Tue Mar 13, 2007 5:29 pm
To start out with, don't get hung up on wanting a stainless steel kettle. Stainless sure looks pretty, but it is expensive and is a poor conductor of heat compared to aluminum.
The most economical way to go is to purchase a turkey fryer. This normally come with a 30 or 32 quart pot. You are going to need the burner anyway even if you do upgrade to a bigger pot later. You can generally pick up one of these for under $40 if you find them on sale at WalMart or larger hardware stores. You can often find them with a stainless steel pot for around $100.
Your best bet for a larger pot is to check your local yellow pages for restaurant equipment suppliers. You don't have to be a restaurant to buy from them as long as you have money. A really nice heavy bottom 40 quart pot can generally be had for $60-$70. This is an ideal size for 5 gallon batches.
For bigger sizes, you should probably consider converting a keg. This will get you into 10 gallon batches for a reasonable price. However, you will still need the turkey cooker burner. So start with the turkey cooker and upgrade the pot later should you feel the need. The turkey cooker pot will make a fine HLT if you do get another boil pot.
Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company
