by Joshua Speaks
A beer brew kettle is where the process of producing beer starts. These brew kettles come in various sizes and shapes. They also accommodate a monster 45-gallon batch or a little 1-gallon beer batch.
In addition to the volume size and construction material, beer brew kettles also feature some excellent components to make brewing easier. However, while these added features can make the process of beer brewing more convenient and efficient, they are not essential.
In this article, I will be walking you through the best beer brew kettle in the marketplace today. Also, there will be a well-detailed buying guide to help you make the right decision while trying to purchase your brew kettle.
Contents
Below is the list of the best beer brew kettles. Alongside each review are their corresponding pros and cons.
This is one of the best brewing products from the Mega pot brand. The product feature five (5) distinct sizes, all featuring a brewing thermometer and optional spigot.
The Northern brewer mega pot brew kettle is constructed from a more excellent grade stainless steel featuring a thickness of 4mm tri-clad bottom, ensuring that heat is evenly distributed. It also features a strong welded silicone handle that is heat-proof, protecting it from burns and making carrying it easier.
Another unique feature not in most brew kettles but present in the Mega pot 1.2 is the etched volume markings on the pot's interior surface. Also, all prototypes are induction cooker ready, making them suitable to work as a false bottom and as a mash tun used in all-grain brewing.
Regardless of the batch size you intend to brew or the characteristics you are searching for in a brew kettle, I believe the Mega pot got you covered.
Pros
Cons
If you are looking for a solid entry-level kettle made of stainless steel that will allow you to get started with home brewing in no time, then you need to consider this fantastic product from Bayou. The good thing is that it is pocket-friendly.
The kettle is made using quality stainless steel, making it simple to sterilize before the brewing process. It also comes with calibration markings on the interior surface, letting you get precise quantities.
The Bayou stainless steel brew kettle is perfect for people who don't have enough space at home as it comes in a decent size. It can also be used for non-beer brewing purposes, making it a valuable item to own.
Also, although I think the producers should have made the bottom thicker, it can still take care of your brewing needs as long as you treat it with care.
In other words, this product is a simple, uncluttered, and affordable brew kettle that is just perfect for beginners. If these features are what you need, then I will recommend you go for them.
Pros
Cons
Next is another cool brew kettle from BREWSIE. It is a stainless-steel brew kettle with an ultimate capacity of 64 quarts. Also, to get you started, the product features many accessories such as a bazooka screen, false bottom, and ball valve. It is indeed a perfect entry-level kit tool for beginners.
There is also a temperature gauge, helping you accurately control the brewing process, and a dual filtration structure designed to enhance the beer's taste. With these, you are sure to achieve better results.
However, there is a negative side to this product. It often leaks. However, with some DIY, you will be able to correct the issue. Also, the product's instruction book is poorly written; thus, you are expected to apply common sense to get through.
Pros
Cons
Here's another amazing option to choose from, especially if you are new to home brewing. Not only does it have all that you need to get started, but it is also available at an affordable price.
The product features a tri-ply bottom, strengthening the beer brew kettle and distributing heat evenly. It also has volume markings on the interior surfaces, making sure that measurements are taken accurately.
Also, the product features a thermometer and stockpot and can be put together easily.
However, you must note that this product comes with no instructions; thus, you have to figure something out if you have no prior knowledge of assembling it. Also, the product is not ideal for smaller batch brewing as the thermometer is in a high position.
Regardless of the above-mentioned minor negatives, this product is ideal for just getting started in home brewing.
Pros
Cons
If you need a top-quality brew kettle and are willing to spend a little more to get it, you need to consider this product. The product is well-built and highly durable, featuring a tri-ply bottom, which makes it more compatible with regular stoves.
I do appreciate the volume markings on the interior surface as well as the dual scale thermometer it features. These features allow the brewer to use Fahrenheit and Celsius as well as work in gallons and liters. They also come with strong handles, making sure they don't fall off at any given time.
One major issue with the brew kettle is the price, which is on the high side. However, given its solid quality, this shouldn't be a problem. Also, the thermometer is placed in an elevated position, which I believe is a minor niggle.
Pros
Cons
When it comes to purchasing the best beer brew kettle, there are a couple of factors to consider. These factors are discussed below and include the size of the kettle, price, construction material, etc. Keep reading to find out more.
