Looking to elevate your homebrewing game beyond the classic plastic bucket and PVC tubing? It’s time to upgrade to the best brew kettle that will make you the envy of all your beer-loving friends (and maybe even your enemies, too).
But with so many options, how do you choose the best one for your needs? Fear not, fellow brewer! We’ve done the research at Hopsters Brewery and taste-tested our fair share of homebrews to bring you the ultimate guide to the best brew kettles on the market. While we could easily check the budget, features, size, brand, and bling, we know not everyone has the chance to test several brew kettles.
Having analyzed all the factors listed above, and testing over 50 brew kettles, we found out that GasOne BS-40 10 Gallon Stainless Steel Kettle is the best for home brewing.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, these kettles will make your beer taste so good, even your mother-in-law will finally give you some respect. So sit back, grab a cold one, and let’s get brewing! We also described the best dual tap kegerator to serve the brewed beer in style.
Which is the Best Brew Kettle for Homebrewing?
| Brew Kettle Model | Best for | Budget | Features | Capacity | Brand | Bling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GasOne BS-40 10 Gal. | Best Brew kettle | Affordable | Stainless | 10 Gallons | GasOne | Minimal |
| Ss Brewtech-BE370 Home Brewing Kettle | Best for bling | Expensive | Stainless | 10 Gallons | Ss Brewtech | High-End |
| Northern Brewer – MegaPot 1.2 Stainless Steel | Best brew kettle for beginners | Moderate | Stainless | 10 Gallons | Northern Brewer | Minimal |
| Stout Tanks BK9TW-TI-EL1 | Best electric brew kettle | Expensive | Stainless | 9 Gallons | Stout Tanks | None |
| Bayou Classic Brew Kettle | Best Classic Brew Kettle | Affordable | Stainless | 8 Gallons | Bayou Classic | None |
| Onebrew Electric Beer Brew Kettle | Best Brew Kettle for easy & Fast Cooling | Moderate | Stainless | 8.7 Gallon | Onebrew | None |
When it comes to the best brew kettles for homebrewing, there are several options to choose from. The GasOne BS-40 10 Gallon Stainless Steel Kettle is the best brew kettle that is affordable with minimal bling, while the Northern Brewer – MegaPot Stainless Steel is an expensive option with high-end bling. The Stout Tanks BK9TW-TI-EL1 and Bayou Classic Brew Kettle are both affordable options with no bling.
The MegaPot 1.2 Brew Kettle is a moderate-priced option with minimal bling. In terms of capacity, the SS Brewtech Brewmaster Edition is the largest with 20 gallons, while the Stout Tanks BK9TW-TI-EL1 is the smallest with 9 gallons. All of these brew kettles are made of stainless steel and offer various features for homebrewers to choose from. You might also opt for Best Home Brewing Kits for Beginners to guide your home brew process as you gain brewing competency.
1. GasOne BS-40 10 Galon Brew kettle
If you’re a homebrewer looking for a reliable, affordable, and durable brew kettle, look no further than the GasOne BS-40 10 Gallon Stainless Steel Brew Kettle. Compared to other options on the market, this brew kettle is a steal.
Constructed with heavy-duty stainless steel and designed with a tri-ply aluminum bottom, the GasOne BS-40 is an excellent choice for brewers of all experiences. With its flat bottom design and tri-ply bottom construction, the kettle can be used with both stove tops and commercial-sized induction cooktops. Plus, the specially engraved scale markings on the interior portion of the kettle provide accurate measurements of your beer or liquid content.
One of the standout features of the GasOne BS-40 is that it comes as a 4-piece set, which includes a ball valve and spigot as well as a heavy-duty stainless steel thermometer. These features add to the convenience and functionality of the kettle and make it a great option for brewers looking to upgrade their equipment.
