FleurDeLis425
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- Joined
- Apr 16, 2013
- Messages
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I am about to purchase some equipment so that I can do full volume boils. However, I have a couple thoughts in my head that I keep battling about what directions to go. I would really appreciate some guidance. I do not intent this to turn into any kind of flame war. I am just a new guy looking for some helpful insight.
The Kettle Size:
People keep saying to go bigger then were you are now, because you will want the larger kettle later. I am only doing 5 gallon batches and I have a hard time seeing myself doing much larger later. Has this ever been the case or anyone else or does it always seem to lead to the larger batches. Basically I am on the fence between 10g and 15g pot.
The Kettle Itself:
I know that I want the three possible kettle accessories: the valve, thermometer, and sight glass. I also know that I do not like the wider than tall kettles. I prefer the taller than wide kettles. With these desires, I seem to be looking at two possible manufacturers: Bichmann and Spike. Both look awesome and each has a couple things that give them an edge over the other in my opinion:
Blichmann Pros:
All the features I want, pickup tube, and the ability to use the button false bottom in the future.
HopBlocker (or HopStopper)
3-Pieace Ball Valve
Blichmann Cons:
If going with 15g kettle, cannot use thermometer when doing 5G batches unless new hole is drilled.
I cannot fit immersion chiller in kettle with hopblocker. I have seen some 8" chillers, but I think they will still be too big. Would need to get Therminator or perhaps the HopStopper and then just put an immersion chiller on top.
Spike Pros:
Can get 15G for price of 10G Blichmann
Welded Fittings (although not a major pro for me)
Looks like I can still use thermometer regardless of 10G or 5G batches.
Spike Cons:
No dip tube
No easy to add hop filter support such as HopBlocker or HopStopper. You can also tell that I personally prefer to not use hop bags. I like the free throw in.
Not many reviews or feedback from other customers.
Chiller:
There are two choices in my mind, either a immersion or a Therminator. The immersion is nice and simple. Add it in, cool it down and drain. The terminator also has the advantage at being faster and more compact at the cost of more money and chance of infection if not properly cleaned. But does the speed make that much of a difference if I am only doing a 5G batch. Things I have read online seems like people absolutely love their therminators.
I would appreciate any feedback or comments from people who may have gone through the same decision I have been.
I would really like to hear peoples opinions. Thanks!
The Kettle Size:
People keep saying to go bigger then were you are now, because you will want the larger kettle later. I am only doing 5 gallon batches and I have a hard time seeing myself doing much larger later. Has this ever been the case or anyone else or does it always seem to lead to the larger batches. Basically I am on the fence between 10g and 15g pot.
The Kettle Itself:
I know that I want the three possible kettle accessories: the valve, thermometer, and sight glass. I also know that I do not like the wider than tall kettles. I prefer the taller than wide kettles. With these desires, I seem to be looking at two possible manufacturers: Bichmann and Spike. Both look awesome and each has a couple things that give them an edge over the other in my opinion:
Blichmann Pros:
All the features I want, pickup tube, and the ability to use the button false bottom in the future.
HopBlocker (or HopStopper)
3-Pieace Ball Valve
Blichmann Cons:
If going with 15g kettle, cannot use thermometer when doing 5G batches unless new hole is drilled.
I cannot fit immersion chiller in kettle with hopblocker. I have seen some 8" chillers, but I think they will still be too big. Would need to get Therminator or perhaps the HopStopper and then just put an immersion chiller on top.
Spike Pros:
Can get 15G for price of 10G Blichmann
Welded Fittings (although not a major pro for me)
Looks like I can still use thermometer regardless of 10G or 5G batches.
Spike Cons:
No dip tube
No easy to add hop filter support such as HopBlocker or HopStopper. You can also tell that I personally prefer to not use hop bags. I like the free throw in.
Not many reviews or feedback from other customers.
Chiller:
There are two choices in my mind, either a immersion or a Therminator. The immersion is nice and simple. Add it in, cool it down and drain. The terminator also has the advantage at being faster and more compact at the cost of more money and chance of infection if not properly cleaned. But does the speed make that much of a difference if I am only doing a 5G batch. Things I have read online seems like people absolutely love their therminators.
I would appreciate any feedback or comments from people who may have gone through the same decision I have been.
I would really like to hear peoples opinions. Thanks!