Steam Kettle

[peregrine]

Is anyone aware of someone who set up a brewery using steam jacketed kettles (like the kind used in commercial kitchens)? I ask because our Abbey has forced steam available most places, and it would be nice to build inside and a steam jacketed kettle would make that safer. Thanks.
peregrine

[George]

I don't know of any homebrewers who have the steam available. Most larger breweries use steam, I think. I would think it would work phenomenally.

[Lufah]

I have a steam kettle that I picked up for $50 at a going out of business sale. I don't have any steam tho. I'm going to end up using it as a mash tun.




Travis

[Danno]

Hair of the Dog uses a typical commercial soup kettle for their brews. It's amazing how fast it can be brought to a boil because the steam engulfs most of the kettle, not just the bottom. I know Widmer does use steam in their pilot brewery. George is right though. Many commercial breweries uses steam.

On the homebrewing front, the only person I know using it is Curt Hausam. He probably has enough AHA medals to rival Jamil and probably a heck of a lot more regional competition ribbons. So yes, steam is very viable for brewing.