Ultimate Brew Kettle Buyer's Guide

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

A good brew kettle is like a good drinking buddy&#;reliable, sturdy, and always up for a good time. But with so many options out there, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Don't worry, we've got your back (and your beer). 

Whether you&#;re a beginner or a seasoned home brewer, finding the right brew kettle for your needs is essential for creating delicious beer. In this guide, we&#;ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the right brew kettle, from the basics of what a brew kettle is to considerations when selecting one and our picks for the best brewing kettles. We&#;ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about brew kettles. 

By the end of this guide, you&#;ll better understand what to look for in a brew kettle and be able to make an informed decision on the best one for your needs. So, let&#;s dive in because life's too short to drink bad beer or use a crappy kettle.

Click here to check out Spike and start brewing better beer.

What Is A Brew Kettle?

A brew kettle is an essential piece of equipment for any homebrewer. It is used to heat water and dissolve malt extract, hops, and other ingredients to create wort, which is the basis of all beer. Brew kettles come in various sizes, shapes, and materials and can be used for all-grain and extract brewing.

The most basic type of brew kettle is a simple pot with a lid and a single spigot. This type of kettle is often used for extract brewing and is great for beginners. It is usually made of stainless steel, aluminum, or copper and is relatively inexpensive.

More advanced types of brew kettles can include features such as internal thermometers, false bottoms, and valves. These features are more important for all-grain brewing as they allow for more precise control over the process.

Why Is Having A High-Grade Brew Kettle Important?

A high-grade brew kettle can mean the difference between a good beer and a great beer. It's not just about boiling the wort, it's about creating the perfect environment for the brewing process. 

A high-grade brew kettle is important for several reasons. First, it&#;s made from a higher-quality material that is designed to withstand the intense heat of boiling wort. This ensures that the kettle will last longer and will not warp or corrode over time. It also helps to ensure that the flavor of the beer is not affected by any impurities in the kettle. 

Second, a high-grade brew kettle is designed to provide the best results when boiling wort. It will have a larger surface area, which allows for more efficient heat transfer and faster boiling times. 

Considerations When Selecting A Brew Kettle

With so many options out there, how do you choose the perfect one? Here are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

Size 

The size of the kettle you need depends on the size of your brewing setup, the type of beer you plan to brew, and the amount of beer you plan to produce. 

For most home brewers, a 10-gallon kettle is a good starting point. This size is large enough to brew 5-gallon batches of beer and can typically fit on most kitchen stoves. If you plan to brew large batches of beer, you may need a larger kettle. Kettles come in sizes ranging from 5 gallons to 50 gallons, so you can find one that will fit your needs.

Material

The material used to make the kettle will affect its durability, efficiency, and ease of cleaning. Stainless steel is the most popular material used for brewing kettles due to its durability and resistance to corrosion. It is also easy to clean and maintain and is considered to be one of the most sanitary options. Spike always uses 304 stainless steel on all pieces of equipment. It&#;s the Spike standard. 

Aluminum is another popular material used for brewing kettles, as it is lightweight, durable, and relatively inexpensive. It is also a good conductor of heat, meaning it will heat the wort quickly and efficiently. The downside of aluminum is that it is prone to oxidation and is more difficult to clean than stainless steel. 

Spigot

The spigot is the outlet used to transfer the liquid from the kettle to another vessel, such as a fermenter. The type of spigot you choose will depend on your needs and the size and shape of your brew kettle.

There are two main types of spigots: 

• Welded 

• Weldless

Welded spigots are welded to the kettle via a threaded fitting and require you to add a valve.  Weldless spigots are attached to the kettle using a compression fitting. Both types of spigots are available in different sizes and styles, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Welded spigots are generally more reliable than weldless spigots, as they will never leak. Weldless spigots are less expensive but more likely to leak and may require more frequent maintenance.

Handles

Handles are an important part of the brew kettle, as they provide stability and portability when transferring the kettle from one place to another. It is essential to select a brew kettle with handles that can support the weight of the kettle and any liquid inside it. It is also important to consider the type of handles available.

Some brew kettles come with plastic handles that are easy to clean and may be more comfortable to grip than metal handles. 

However, plastic handles can also be more prone to breaking, so selecting a kettle with strong, durable handles is important. Metal handles are usually more durable but may be less comfortable to grip and harder to clean.

Spike Tank vs. OG

Choosing between the OG kettle (flat bottom) and the Spike Tank (bottom drain) is like taking your beer from "great" to "oh yeah." 

The type of bottom you choose will depend on the kind of brewing process you&#;re using.

