Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- equipment:brew_kettles [2010/11/16 20:27] – Fixed header size mrmekon
+++ equipment:brew_kettles [2010/11/16 22:58] – broke metal type section into two paragraphs mrmekon
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-//''This page contains information about selecting and using brew kettles.''//
+====== Brew Kettles ======
-====== Kettle Selection ======
+This page contains information about selecting and using brew kettles.
-===== Metal Type =====
-See the [[equipment:metallurgy|metallurgy]] page.
-===== Kettle Size =====
+===== Kettle Selection =====
+==== Metal Type ====
+There are various advantages for choosing one metal over another.  The most common metals for kettles are stainless steel and aluminum.
+For metal comparison, see the [[equipment:metallurgy|metallurgy]] page.
+==== Kettle Size ====
 For [[techniques:extract_brewing|extract brewing]]:
- * For 5-gallon [[techniques:partial_boil|partial boils]], a 3 gallon kettle is tiny, 4 gallons is normal, 5 gallons is best
+  * For 5-gallon [[techniques:partial_boil|partial boils]], a 3 gallon kettle is tiny, 4 gallons is average, 5 gallons is best
- * For 5-gallon [[techniques|full_boil|full boils]], 7.5 gallons is ideal
+  * For 5-gallon [[techniques:full_boil|full boils]], 7.5 gallons is ideal
 For [[techniques:brew_in_a_bag|Brew In A Bag (BIAB)]]:
- * For 5-gallon BIAB, 15 gallon kettle is highly recommended
+  * For 5-gallon [[techniques:BIAB]], 15 gallon kettle is highly recommended
+===== Kettle Accessories =====
+==== Valves ====
+Available in weldless or welded versions, valves are often attached near the bottom of the kettle to allow easy transfer of wort after the boil.  A hole is drilled in the kettle and a ball valve is attached.  Welded valves are more durable and less prone to leaking, but weldless valves must be used on non-weldable metals such as aluminum.
+After boiling, tubing can be connected to the valve and run to a [[equipment:wort_chiller|wort chiller]] or directly to a fermenter.  This is often easier than starting a siphon, and the valve can additionally have a filter to prevent [[boil:trub]] from exiting the kettle.
+Valves often have a [[equipment:diptube]] attached that extend lower than the opening in the kettle so drain wort that is lower than the height of the valve.  The diptube can be a solid piece of pipe, or a mesh braid to filter solids.  Mesh braids can be easily clogged by the fine particulate cause by [[ingredients:pellet_hops|pellet hops]], but are effective at filtering the sediment from [[ingredients:whole_leaf_hops|whole leaf hops]].
+The alternative to using a valve drain is simply siphoning from the top of the kettle, often assisted by a [[equipment:racking_cane|racking cane]].
+==== Thermometer ====
+==== Sight Glass ====