Best Places To Buy A Brew Pot For Beer

If you're looking to buy a brew pot for beer, you'll want to consider the size, shape, material, and features of the kettle. The size of the kettle will depend on the batch size you want to brew, with options ranging from 2-gallon kettles for small batches to larger kettles that can accommodate up to 55 gallons. The shape and material of the kettle are also important, as tall kettles can reduce evaporation loss and prevent boil overs, while stainless steel is durable, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight. Additionally, you may want to consider a kettle with features such as measurement markers, a built-in thermometer, or welded ports for added convenience and safety.

Online retailers for brew pots

There are many online retailers that sell brew pots for beer. Here is a list of some options:

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of brew pots and kettles in different sizes and materials. Some of the options available include:

• VEVOR Brew Kettle: Available in 5-gallon, 16-gallon, and 40-quart/10-gallon capacities. The 5-gallon and 16-gallon options come with a filter and filter tray, while the 40-quart option includes a lid, thermometer, and ball valve spigot.
• BREWSIE Stainless Steel Home Brew Kettle: Features dual filtration, a false bottom thermometer, and a ball valve.
• Bayou Classic 40-qt Stainless Stockpot: Features heavy-duty welded handles and a domed lid, perfect for large batch cooking.

Midwest Supplies

Midwest Supplies offers a range of brew kettles and burners, including:

• 8-gallon Undrilled Brew Kettle and Burner Kit
• 8-gallon Brewhouse Ignition Pack
• 10-gallon MegaPot Undrilled Brew Kettle
• 15-gallon MegaPot Brew Kettle
• 20-gallon MegaPot 1.2 Undrilled Brew Kettle

MoreBeer

MoreBeer offers a variety of brew kettles, burners, and accessories. They carry stainless steel brew kettles in different sizes, ranging from five gallons to 55 gallons. MoreBeer also offers modified kettles with welded couplers and outdoor burners that can support heavy brew kettle weights.

Northern Brewer

Northern Brewer provides a range of brew kettles and pots, including:

• 5-gallon Brew Kettle in Stainless Steel: Recommended for new brewers, this kettle is ideal for extract brewing and features polished stainless steel.
• 8-gallon MegaPot Undrilled Brew Kettle: Perfect for performing a full wort boil on any 5-gallon batch.
• 10-gallon MegaPot Brew Kettle: Accommodates 5-7 gallon batches and is suitable for long-term use.
• 15-gallon MegaPot Undrilled Brew Kettle: Can accommodate 5 or 10-gallon batches, giving you the option to brew different batch sizes.
• 20-gallon MegaPot Brew Kettle: Allows you to boil up to 17 gallons of wort, making it ideal for brewers who want to make big batches.

Homebrewing.org

Homebrewing.org offers an extensive selection of brew pots and kettles catering to homebrewers of all levels. They carry top-quality brands such as MegaPot, Brewmaster, and Blichmann. You can find various capacities, from 5-gallon to 55-gallon pots and kettles, ensuring you can achieve consistent results regardless of batch size.

The Home Depot

The Home Depot offers a range of beer brewing kits and equipment, including:

• VEVOR Electric Brewing System: A 9.2-gallon all-in-one home beer brewer with a 35-litre brewing pot and 1800-watt power.
• VEVOR 8-gallon Brewing Stock Pot: An all-in-one home beer brewer made of 304 stainless steel.
• VEVOR 16-gallon Brewing Pot: Features a thermometer and a tri-ply bottom, ideal for home brewing.

Brew pot sizes

When it comes to choosing the right pot for brewing beer, there are several factors to consider. The size of the pot you need depends on the volume of beer you want to brew, the type of brewing process, and the equipment you have available.

For a standard 5-gallon batch of beer, a 10-gallon pot is typically recommended. This allows for enough space to prevent boil-over and accommodate the loss of volume during boiling. For larger batches, a 15-gallon or 20-gallon pot may be more suitable. Some brewers choose to brew in smaller batches and reuse their pots, rather than investing in a larger pot.

The type of brewing process also determines the size of the pot. For all-grain brewing, a larger pot is needed compared to extract brewing. A general rule of thumb is that the pot should be at least 50% larger than the batch size, and ideally double the capacity to prevent boil-over. For example, a 5-gallon batch of beer would require a 10-gallon pot.

When choosing a brew pot, it is also important to consider the heat source. Larger pots may require a more powerful heat source, such as a propane burner, rather than a stovetop. Additionally, the material of the pot is a consideration, with stainless steel and aluminum being popular choices due to their heat conduction properties and ease of cleaning.

Some common brew pot sizes available on the market include:

• 5-gallon pots, which are ideal for extract brewing and perfect for new brewers.
• 8-gallon pots, which can accommodate a full wort boil on a 5-gallon batch.
• 10-gallon pots, which are suitable for brewing 5-7 gallon batches and are a common choice for home brewers.
• 15-gallon pots, which can accommodate both 5 and 10-gallon batches, making them versatile for brewers who want to experiment with different batch sizes.
• 20-gallon pots and larger, which are suitable for commercial or high-volume home brewers who want to produce big batches.

Brew pot materials

When it comes to choosing a brew pot, the material it is made of is an important consideration. The most common materials for brew pots are stainless steel, aluminium, and copper. Here is a detailed overview of each material's properties and advantages:

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is the most popular choice for brew pots due to its inert nature, ease of forming and welding, and compatibility with direct flame, steam jackets, and coils for heating. It is also favoured by professional brewers for its ease of cleaning with caustic agents. Stainless steel pots are durable, less prone to denting and scratching, and maintain their shiny appearance over time. However, they are typically more expensive than aluminium pots and conduct heat less efficiently, resulting in longer boil and cooling times.