This is one of the vital factors to consider before purchasing a beer brew kettle. The physical size matters a lot, as you wouldn't want to go for a beer brew kettle whose size is less than the batch size you intend to brew.
The perfect beer brew size should possess a 1.2:1 height to diameter ratio. Purchasing a brew kettle with higher sides will be helpful in evaporation loss. This will ensure you boil the required amount of liquid, leaving behind enough head-space, thus, preventing a disastrous boil-over.
The construction material used in producing the beer brew kettle is another crucial factor to consider as it has a noticeable effect on operation on performance.
For instance, while beer brew kettles made from aluminum might be lighter and affordable, they suffer a lot when it comes to resistance to deterioration and durability, which are essential.
On the other hand, beer brew kettles made from stainless steel are far better, as they feature a more excellent resilience. Also, they can tolerate or endure more acidic wort.
Furthermore, note that the material's thickness plays an essential role in the product's durability. Products made with thin metals, or layers do not last compared to the ones with thick metals.
Knowing the type of valve the beer brew kettle is equipped with before the purchase is significant. The valve type makes it easy to deduce how the recovery process works.
Most beer brew kettle models feature a ball valve. However, beyond the type of valve, you also need to consider the position. I recommend you go for the one with a lower position for your spigot, as this will recover much liquid than others.
These are very important, too, as they play an essential role in lifting and moving the brew kettle. To be on the safe side, make sure to purchase a brew kettle with solid and durable handles. I am sure you won't want to experience the scenario where a kettle filled with boiling water drops on the floor while carrying it.
This is one important factor you probably should first check out for before purchasing a brew kettle. The ideal volume to go for depends on the quantity of beer you intend to brew per batch.
When getting into home brewing for the first time, most people often start off with as low as five (5) gallons or even less. However, with time, then move on to twice that of even more. Thus, considering getting a brew kettle with enough volume is important.
The bottom of the kettle will receive the most heat; thus, it needs to be more durable. Therefore, it's essential to look closely at the bottom of the brew pot or kettle before purchasing. However, an ideal bottom depends on the kind of brewing you intend to do.
For instance, a single-ply bottom is perfect for extract brewing, as the probability of it scorching during the boiling process is low.
In contrast, a tri-ply bottom is perfect for grain brewing, as it removes the hot spots which are accountable for scorching.
Some models also feature a false bottom that grabs the solids in the wort, preventing them from being restored.
This factor is equally important as having a beer brew kettle with an in-built thermometer helps control liquid temperature.
Brewing is more about regulating the quantities accurately and carefully. Thus, having a brew kettle with inside measurements makes things simpler. With this, you don't always have to gauge volumes separately before dropping the liquid in.
The water inlet is one of the kettle's components which serves as a coolant, providing a means for the beer to cool down fast.
Also, the water outlets have proven to be useful when the lid is shut airtight, and you intend to put water into the brew kettle. In this scenario, other than opening the lid to put water for boiling, you can put the water by connecting a pipe to the water inlet.
It is also essential to consider the lids that come with the beer brewing kettle. There are two major types of lids here; the vented cover and the unvented lids.
The vented lid assists in preventing so much water buildup due to condensation, thus, making boil-overs less feasible.
On the other hand, Unvented lids will need to be placed at an angle to allow steam escape.
I recommend you go for a beer brew kettle tall enough to handle five (5) gallons at a minimum. Anything beyond that depends on the kind of brewing you are into and how much beer you intend to prepare or make.
The beer brew kettle is the first phase in the home brewing technique. In this stage, you extract and boil the grains to break them further down, preparing them for yeast fermentation.
Yes, there are three major techniques in home brewing.
Firstly, the extract method commences with the extract of a ready-made malt, thus saving the brewer much work and time.
Next is the all-grain method, which is more like a prequel of the extract technique. In this technique, you practically have to make the malt extract yourself. Unlike the extract method, this requires more work and is harder to accomplish.
Last but not least is the partial-mash method, which allows you to do a bit of the two techniques mentioned above. Here, you are required to use a little bit of ready-made extract and prepare a small amount of mash.
This enables you to run the all-grain brewing technique without spending too much money on a larger kettle.
