I used a 30qt aluminum stock pot for a while, which worked but i needed to have fermcaps on hand at all times. I upgraded to a heavy duty aluminum pot from Sams Club that cost about 65 bucks. Go with a 10 gal pot for sure.
I just purchased a refractometer a few months ago after 3 years of AG brewing. I love it. I use my hydrometer as well for FG, and sometimes for the OG if I think the refractometer is being funny, but I like being able to pull a little wort off while it's cooling to see where it's at. I know...
I think it was due to the ridiculous amount of hops used in the beer. I didn't filter out anything post boil or when I kegged, so all that hop gunk was still floating around. once that all settled to the bottom, I could pull it off with a few pints and then it's good to go. that's my theory at...
It's amazing how hurried people are. I'm also amazed at how situational awareness people have. I was in a car accident back in November because a lady simply didn't see my driving down the road and she pulled out in front of me. I had to have foot surgery, I had a bad concussion, busted ribs...