Brewing Equipment
Brewing equipment made simple, The Brew Pot
The Brew Pot:
Weather you are brewing extract or all grain, you should have a pot big enough to do a full boil. For most of us, a standard 30qt turkey fryer does the job nicely. While the aluminum ones are fairly inexpensive, and work, I recommend spending a bit more and getting a stainless steel one. Plus you get the added benefit of a high btu burner, so you don’t have take up the whole stove. And your mobile. This mobility is nice especially if you have a spouse that doesn’t appreciate the aroma’s of brewing.
Well, using the turkey fryer, we are covered for batches up to 7 Gal. For Larger batches, you have to graduate up to bigger, equipment. Polar-ware TM, considered the pinnacle of brew pots come in sizes to meet all needs. They also come with a stiff price tag. Another option, one that many people use, is the keg. However, kegs generally speaking are the property of a brewery. Personal ownership is possible however, it is up to individual to ensure it’s legality. Cut the top open, (should be done by a professional) and they make a really nice brew pot. When graduating to the bigger pots, a larger burner (more btu’s) may be necessary.
Some nice additions to any brew pot include a spigot near the bottom (I consider this a necessity). A thermometer about half way up is nice too. Both can installed as welded or weld-less.