Blichmann kettle - worth it?

[joshrosborne]

So, I am in the market for a new 15gl kettle to able to do 10gl batches at times. I know Blichmann is considered top of the class, but I'm trying to figure out whether the improved quality is worth the cost.

Whatever I buy, a ball valve will be a must. A sight glass or volume etchings are next on my want list. Since I won't be using it for a mash tun, a thermometer would be nice, but isn't super essential. Other things that would be nice are cool to the touch handles, a good proportion of vertical to horizontal size so I can keep boil off under control, and a generally high quality build.

Any recommendations?

 

[joshrosborne]

Oh yeah, the other thing I would be interested in is welded ports so I have less to worry about with leaking and wobbling of the valve.

 

[bikesandbrews]

Maybe look into a stout tank. they are comparably priced as well

https://conical-fermenter.com/15-Gallon-Brew-Kettle-with-Thermowell-and-Thermometer.html

 

[dk21]

Blichmann kettles are completely worth the cost in my opinion. Mine has served me well as a boil kettle. The calibrated sight glass is really useful. No need to make and use a dip stick. The thermometer isn't necessary for the boil kettle, but I have found it useful to be able to glance over to get an idea of when the hot break is going to start so I can stop doing other things and be on the lookout for a boil over.

 

[Minbari]

I am sure they are nice, but I got the 10 gallon version of this and an complettely happy with it. 1mm stainless and 2 welded ports.

http://morebeer.com/products/14-gallon-stainless-brew-kettle.html