature and measurement line or a quantity gauge. They are easy to clean. Brew kettle sets come with instructions and other equipment to help beginners.
Your brewing kettle is an integral part of your setup. This guide should help you find the best brew kettle for you. If you have any other questions, please leave a comment below.