The process is all about producing your beer. It starts with the breaking down of grains into the wort (liquid extract). Next, yeast for fermentation and hops for flavor is added. The liquid is further allowed to ferment depending on the kind of beer you are brewing.
Again, the brewer puts in little sugar for carbonation, after which it is left for a long while.
At last, the beer is filtered and begged or bottled, ready to be enjoyed.
Not really. The most crucial feature you need to check out is the size of the pot. You can even get everything done using a 5-gallon soup pot if you have one. Also, you can purchase a cheap one from any restaurant supply store. As long as there is sufficient space for all the components to boil, it will deliver the job perfectly.
However, with the evolution of home brewing technology, using the right equipment bring about brewing a better beer with ease.
A standard beer brew kettle is good. However, extra in-built features like couplers and temperature gauges offer you more power or control over the whole process of brewing and the final product.
The best method to start with as a beginner in home brewing is the extract method. This is because the technique is an excellent way for a new brewer to learn and understand the basics of home brewing. Also, this method does not need expensive equipment to achieve.
Once you are relaxed with the extract method, you should then start trying out the other techniques. You could attempt the all-grain brewing or even the partial-mash brewing. At this point, you must have had prior knowledge about making great extracts.
Homebrewing is more of a kitchen experiment; thus, much-specialized equipment is not needed. You can get most of what you need in a hardware store if you are on a tight budget. Also, to get through with your first home brewing experience, you need to employ creativity as well as small elbow grease.
On the same note, if you are unsure about the materials you will need for your first home brewing, you can involve the experts. Most reliable specialized home brewing stores offer starter kits. These involve all the essential items you will need to get started. Some of these stores also feature upgraded kits.
CONCORD Stainless Steel Home Brew Kettle Stock Pot (Weldless Fittings) (60 QT/ 15 Gal) - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
GasOne 10 Gallon Stainless Steel Home Brew Kettle Pot Pre Drilled 4 PC Set 40 Quart Tri - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Gas One Stainless Steel Brew Kettle Pot 5 Gallon 20 Quart Satin Finish with lid/cover for - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Northern Brewer - Megapot 1.2 Stainless Steel Brew Kettle with Volume Markings (10 Gallon - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Anvil - ANVktle10g Brew Kettle, 10 gal - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
BREWSIE Stainless Steel Home Brew Kettle w/Dual Filtration. Equip with False Bottom - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Northern Brewer - Edelmetall Bru Kettle with Valve, Whirlpool Port and Thermometer (8 - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Bayou Classic 800-416 16 Gallon Stainless Steel 6 Piece Brew Kettle - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
GasOne 8 Gallon Stainless Steel Home Brew Kettle Pot Pre Drilled 4 PC Set 32 Quart Tri - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Kegco BF XBK6-T3 Brew Kettle - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
The beer brewing pot is one of the most essential or integral parts of home brewing. I hope you will be able to discover the best brew kettle that will suit your demands with the help of this guide.
Remember, you must consider what you intend to brew and the amount of water needed to prevent the kettle from boiling if you want to make the best purchase. In addition to this, you can check for useful extras such as measurement line or quantity gauge and temperature gauge.
Beer brew kettles are easy to clean and also feature instructions to help beginners get started on brewing. I hope with these reviews on the various products above, you do be able to make a solid decision on which of the beer brew kettle to purchase for your brewing process. Don't forget to examine the factors that are essential and fitting for your need. Also, consider the price that you won't have to break the bank before you can make a purchase.
Feel free to drop your comments and questions in the comment section. I would love to know which brew kettle is your favorite and why
Don't forget to share with family and friends too.
About Joshua Speaks
Can’t think of a day that that Josh didn’t have a beer or two. Be it a long day of work or of nothing. Sometimes, it is a few packs even. Especially when there are familiars over.
His fridge is packed with beers: Heineken, Corona, Guinness, Budweiser, and all other wierd brands in between. He had to get a secondary 30 cu. fridge off Craigslist for more beer storage.
Sometimes he wonders if a day truly starts only after the first sip of beer for the day. Enough talk about Josh and his passion; that’s the reason for this beer blog and related items. Feel free to hit on him. Start with something like: “hey beer head!” You got the idea!
Kitchen - Outdoor