Entry level stock pot

[LavaChild]

Hello,

I am currently only at the stage of beer kits. Sometimes I'd like to have more than 1.7l of hot/boiling water available for various purposes. Originally considered buying a bigger kettle but they seemed expensive and then I had the idea of getting a brewpot/stockpot instead. The plan being that when I go to extract brewing I can use this too. Possibly even, further into the future still, it might have a use when doing BIAB (or alternative).

Now at the entry level (budget!) end of the market it seems there are two options:

1) Wilko Stockpot Stainless Steel 28cm - £15
http://www.wilko.com/search?q=0322498

This is stated as 18l but they clear have the maths wrong. This is actually 16l (to the brim). I've had a look at it in person and it's not professional quality but I was suprised at how well built it was for the money.

2) Buckingham Stainless Steel
15.8l (to the brim) - £19.40
20l (to the brim) - £22.90
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321267387373

I've not seen this in person but from what I've read these are rather thin and not particularly good quality but there are enough reports of being using these for homebrew that I would not write it off.

My gut instinct is the Wilko. It's a cheaper price and I'm (having seen it) happy with the quality. However is this capacity enough for (a) extract or (b) BIAB (for arguments sake consider a standard 40pt brew length)? Is the Buckingham any better?

In short - Are either of these good enough to go for? And which would you go for?

Thanks.

 

[ryanshelton]

where abouts are you located? i may have one that you could have...

 

[LavaChild]

where abouts are you located? i may have one that you could have...

West London (well, Middlesex if you ask me, but what do I know...) so probably not very convenient, sadly... I imagine postage would not be pretty, either!

 

[ryanshelton]

Mmm that's a shame. Postage wouldn't be cheap.

When I started BIAB I brought a set of 5 SS pots from eBay. The largest being around 18L. Drilled a hole in the side, added a tap and a hop stopper and jobs s good 'un. Will upload a pic later for you to get an idea.

But tbh any 18L ish pot would've been ok for me, you just cant do bigger brews easily

 

[morethanworts]

I use two of the Wilkos pots for AG brewing and have now even fitted one with a tap. See below (pre-tap).

A word of warning. They're fine, but I've measured the capacity many times, calibrated and recalibrated in various ways (including by weight of water) and they do NOT (in my opinion, for legal reasons!) hold 18L, even to the brim. It's pretty close to 12.75L up to the top of the brushed-steel portion (see pic) and there is not anything like a further 5 litres above that. (Perhaps 16L to brim IIRC). Just so you're comparing eggs with eggs!

 

[LavaChild]

Mmm that's a shame. Postage wouldn't be cheap.

When I started BIAB I brought a set of 5 SS pots from eBay. The largest being around 18L. Drilled a hole in the side, added a tap and a hop stopper and jobs s good 'un. Will upload a pic later for you to get an idea.

But tbh any 18L ish pot would've been ok for me, you just cant do bigger brews easily

Worth considering. When you've got the photos if you could post them or PM them, including a description of detail and asking price. I'm visiting parents in Leicestershire in the coming weeks (but not really any spare time in the schedule :whistle: ) so if it was right I might consider it. Also I know Collect+ can be done up to 10kg, 60x50x50cm for £5.29 (tracked and insured) so if it fits within these boundaries when carefully packaged it might still be goer. Look forward to hearing more.

A word of warning. They're fine, but I've measured the capacity many times, calibrated and recalibrated in various ways (including by weight of water) and they do NOT (in my opinion, for legal reasons!) hold 18L, even to the brim. It's pretty close to 12.75L up to the top of the brushed-steel portion (see pic) and there is not anything like a further 5 litres above that. (Perhaps 16L to brim IIRC). Just so you're comparing eggs with eggs!

Yep. The maths says these are 16l to the brim. Do you think (one of) these will be okay for extract brewing and (possibly going forward) BIAB?

Having used that pot would you recommend one of the Buckingham pots instead (mentioned in my original post) or would you stick to the Wilko pot? These are really (second hand aside) the only two options available at this price range.

Thank you!!

 

[deadman1972]

I live in Ireland and i have been looking for ages for a entry level stock pot in the 30-35 litre range an i just can't find any I have my all grain setup almost ready and i do have a keg boiler but a stock pot would suit me better

 

[morethanworts]

I'd go for the bigger pot, all else being equal. I can't advise on BIAB really.

I've just got a feeling that I looked into Buckingham pots and rejected them, maybe because of reports that they were extremely thin. Not sure now. The wilkos are thin too, but the construction is sturdy enough.

 

[LavaChild]

I'd go for the bigger pot, all else being equal. I can't advise on BIAB really.

I've just got a feeling that I looked into Buckingham pots and rejected them, maybe because of reports that they were extremely thin. Not sure now. The wilkos are thin too, but the construction is sturdy enough.

Well at the same size the Wilko is cheaper. So I guess, it's Wilko 16l £15 or Buckingham 22l £22.90. Wilko def presents better value for money. Neither are ideal so I might just go for the Wilko now while I am concentrating on kits and it will still do for extract. By the time I'm ready for BIAB/all grain I'll probably be in a better position to know exactly what I want/need and be happier to spend more on something bigger.

I'll ponder it a little longer but that's certainly my thoughts for now.

 

[ryanshelton]

The pot is in good condition, it's probably done around 10 brews. The tap is a stop cock, easier to control the flow of fluid.

Just poured 20L of fluid into it and it was full to the brim.

Just measured it, it'll fit easily into the sizes for collect+.

As for the price, I have absolutely no idea. Offer me what you think is fair :)