OG: The most common type of bottom is a flat bottom. This style of the bottom is ideal for direct-fire brewing. It distributes heat evenly and is great for boiling wort. This style of the bottom is also ideal for mashing because it allows for more precise temperature control over your mash.

Tank: New to the homebrewing scene, is the bottom drain brew kettle. Bottom drain kettles are a must for pro brewing, and now you can bring this pro level kettle to your home brewery! This robust kettle design was engineered to make post-Brew Day clean up a breeze! It&#;s called the Tank for a reason. It's as structurally sound as you'll ever find, features complete U.S. welded fittings, is bottom draining and has four sturdy splayed legs to keep it balanced and gives you room to work underneath. You simply won't find this kind of innovation with any other homebrewing product on the market. 

Valve Type 

The type of valve you choose is based on the fittings of your brew kettle (NPT or TC) and  will affect the flow rate and pressure of your brew. 

• NPT:

  Uses ball valves. Ball valves are opened and closed by turning a handle, which moves a ball inside the valve. This allows for precise control of the flow rate and pressure of the brew.

• TC:

  Uses Butterfly Valves. They are opened and closed by turning a handle, which moves a butterfly-shaped disc inside the valve.

  
  

Lid

The lid should fit securely and tightly on the kettle.

Having a lid that can be easily removed is also important. This allows for easy access to the contents of the kettle, as well as for quick and easy cleaning. Depending on the type of lid, it may also provide some insulation, which can help maintain a consistent temperature inside the kettle. The lid should also be made of a durable material that can withstand high temperatures. 

For a quicker clean up, switch out a standard lid with a CIP lid to completely clean your brew kettle from the inside out. 

Ease To Clean

Cleaning and sanitizing your brew kettle is essential for producing quality beer and avoiding contamination. A brew kettle that is difficult to clean can lead to time-consuming and frustrating clean-up sessions.

A 304 stainless steel brew kettle is often the best option for cleaning. Stainless steel is non-porous, which means it won&#;t absorb bacteria or odors and is also highly resistant to corrosion. The fewer nooks and crannies on your brew kettle, the easier to clean. 

Durability And Efficiency 

A high-grade brew kettle should be able to withstand the rigors of brewing and last for years to come. Additionally, the kettle should be designed to maximize efficiency and make the most of your brewing ingredients. 

When it comes to durability, stainless steel is the best material for a brew kettle. It&#;s strong, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean. It also has excellent heat retention, allowing you to maintain consistent temperatures during the brewing process, or as we like to say, &#;Your Liver Will Fail Before Our Equipment Does.&#; 

Our Picks For The Best Brewing Kettles

To help you find the best brew kettle for your needs, we&#;ve put together a list of our top picks for the best brewing kettles.

• For Those Just Starting Out

  , our

  Spike OG Kettle

  is an excellent choice. Everyone has to start somewhere, and the OG brew kettle is not only our tried and true product, but it&#;s the first piece of equipment we ever sold. The OG is

  made with the thickest material and U.S. welded fittings. It&#;s a  solid piece of steel sold at a factory direct price. Whatever your use is, this kettle will hold up.

• For Those Looking to Elevate the Brew Day,

  our

  Spike Tank

  is a great option.  We call it &#;The Tank&#; for a reason&#;it&#;s as structurally sound as you'll ever find, features complete U.S. welded fittings, is bottom draining and has four sturdy splayed legs to keep it balanced and gives you room to work underneath. It&#;s truly the last kettle you&#;ll ever need. 

This stainless-steel monster features welded ports for the bottom drain, racking port, whirlpool, heating element, and temp probe. 

• For Those Looking For Something Custom,

  we do our welding in house, which means we have the unique ability to build custom kettles to go with your dream brewery! We can add 1.5" or 2" tri-clamp ports, as well as full and half 1/2" NPT ports. Whether you want a heating element so you can convert your kettle to electric, a dedicated whirlpool port or a HERMS coil port, we&#;re ready and waiting to make your dream come true.

Having doubts or a hard time with how to go about it? Please, contact us now or us at . 

Choosing The Best Brew Kettle For Your Needs 

Here are some steps to follow:

• Batch Size:

  The first step in choosing a brew kettle is to determine your batch size. How much beer do you want to brew at a time? This will help you choose the appropriate size of the brew kettle.

• Consider The Material:

  The most common materials for brew kettles are stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. 

• Look At Thickness:

  The thickness of the kettle is important for heat distribution and retention. Thicker kettles will hold heat better and prevent scorching but will also take longer to heat up. 

• Check For Features:

  Look for a kettle with features that will make your brewing process easier, such as a spigot for easy transfer of wort, a thermometer, and volume markings.

