OBK Kettles

[Chris Craig]

@robcoombs and I were talking about the OBK kettles, and I noticed that they now come standard with a valve and thermometer.  The 15 gallon kettle is $104.99, the 19 gallon is $159.99

I think the 15 gallon price is a killer deal!

[Two Wheeler]

I agree Chris. If I could unload my 8 gal OBK kettle with ball valve and thermometer for $65 I would buy the 15 in a heartbeat.

*Wink, nudge*

[robcoombs]

Do you guys recommend getting the bazooka screen for this?

I would have taken you up on that a few weeks ago @Two Wheeler but after more thought I want to buy gear for AG that'll I'll be content with for years. I'd hate to spend money on something cheaper and want to upgrade 6 months later. Thanks though.

[Two Wheeler]

No worries Rob. The 8g is great for 5 gallon batches, and I can even pull off 5 gallon BIAB with it with a little juggling. If you're ever going to do 10g batches though, it's definitely smart to go big now!

[Chris Craig]

Do you guys recommend getting the bazooka screen for this?

Nope.  You'll want some sort of pick up tube though.  I just use a close nipple and elbow, but they sell a real pick up tube for $29.99

[Evil Jalapeno]

Do you guys recommend getting the bazooka screen for this?

Nope.

I have the 15 gal OBK kettle with a bazooka screen and it works pretty well. What are the advantages of using a pickup tube over a bazooka screen?

[Chris Craig]

There's just no real need to use a bazooka screen at all if you're using pellets.  On hoppier beers, you run the risk of clogging it up, in fact.   

[feldmann]

I'll take your 8 gal for $65. PM inbound.

[robcoombs]

Do you guys recommend getting the bazooka screen for this?

Nope.  You'll want some sort of pick up tube though.  I just use a close nipple and elbow, but they sell a real pick up tube for $29.99

I see the close nipple but which elbow would I want @Chris Craig ?

http://www.ontariobeerkegs.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=elbow&Submit=Search

[Chris Craig]

http://www.ontariobeerkegs.com/product_p/sselbowfpt.htm

[Al-Loves-Wine]

There's just no real need to use a bazooka screen at all if you're using pellets.  On hoppier beers, you run the risk of clogging it up, in fact.

True that! I use a bazooka in mine, it has its +/- for sure. It will help keep your beer clear, but when it gets to the hop trub, it does clog easily, so you gotta take you time and watch it and try to keep it off the screen so it keeps draining. I'm considering buying another to use as a mash tun so I can go larger. They are a steal of a deal now!

[robcoombs]

http://www.ontariobeerkegs.com/product_p/sselbowfpt.htm

Thank you

[pliny]

Hey Rob,

Depending on your setup and how much gap you have between the bottom of your kettle and the ball valve, you have some options.

I use the 90 degree street elbow with the pickup tube on the side. This elbow: http://www.ontariobeerkegs.com/product_p/street-elbow-ss.htm

With this pickup tube: http://www.ontariobeerkegs.com/Stainless_Steel_1_2_Side_Pick_up_Tube_p/ss-half-inch-side-pickup-tube.htm

Here you can see there are multiple setups: http://www.bargainfittings.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=151
The one I have is the 4th image from the bottom.

With the pickup tube you will lose some volume but its mostly hop matter and cold break so nothing you really want in your fermenter. You'll lose a couple of litres maybe? You want to account for that loss of volume in your system - how much water to add, your sparge, how much volume you want to end up in your fermenter,  etc.

[robcoombs]

Hey Rob,

Depending on your setup and how much gap you have between the bottom of your kettle and the ball valve, you have some options.

I use the 90 degree street elbow with the pickup tube on the side. This elbow: http://www.ontariobeerkegs.com/product_p/street-elbow-ss.htm

With this pickup tube: http://www.ontariobeerkegs.com/Stainless_Steel_1_2_Side_Pick_up_Tube_p/ss-half-inch-side-pickup-tube.htm

Here you can see there are multiple setups: http://www.bargainfittings.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=151
The one I have is the 4th image from the bottom.

With the pickup tube you will lose some volume but its mostly hop matter and cold break so nothing you really want in your fermenter. You'll lose a couple of litres maybe? You want to account for that loss of volume in your system - how much water to add, your sparge, how much volume you want to end up in your fermenter,  etc.

Thanks @pliny , good to see the different options

[robcoombs]

Brew kettle ordered! One step closer to all grain