While the GasOne BS-40 lacks the bling of some of the more expensive options on the market, it is an affordable option that still provides excellent value for the money. Its 10-gallon capacity is suitable for most homebrewers, and its relatively lightweight design makes it easy to move around.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty stainless steel construction with tri-ply bottom
- 4-piece set, including ball valve, spigot, and thermometer
- Engraved scale markings for accurate measurement
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Minimal bling compared to more expensive options
- Limited capacity compared to some larger kettles
Recommendation
Overall, the GasOne BS-40 10 Gallon Stainless Steel Brew Kettle is an excellent choice for homebrewers looking for a reliable and functional kettle without breaking the bank. It’s sturdy construction and thoughtful design features make it a great investment for anyone serious about their homebrewing hobby.
2. SS Brewtech-BE370 Home Brewing Kettle
For the homebrewer looking for a kettle that delivers both bling and functionality, the SS Brewtech-BE370 Home Brewing Kettle is a perfect choice. This premium line of weldless kettles is packed with features and designed to last for years of brewing. The SS Brewtech-BE370 Home Brewing Kettle Dimensions are 13 x 21 x 13 inches and it weighs 10 Pounds.
One of the standout features of the Ss Brewtech-BE370 is its integrated Trub Dam, a weldless pickup tube/trub dam that fits into the back of the ball valve. This feature allows for easy transfer of more wort and less trub, making the brewing process more efficient.
In addition to the Trub Dam, the Ss Brewtech-BE370 boasts heavy-duty 18-gauge 304 stainless steel construction and a 1.2 x 1.0 height-to-width ratio, ensuring no scorching during the brewing process. The silicone handles provide safe handling, while the internal etched gallon markings and thermometer port at the 4-gallon level ensure accurate measurement of your brew.
While the SS Brewtech-BE370 is one of the more expensive options on the market, its premium features and high-quality construction make it a worthy investment for the serious homebrewer.
Pros:
- Premium line of weldless kettles with integrated Trub Dam
- Heavy-duty 18-gauge 304 stainless steel construction
- Silicone handles for safe handling
- Internal etched gallon markings and thermometer port for accurate measurement
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other options on the market
- Limited capacity at 10 gallons
Recommendation
Overall, the Ss Brewtech-BE370 Home Brewing Kettle is an excellent choice for the homebrewer looking for a high-quality kettle that delivers both bling and functionality. Its premium features and construction make it a worthy investment for anyone serious about their homebrewing hobby.
3. Northern Brewer – MegaPot 1.2 Stainless Steel Brewing Kettle
The Northern Brewer – MegaPot 1.2 Stainless Steel Brewing Kettle is one of the best options for home brewers who are looking for a high-quality bling brew kettle that is both functional and stylish. The kettle is made of 304 stainless steel and features volume markings on the inside in 1-gallon increments, which eliminates the need for a sight glass. The MegaPot also boasts a 4mm thick Tri-Clad Bottom, which ensures even heat distribution and promotes a vigorous boil, reducing off-flavors.
The MegaPot’s enhanced safety features make it a reliable option for any home brewer, with heat-proof silicone, handles that protect against burns, riveted handles for a steady lifting of hot liquids, and a stainless steel band on the upper rim that reinforces rigidity. However, with a weight of 22 pounds, the MegaPot is one of the heavier options on the market.
In comparison to the other kettles on the list, the MegaPot is a bit pricier, but it is well worth the investment for the high-quality materials and added features. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, the MegaPot is an excellent choice for brewers who value functionality, durability, and style.
Pros:
- Volume markings inside the pot make it easy to measure liquid volume without needing a sight glass
- The 4 mm Thick Tri-Clad Bottom ensures even heat distribution and reduces off-flavors
- Enhanced safety features include heat-proof silicone handles, riveted handles for steady lifting, and a stainless steel band for reinforcement
- The large capacity of 10 gallons is perfect for brewers who want to make larger batches
- The sleek stainless steel design is easy to clean and looks great in any kitchen
Cons:
- The MegaPot is heavier than some other brew kettles, which may make it difficult for some brewers to lift and move around
- The price point for this kettle is higher than some of the other options on the market
- Some users have reported that the kettle is not as durable as they had hoped, with some welds failing over time
Recommendation
Overall, the Northern Brewer – MegaPot 1.2 Stainless Steel Brewing Kettle is a solid option for brewers who value safety, capacity, and even heat distribution. While it is on the pricier side, the volume markings and reinforced design make it a worthwhile investment for serious brewers. However, those who plan to move their kettle frequently or who prioritize durability over features may want to consider other options.
