Brew Kettle

[stadelman]

I've been using a 6 gallon brew kettle for partial boils.

I'm about ready to get a larger kettle for full boils. I've been considered a 10 gallon kettle from Northern Brewer with a ball valve.

The built in thermometer option is another $44.

Is a thermometer worth $44?

Any other thoughts or recommendations for a 10 gallon brew kettle?

[Mylo]

44 bucks is pretty cheap for a built in thermometer. Sounds like a good deal.

Mylo

[stadelman]

It's obviously stationary.

Is a stationary thermometer really that helpful or accurate?

[BadRock]

Yes, it's worth it. Yes it's helpful.
I don't think that it's totally stationary, I think that it's treaded into a
1/2" weld-less port. Thus you can remove it, you may even be able to
calibrate it. I would probably call and ask that question. If you can
calibrate it then it's worth it.
I am assuming this is the pot you speak of?

[Lars]

Personally, I think a thermometer is not too useful in a boil kettle. Wort boils ar 212f with minor differences based on altitude. Having said that, I have a thermometer in my boil kettle and only find it useful when cooling my wort.

[stadelman]

That is the kettle.

The thermometer can be calibrated.

[stadelman]

Any other pros, cons or recommendations?

[Bugeater]

Like Lars said, it isn't all that useful in a boil kettle. It is good for an HLT but in a boil kettle, the temp stays the same. I stick a long stemmed dial thermometer in my boil kettle when I first turn on the heat, but that is just to tell me when to begin not leaving the kettle unattended. I think your $44 is much better spent on something else in the brewery.

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company