milk can for brew kettle?

[mrmuskie]

Im just starting to put together my all grain system and im going ghetto fabulous on this thing lol. I have a 10gal stainless milk can that i was thinking of using for my brew kettle....? is this a good idea or is there something about this that wont work? would i need to cut the neck off? any help would be great. thanks.

 

[Rivenin]

can you post a pic? most of the milk cans that i know of in that size rust out and are pretty nasty

 

[BeerGuy1000]

I don't see why you can't use it, you might have to cut the neck off though to open it up some, not much of an opening in a milk can.

 

[Misplaced_Canuck]

Older milk cans were galvanized. Newer milks cans (somewhat rare) are usually stainless. I don't see why you couldn't use it, but be careful of the down-flare at the neck, could give you some surprises with boilovers.

M_C

 

[mrmuskie]

The milk can is stainless and seamless. it was used as a grease can in a kitchen so it needs serious degreasing. i bought it for $15 so not a big investment if it wont work. the opening in the neck is about "10 or so. I think i got a 8 gallon brew kettle on the way so i might just sell the milk can. ive seen them on ebay for over a $100 bucks... who knew. i guess people use them for liquor stills?

 

[Homercidal]

I'd probably take it to have the neck cut off, either with a saw or plasma torch and then ground smooth.

I'd have no reservations about degreasing if you are willing to spend some time doing it. I'd try heating it up with a heat gun to loosen the grease then wiping off and applying some degreaser, followed by a serious washing.

 

[CreekBrewery]

A stainless milk can was actually my first brew pot. My father-in-law had it on the farm so it was free. It worked pretty good but I'm much happier with my kettle now.

 

[mrmuskie]

A stainless milk can was actually my first brew pot. My father-in-law had it on the farm so it was free. It worked pretty good but I'm much happier with my kettle now.

cool. good to know. I did get a 10 gallon brew kettle so i think im gonna put it up for sale. though i might use it for my hlt.