4. Stout Tanks BK9TW-TI-EL1 Brewing Kettle
The Stout Tanks BK9TW-TI-EL1 Brewing Kettle is a top-of-the-line electric brewing kettle that is perfect for homebrewers looking for an all-in-one solution. Made from premium virgin 304 stainless steel, this 10-gallon brew kettle is 100% sanitary, as there are no threads that come into contact with your wort, ensuring a safe and clean brewing experience.
One of the most notable features of the Stout Tanks BK9TW-TI-EL1 Brewing Kettle is its combination brew kettle/whirlpool design. This allows for efficient brewing, as you can easily pump your wort from the outlet and back into the brew kettle through the tangential inlet, effectively stirring your wort and promoting even heat distribution.
Another great feature of this electric brew kettle is the welded-in 3″ thermowell with 1/2″ NPT fitting, which allows you to easily monitor and control the temperature of your wort. The kettle also includes a 1.5″ tri-clamp element port, and two 3/4″ ball valves (5/8″ ID) for easy draining and transferring of your wort.
The Stout Tanks BK9TW-TI-EL1 Brewing Kettle also comes with two 3/8″ sanitary hose barbs, allowing you to easily connect to your wort chiller or pump. Its dish bottom ensures that all of your wort is easily drained out, and the 1.5″ tri-clamps and gaskets make it easy to disassemble and clean.
Overall, the Stout Tanks BK9TW-TI-EL1 Brewing Kettle is a premium electric brew kettle that is perfect for homebrewers looking for an all-in-one solution. While it may be more expensive than some other options on the market, its high-quality construction, efficient design, and easy-to-use features make it a great investment for those who are serious about their brewing.
Pros:
- Combination brew kettle/whirlpool design for efficient brewing
- Welded-in 3″ thermowell with 1/2″ NPT fitting for easy temperature monitoring and control
- Tangential inlet for the effective stirring of wort
- 100% sanitary design with no threads that touch your wort
- Dish bottom and tri-clamp fittings for easy cleaning
Cons:
- More expensive than some other options on the market
- May be too advanced for beginners who are just starting out with homebrewing
Recommendation
The Stout Tanks BK9TW-TI-EL1 Brewing Kettle is a great investment for homebrewers who are serious about their craft and are looking for a high-quality electric brew kettle. While it may be more expensive than some other options on the market, its efficient design and easy-to-use features make it a top choice for those who want to take their brewing to the next level. However, for beginners who are just starting out with homebrewing, it may be more than they need, and they may want to consider a simpler, less expensive option.
5. Bayou Classic Brew Kettle
The Bayou Classic Brew Kettle is an excellent option for those looking for a reliable and affordable home brew kettle. This 6-piece set comes with all the necessary equipment, including an 8-gallon kettle, a 3-inch stainless steel thermometer, a 1/2-inch stainless ball valve, a stainless false bottom screen, a stainless tube-shaped filter screen, and a heat shield to protect the seal on the spigot and thermometer.
Compared to the previously described kettles, the Bayou Classic Brew Kettle has a smaller capacity of 8 gallons, but it is still suitable for most home brewers but may not be sufficient for larger batches. The false bottom screen is domed, preventing grains and particles from entering the spigot chamber. It also has a convenient handle that allows easy removal of the screen from the kettle. Additionally, the spigot filter screen helps reduce grain and sediment in your homebrew.
Also, the kettle does not have volume markings on the inside, making it difficult to measure the exact amount of liquid in the kettle.
