What is this piece of metal on the kettle?

[Zippox]

I hopefully am picking this kettle up soon and was wondering what the hexagon nut thing was for? Is it for installing a thermometer at a later time?

 

[ArcaneXor]

Looks like a port for a dial thermometer.

Interesting that the picture is showing a brass ball valve.

 

[Zippox]

Looks like a port for a dial thermometer.

Interesting that the picture is showing a brass ball valve.

Is that something that is easy to install later?

 

[tre9er]

Yep. You order one, you screw it in, you're done.

 

[funnycreature]

Yep. You order one, you screw it in, you're done.

Don't forget the PTFE tape though!

 

[SpikeBrewing]

You'll be able to pick up any 1/2" NPT thermometer later on and screw it in. Like funnycreature said don't forget the Teflon tape otherwise it will not seal.

Does anyone know how they attached the couplers? It has to be silver soldered but I don't see it listed anywhere.

 

[pmcint01]

Spike,

Do your kettles include the cap for the port if you are not going to use a thermometer?

 

[SpikeBrewing]

We do not include them or sell them at the moment. Any standard 1/2" NPT plug will work. A local hardware store will carry a brass one but for SS you'll have to go online or to a specialty store.