This is an 8 gallon 304 stainless steel kettle with welded ports for the thermometer and ball valve. Both the thermometer and the ball valve come with this item and are both stainless steel. The thermometer has 2" probe. The 2" probe is perferred in the kettle over a 6" probe so as not to be damaged when stiring the kettle with your stainless steel spoon.
The face of the thermometer is 3", reads from 0 - 220 degrees F or -10 to 100 degrees C. The thermometer is easily calibrated using a set screw on the back of the dial. To calibrate, boil some water and set the thermometer to 212 degrees F or 100 degrees C. The thermometer screws into a 1/2 in. welded port on the kettle. A welded port eliminates any risk of leaks caused by damaged silicone orings.
The ball valve is a 1/2" stainless valve with a 1/2" barbed outlet. Similiar to thermometer, the ball valve screws into a 1/2 in. welded port.
The kettle has a tri clad bottom that will spread the heat of a direct flame from your burner across the bottom and minimize any chances of scorching. Kettles that only have a single layer bottom will likely cause scorching during the boil and will change the flavor of the finished beer. Scorched wort is not as fermentable and leaves a finished beer with a higher gravity and less alcohol.
The kettle handles are rivited into place and sturdy. The lid has nice large handle as well. This kettle is built to last through years of use in your brew house.
Optional Equipment:
False Bottom - The false bottom fits the kettle to its specific diameter and stands up off the bottom above the ball valve but below the thermometer. The false bottom has a large surface area and is effective when used during the boil to help separate the hops, both pellet and leaf, from passing into the ball valve. Alternatively, the false bottom can be used in the kettle so that the kettle becomes a mash tun. The false bottom has three legs across the under side and one handle on the top.
Sight Glass - We can install a weldless sight glass in the kettle. The sight glass is made of stainless steel and allows you to calibrate the kettle to your liking so that you can accurately collect and boil the volume of wort you intend on making.