However, the Bayou Classic Brew Kettle is easy to clean and sterilize thanks to its stainless steel construction, making it an excellent choice for serious home brewers who demand the highest quality equipment. The kettle is also easy to assemble and comes with all the necessary equipment, including O-rings and two wrenches for easy attachment, and a water-tight seal.
Pros:
- The 6-piece set comes with everything you need to start brewing at home.
- The stainless steel false bottom and spigot filter screen help to prevent grains and sediment from entering your brew.
- The side-mounted thermometer allows you to easily monitor the temperature of your brew during the brewing process.
- The bulkhead fittings and O-rings ensure a water-tight seal, making for easier attachment and safer brewing.
Cons:
- The 8-gallon capacity may be too small for some brewers.
- The screen may not be fine enough for certain types of grains, leading to clogs in the spigot and filter.
- The included wrenches may not be the highest quality and may need to be replaced.
Recommendation:
The Bayou Classic Brew Kettle is a solid option for beginner and intermediate brewers. Its 6-piece set includes everything you need to get started, and its stainless steel false bottom and spigot filter screen help ensure a cleaner brew. However, more advanced brewers may prefer a larger-capacity kettle, and some may find the screen to be too coarse.
Overall, this is a good mid-range option for those looking to brew at home. Bayou Classic Brew Kettle is an excellent electric home brew kettle for beginners and experienced brewers alike. Its affordability, reliability, and easy assembly make it a great choice for anyone looking to start brewing their own craft beer at home.
6. Onebrew Electric Beer Brew Kettle
The Onebrew Electric Beer Brew Kettle is a great option for those who prioritize easy and fast cooling. This kettle features a fixed immersion chiller lid with a stirring paddle, which helps to cool the wort quickly while also providing easy access for stirring. Additionally, the kettle’s tri-clad bottom, which features an aluminum core sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel, allows for even heat distribution and can be used on an induction cooktop.
One of the main advantages of the Onebrew kettle is its powerful heating element, which operates at 120V and 2000W. This allows for fast heating of strike or sparges water as well as the wort. Additionally, the kettle’s seamless, 1.0 mm thick stainless steel sidewall and riveted handles make it sturdy and long-lasting.
The ball valve on the Onebrew kettle is made of sanitary grade 316 stainless steel, which is superior to the 304 stainless steel used in some other kettles. The included silicone tubing for the chiller and ball valve barb fittings is also food grade, odorless, and highly transparent, ensuring that your brew stays sanitary.
One potential downside to the Onebrew kettle is its weight, which is 20 pounds. This may make it more difficult to move around compared to some other kettles. Additionally, some users may prefer a kettle with a larger capacity than the Onebrew’s 6-gallon size. Its dimensions are 17.9″Length x 15″ Width x 14.2″ Height.
Pros:
- Powerful 120V 2000W heating element saves time on brew day
- Fixed immersion chiller lid with a stirring paddle allows for easy and fast cooling
- Tri-clad bottom ensures even heat distribution and can be used on an induction cooktop
- Seamless and heavy-duty construction for durability and longevity
- Sanitary-grade and food-grade materials for safe brewing
- No need for Teflon tape, only sealed with silicone O-rings for easy installation of the valve and thermometer
- Fast heating times – only 46 minutes to heat 5 gallons of water from 50 ℉ to 176 ℉ for a strike or sparge water and only 36 minutes to heat 6 gallons of wort from 131 ℉ to 212 ℉
Cons:
- Requires a NEMA 5-20 outlet and a 20A circuit
- The stirring paddle may not be as effective as a separate counterflow chiller for cooling
Recommendation:
The Onebrew Electric Beer Brew Kettle is an excellent choice for home brewers who want a powerful and easy-to-use electric kettle with fast heating times and efficient cooling. The tri-clad bottom, powerful heating element, and heavy-duty construction ensure even heat distribution and durability, while the sanitary and food-grade materials provide peace of mind during brewing. The only downside is that it requires a specific outlet and circuit, but if you have those in your home, this kettle is definitely worth considering. Overall, I highly recommend the Onebrew Electric Beer Brew Kettle for home brewers looking for an efficient and reliable brewing kettle.