Aluminium

Aluminium brew pots are widely available and often more affordable than their stainless steel counterparts. They are excellent heat conductors, resulting in faster boiling and cooling times. Aluminium pots are lightweight and widely used for food preparation, making them a convenient choice for home brewers. However, aluminium is not inert and can be dissolved by sodium hydroxide, a common ingredient in commercial cleaners. Aluminium pots can also oxidise over time, developing a grey discolouration, and they are not suitable for welding with stainless steel.

Copper

Copper brew pots are traditional and highly conductive, resulting in efficient heating. However, copper is expensive, challenging to weld, and not inert, which has led to its decreased use in recent years.

Ultimately, the choice of material depends on factors such as budget, desired batch size, heating method, and personal preference. Both stainless steel and aluminium pots can produce excellent results, and with proper care, they can last a lifetime.

Features of a good brew pot

A brew kettle, also known as a brew pot, is an essential piece of equipment for homebrewing. Here are some key features to look for when selecting a good brew pot for beer:

Size

Size is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a brew pot. The size of the pot will determine the amount of wort you can boil, which in turn affects the quality and quantity of your beer. While a 3-gallon pot may be sufficient for beginner homebrewers, a larger pot will enable you to boil more wort and improve the overall brewing process. It is recommended to choose a kettle that is at least 1.5 times your batch size to prevent boil-over and ensure efficient brewing.

Material

The material of the brew pot is another important consideration. Both amateur and professional brewers often prefer stainless steel due to its non-reactive nature and ease of cleaning. However, stainless steel can be more expensive. Alternatively, aluminum is a good option as it is lightweight, inexpensive, and an excellent heat conductor. When cleaning, avoid using bleach-based cleaners on either stainless steel or aluminum pots, as they can degrade the metal.

Handles

Look for a brew pot with sturdy handles that are securely attached to the body. Riveted handles are generally more reliable than welded handles, which can sometimes fail. Sturdy handles are essential for safely handling a heavy pot filled with hot wort.

Wall Thickness

A brew pot with thick walls can help distribute heat more evenly, reducing hot spots. Thicker walls also make the pot more durable and less susceptible to dents or damage if dropped.

Additional Features

Some brew pots come with additional features that can enhance the brewing process:

• Graduated volume markings or a sight glass for easy measurement
• Integrated ball valve spigot for draining
• Integrated thermometer to monitor temperature

Durability and Longevity

A good brew pot should be a long-term investment. Look for a pot made with high-quality materials and construction to ensure durability and longevity.

Top brands for brew pots

When it comes to choosing a brew pot for beer, it is important to invest in quality. A good brew kettle will have a long lifespan and will include features that are extremely convenient when homebrewing.

Bayou Classic

A popular outdoor equipment supplier, Bayou Classic offers a range of outdoor food-grade utilities, including coolers, cookers, fryers, camping, and homebrew supplies. Their 10-gallon brew kettle is made of high-quality stainless steel and is perfect for bag brewing methods. It can also be used as a mash tun, which is needed for all-grain systems. Bayou Classic brew kettles are available on Amazon.

SS BrewTech

SS BrewTech has created several innovative features that are incorporated into their brew kettles, including an integrated trub dam and pick-up tube assembly. Their kettles come in 6 different capacity options, ranging from 5.5 to 50 gallons, and are constructed from heavy-duty, 18-gauge, grade 304 stainless steel. SS BrewTech brew pots are available for purchase on Amazon.

MegaPot 1.2

MegaPot is a well-known name in the homebrew world, offering high-quality stainless steel brew kettles in 5 different capacities: 8, 10, 15, 20, and 30-gallon sizes. Their kettles feature thick walls, a tri-clad bottom for even heat distribution, and convenient volume markers inside. Depending on the configuration, the MegaPot 1.2 can also come with a built-in thermometer, ball valve, and false bottom for an all-grain mash tun. You can find MegaPot brew kettles on Amazon and Northern Brewer.

Tall Boy

Tall Boy offers a budget-friendly option for a stainless steel brew pot. Their kettles come in 8, 10, and 15-gallon models and are designed with a 4mm thick tri-clad bottom that is ideal for home brewing. While the Tall Boy does not include a ball valve, spigot, or built-in thermometer, it is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable yet well-made brew pot.

BrewBuilt

BrewBuilt's motto is "Designed for Brewing. Built to Last," and their brew pots certainly deliver on that promise. Made from thick, high-quality grade 304 stainless steel, BrewBuilt brewing kettles offer a less corrosive alternative to lower-priced beer brewing kettles. They feature gasket-free, welded-in-place couplers and welded-on handles for a long lifespan. BrewBuilt offers 4 different size options: 10, 15, 22, and 30-gallon capacities. Their kettles also include two couplers welded to the outside for hoses and spigots, a notched lid with a silicone plug for an immersion chiller, and tie-off hop bags. BrewBuilt brew pots can be purchased on Amazon.

Blichmann BoilerMaker G2

The Blichmann BoilerMaker G2 is often considered the Ferrari of beer kettles. It is constructed from a single piece of heavy-gauge grade 304 weld-free stainless steel, providing outstanding durability. This USA-made brew kettle comes in 7 different sizes, ranging from 7.5 to 100 gallons. The Blichmann BoilerMaker G2 includes features such as a 360° rotating linear flow valve, thermometer, external level gauge, and optional false bottom and HopBlocker for some of the larger models.

Frequently asked questions