If this is going to be a boil kettle the sight glass is of no benefit. Just another place to collect crud and be a pain in the ass to clean. If you want it to check volume in the boil you can easily do it with a marked stick. Or better yet just check the gravity with a refractometer. That way you will always hit your OG right on the nose. If you have accurately figured out your boil off rate, the volume will take care of itself.
The sight glass would be more useful on an HLT. Just make volume marks on the glass so you can see just how much water you are adding to your mash tun. Me, I just use a half gallon measuring pitcher to measure the water as I add it.
Keep in mind that I have a reputation for being a cheap SOB, so I will usually fore go anything with no clear benefit (unless I'm drunk). Use the money you save to buy a refractometer.
I agree 100% with everything Bug said. Only get the sight glass it if you want to use the keggle as an HLT. Otherwise, it's not going to help in any way whatsever and it will only be a royal pain in the ass to clean.
I got a refractometer this past week. I haven't calibrated it yet. Still in the box. I guess I need to make a little 1.040 beer or something. Haven't gotten around to it with work and all.
Primary: Nada Damn Thing IPA Secondary: ESB Kegged: Jack Schittenweiss