Buyers Guide for the Brew Kettle
If you want to make a great home brew, there are a few considerations you need to make with the home brew kettle that you buy. We have compiled the considerations in bullet form to ensure you get the best kettle for your home.
Capacity:
- Consider the size of your batch when selecting a brew kettle.
- 5-10 gallons is a common range for home brewers.
Knowing the capacity or size of the home brew kettle is important for a few reasons:
- Recipe volume: The size of your kettle will dictate how much beer you can brew in a single batch. This is important if you have a specific recipe or style in mind that requires a certain volume of wort.
- Boil volume: A larger kettle will allow you to boil more wort, which can help improve hop utilization and flavor development.
- Efficiency: With a larger kettle, you can achieve higher boil-off rates and better evaporation, which can increase your efficiency and help you hit your target gravity.
- Convenience: Having a larger kettle can make your brewing process more convenient by allowing you to do more in a single vessel. For example, you can heat your strike water and mash in the same vessel, and then use the same vessel for boiling and cooling.
Knowing the capacity or size of your home brew kettle is crucial for determining the right amount of ingredients, the volume of wort you can produce, and the efficiency of your brewing process.
Weight:
- A heavy kettle may be more durable, but it can also be difficult to handle and lift.
- Consider your physical abilities when selecting a kettle.
The weight of a brewing kettle is an important consideration to keep in mind when shopping for one. A heavier kettle usually indicates thicker and higher-quality materials, which can help with heat retention and distribution during the brewing process.
A heavier kettle is also less likely to be accidentally knocked over during use, reducing the risk of burns and spills. However, it’s important to consider your own physical abilities when choosing a kettle, as lifting a heavy kettle full of hot liquid can be challenging for some.
Additionally, if you plan on using your kettle on a stovetop, make sure it is compatible with your stove and won’t exceed its weight limit. Overall, choosing a kettle that strikes a balance between weight and functionality is crucial for a successful home brewing experience.
Materials:
- Stainless steel is a popular material for brew kettles due to its durability and ease of cleaning.
- Aluminum kettles are lighter and more affordable but can react with acidic ingredients.
- Copper kettles are aesthetically pleasing, but they are expensive and require more maintenance.
The materials that make up the brewing kettle are essential to consider when making a purchase as they can affect the quality and taste of your brew. The most commonly used materials for brewing kettles are stainless steel, aluminum, and copper.
Stainless steel is a popular choice due to its durability, resistance to corrosion, and ease of cleaning. However, it can be more expensive than other materials.
Aluminum is a lightweight option, but it is not as durable as stainless steel and may react with acidic ingredients.
Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, but it is also more expensive and requires more maintenance than other materials.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the materials used in the brewing kettle are food-grade and do not contain any harmful chemicals that can leach into your brew. Ultimately, the material you choose will depend on your budget, personal preferences, and the type of brew you plan to make.
Shape:
- A wide, shallow kettle can make it easier to stir and add ingredients.
- A tall, narrow kettle can be better for reducing boil-off and maintaining a consistent temperature.
When buying a brewing kettle, the shape is an important consideration. The shape of the kettle can affect the efficiency of the brewing process, as well as how easy it is to clean and store.
Generally, kettles with a wider diameter and a narrower height are more efficient for boiling, as they have a larger surface area for heat to distribute evenly. The shape also affects the ease of stirring and the likelihood of boilovers.
A kettle with a wider base and narrower top is less likely to boil over and is easier to stir, while a kettle with a narrower base and wider top may be more prone to boil overs and harder to stir.
Additionally, some brewers prefer a straight-sided kettle to make it easier to add ingredients and clean, while others prefer a tapered shape that allows for easier stirring and mixing. Ultimately, the shape of the brewing kettle depends on personal preference and the brewing method used, so it’s important to consider these factors before making a purchase.
Sight glass:
- A sight glass can make it easier to monitor the level of liquid in your kettle.