• Consider Your Budget:

  Brew kettles can range from around $50 to several hundred dollars. Determine your budget and choose a kettle that fits within it.

• Read Reviews:

  Before making a purchase, look for reviews that address the specific factors that are important to you.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing the right brew kettle for your home brewery, there are many factors to consider. Selecting a kettle that meets your needs and budget is important. Ultimately, the best brew kettle for you is the one that allows you to make the best beer possible. 

If you are just starting out, a smaller, more affordable kettle may be the best option. However, as you become more experienced and your brewing skills improve, investing in a high-quality kettle with more advanced features may be worthwhile.

Now that you have a better understanding of what to look for, go ahead and find the perfect kettle for your brewing needs! If you have any further questions or need additional guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Whether you're a new brewer just starting out or an experienced pro looking for advanced equipment, Spike has you covered. They offer products and packages for all levels of brewers, from new brewers to advanced brewers and even professional brewers.

To shop for the perfect equipment for your brewing needs, check out our New Brewer, Advanced Brewer, and Pro Brewer packages.

FAQs 

Can you mash in a brew kettle?

Yes, you can mash in a brew kettle. This is a process where the grains are mixed with hot water, allowing the enzymes to break down the starches and convert them into fermentable sugars. 

This is an important step in the beer brewing process, and a brew kettle is a perfect vessel for this. 

Are electric kettles worth it? 

Electric kettles are a great option for those who want to save time and energy. They are more efficient than traditional kettles, as they are able to heat the water faster. This means that you can get your beer brewing quicker, and with less effort. 

They are also more convenient, as you can set the temperature and walk away, leaving the kettle to do all the work. 

Can you ferment in a brew kettle?

Yes, technically you can. 

However, It is not recommended to ferment in a brew kettle, as a brew kettle is primarily designed for boiling wort and not for fermenting beer. Normally you want a vessel that can fully seal, which a kettle does not, in order to prevent contamination. The high temperature during the boiling process can sanitize the kettle, but it can also damage the yeast cells and prevent them from fermenting properly.

Small batch brewing kits have been around for a long time. You've probably been in someone's garage and seen dusty artifacts left behind from an old Mr. Brew Machine. Unfortunately that's usually where their final resting place seems to be after one or two rounds of beer making.

When I talk with new brewers that started with a kit like this, I almost always get a story about how someone bought them the plastic barrel brewing machine and they tried it a few times.

"Did you like the beer?", I ask. The answer is usually the same. "It was ok."

Most beginner home brewers are bestowed one of these kits as a gift, not knowing the limitations they have. But, what are the limiting factors? Is it the equipment, the ingredients, the directions? I decided to dive into a number of the small batch kits currently available on the market to determine which are worth the scratch and which deserve the scrap.

Small batch homebrewing kits can come in handy, not just for a beginner brewer, but also a veteran looking to experiment with new ingredients without the load of a 5 gallon batch. The small volume kits also benefit people with small spaces that want to brew great beer. These kits have small footprints and fit easily into small kitchens and apartments. Sometimes referred to as apartment brewing kits, these mini breweries make around 1 to 2 gallons of beer depending on which one you get.

Here's the systems I tested and a breakdown of the supplies that comes with each kit. I chose to test the base model for each kit when available.

Small Batch Brewing Kits Tested

Equipment Included

Demon Brewing

HopBox

Midwest Supplies

Northern Brewer

Mr. Beer

Glass Primary Fermentor

X

X

X

Plastic Primary Fermentor

X

X

Cleanser

X

X

X

X

Siphon

X

X

X

Hydrometer

X

Lab Thermometer

X

X

Liquid Crystal Thermometer

X

X

Hose

X

X

X

X

Bottle Filler

X

X

X

Capper

X

X

Caps

X

X

X

X

Test Jar

X

Instructions

X

X

X

X

X

If you want to learn more, please visit our website YME.

Featured content:
What Are the Advantages of China battery pack assembly line？ Bottles
How to Choose a Bakery Rounder

X

X

Spoon

X

Airlock/Stopper

X

X

X

Ingredient Kit

X

X

X

X

X

Funnel

X

Carbonation Drops

X

X

&#;

&#;

Equipment Included

Monster Brew

Austin Homebrew

Brooklyn Brew Shop

Beer Machine

Brewer's Best

Glass Primary Fermentor

X

X

Plastic Primary Fermentor

X

X

X

Secondary Fermentor

X

X

Cleanser

X

X

X

X

Siphon

X

X

X

X

Bottle Brush

X

Hydrometer

X

Lab Thermometer

X

X

X

X

Hose Clamp

X

X

Hose

X

X

X

X

Test Jar

X

Instructions

X

X

X

X

Airlock/Stopper

X

X

X

X

Ingredient Kit

X

X

X

CO2 Cartridge

X

Each kit tested had its pros and cons, but none of these kits produced beer that was "undrinkable" by any means. Some of the ingredient kits were better than others, but the equipment that came with each kit is what I thought was the most important thing to consider when buying one.