- It can be a helpful tool for avoiding boil-overs and ensuring accurate measurements.
A sight glass is a helpful feature to have on a brewing kettle but it is not necessary. A sight glass allows you to see the liquid level in the kettle, which can be useful during the brewing process.
With a sight glass, you can easily monitor the liquid level without having to lift the lid or use a separate measuring device. This can be particularly important during the sparging process, where you want to control the flow rate of the hot water through the grain bed.
However, some homebrewers prefer to use a dipstick or other method to measure the liquid level, so a sight glass may not be a must-have feature for everyone. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and brewing style.
Trub Dam It:
- A trub dam can be helpful for separating trub and hop material from your wort.
- However, it is not necessary for all brewing methods.
The Trub Dam It is not an essential feature when buying a brewing kettle, but it can be a helpful addition for some brewers. The Trub Dam It is a device that helps to separate the trub (the layer of sediment that forms during the boiling and cooling process) from the clear wort, making it easier to transfer the wort to the fermenter without including the trub.
This can result in clearer beer and may also help prevent clogging during the transfer process. However, some brewers prefer to let the trub settle naturally and simply avoid transferring it to the fermenter. Ultimately, whether or not the Trub Dam It is necessary will depend on personal brewing preferences and practices.
Whirlpool:
- A whirlpool arm can be helpful for creating a whirlpool in your kettle, which can aid in the separation of trub and improve hop utilization.
- However, it is not necessary for all brewing methods.
If you want to achieve better hop utilization, improve the clarity of your beer, and get better flavor extraction from your ingredients, then you should consider a brewing kettle with a whirlpool feature.
This feature enables you to create a vortex in the wort after the boil to collect the trub and hot break materials in the center of the kettle. The whirlpool feature helps create a more efficient cooling process by moving the wort around the kettle, which helps to cool it more quickly.
Furthermore, the whirlpool feature also helps to distribute hops more evenly throughout the wort, ensuring better flavor extraction. Therefore, if you’re looking to make high-quality beer with better clarity and flavor extraction, then a brewing kettle with a whirlpool feature is a great option to consider.
Budget:
- Brew kettles can range from under $100 to over $500.
- Consider your budget when selecting a kettle, but remember that investing in a higher-quality kettle may save you money in the long run.
The budget is an important consideration when buying a brewing kettle. Brewing kettles are available in a wide range of prices, from very affordable to very expensive, depending on the features and materials. It’s important to determine your budget beforehand so that you can narrow down your options and choose the best brewing kettle for your needs and budget.
While it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option, keep in mind that a good brewing kettle is an investment in your home brewing hobby. Cheaper kettles may not be made of high-quality materials, may not have all the necessary features, and may not last as long as a more expensive, higher-quality option. On the other hand, an expensive brewing kettle may have features that you don’t need or won’t use, and may not fit within your budget.
When considering the budget, it’s also important to factor in any additional equipment that may be needed, such as a burner or propane tank if you are using a propane-fueled kettle. Don’t forget to also factor in any shipping or tax costs if purchasing online. With a clear budget in mind, you can make an informed decision on the best brewing kettle that meets your needs and budget.
Other considerations:
- Look for a kettle with sturdy handles that can support the weight of a full batch.
- A tight-fitting lid can help maintain a consistent temperature and prevent evaporation.
- Consider the compatibility of the kettle with your heat source (e.g. gas vs. electric).
- Look for a kettle with clear volume markings to help with accurate measurements.
- Consider purchasing a kettle with additional features such as a thermometer or spigot.
Conclusion
We have gone through the 6 best brew kettles and described the considerations when buying one. You can use the knowledge we have gained in our 10 years of brewing to guide you into getting the best brew kettle for your home brewing.
Having analyzed the buyer’s guide and tested over 50 brew kettles, we found out that GasOne BS-40 10 Gallon Stainless Steel Kettle is the best for home brewing.
Feel free to give us a comment about our selection from our personal and expert analyses and testing.