AND THE WINNER is......

The winner in terms of equipment is the Brewer's Best 1 Gallon Kit.

This kit comes with a lot of high quality supplies that can assist any small batch brewer. You can continue to use many of the tools if you decide to brew larger batches of beer in the future including the hydrometer, thermometer, test jar, bottle brush and airlock. You can even use the glass jug to store harvested yeast from larger batches.

The larger primary fermentor and glass secondary fermentor for conditioning and dry hopping paired with all the other vital brewing tools is what puts this kit into the winning position.

The larger 2 gallon primary fermentor will allow some room for the krausen (beer foam) as the yeast ferments.

Just like many of the other kits tested, you still have to buy more supplies. You will need a capper, caps and bottles. These are essential items that should be included with a kit like this. Other items you will need are a kettle and spoon for stirring. No ingredient kit comes with this kit, but I find it is better to get the right equipment and then see what style of brewing you are interested in. With this kit you can brew extract, partial mash or all-grain batches, which are all available at your local homebrew shop or online.

If you love hoppy IPAs and Pale Ales and want to do some small batch dry hopping, the Brewer's Best 1 Gallon Kit is the kit for you.

AND THE RUNNER UP is......

The Brew Demon 2 Gallon Kit comes in at a close 2nd and comes with EVERYTHING to make beer.

This kit is reminiscent of the Mr. Brew Machine, but has some nice features that should be attractive to small batch brewers.

The conical design allows yeast to settle on the bottom of the fermentor for easier harvesting after transferring your beer to bottles and unlike other kits, this one includes a liquid crystal thermometer that applies to the fermentor. This allows you to see the temperatures during fermentation and before pitching yeast.

Not that you have to brew with the Brew Demon ingredients, but an extract kit is included along with bottles and caps making this a complete solution for a beginner small batch brewmaster.

The conical easily fits into a standard sized sink for cleaning and sanitizing.

We had a few hick ups with the spigot included with this kit, but the customer service we received from Brew Demon was AMAZING and they quickly sent out some missing parts (caps) and a few backup spigots for the one that broke during usage.

We tested the Pilsner extract that came with the kit and were pleasantly surprised by the full flavored results. Another bonus with the Brew Demon design was the ability to purge the system with CO2 after filling the fermentor. We also fitted their air release valve with a 3-piece airlock after this photo was taken.

All in all, the Brew Demon conical fermentor is a great tool that mimics large brewery style conical fermentors.

BEST IN SHOW is ......

The Hop Box made from reclaimed lumber is a solid homebrew kit and also a work of art. Each kit comes with a handmade storage box carved from locally sourced wood and high quality brewing supplies. This really is a homebrew kit you can display and show off to your friends.

The stainless steel funnel and extra glass vial make it easy to experiment with extracts and store yeast samples.

The kit comes with a mini auto-siphon that really comes in handy for transferring out of the glass fermentor and into either bottles or a mini keg setup.

The kit also comes with a hydrometer, lab thermometer and test jar. Our hydrometer was broken when it arrived, but the team at Hop Box did offer to replace it at no charge. Most of these small batch kits try to keep the math out of your brew day, but relying on bubbles in the airlock to judge when fermentation is complete is not a very scientific way of making beer.

Buy a good beginner brewing book and use the hydrometer to test final gravity to know when your beer has finished fermenting.

The Hop Box is a beautiful homebrew kit with some very nice tools and worth considering if you want a show piece as well as a brewing kit.

It's the little things ......

After reviewing and testing these kits, I'm left with an urge to pull out my 5 gallon system and brew a full batch. That being said, you have to remember what these kits are made for... beginners, experimenters and economical or space deprived brewers. If you are in the market for one of the mini brew systems, just take a little time to review the gear that the kits come with that can be reused for the second batch.

The powdered sanitizer (cleanitizer) that comes with most of these small kits is slow and not especially effective. Instead get a no-rinse sanitizer like Star-San or Iodophor.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website beer brewing equipment.

Christian Lavender is a father, husband, computer geek, beer writer and homebrewer in Austin, TX. He currently brews on Picobrew's Zymatic and enjoys styles ranging from hoppy barrel aged barley wine to funky sours.

Follow Christian's brewing on