Weldless vs welded kettle

[chefbeer]

Hey folks,
I'm looking at stepping up to a 10 gallon system, and I think I've decided on one of Dave's 19 gallon brew kettles. Any thoughts on welded vs weldless fittings? Does anyone have any experience with the pots that Dave sells?
Thanks,
J

[jacinthebox]

I have his economy 19g pot...weldless. I installed a thermometer, ball valve drain and recirc port with ball valve.
I also have his 30g economy pot that I use for a mash tun...thermometer, false bottom, ball valve drain and sparge/recirc port with ball valve

works great...not leaks or concerns so far

[jason.loxton]

I have the 19 and 15 gallon welded. (This one: https://www.everwoodavebrewshop.com/pro ... 19-gallon/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) Looks like its $160 vs. $100 (welded vs. non-welded). Weldless bulkheads are $14, so assuming you want two bulkheads, you're saving about $30 going weldless. Offset that with the pain of drilling holes, and I am not sure it's worth it, especially given that the welded ones are slicker looking. That said, it looks like they're different kettles, aside form just the fittings. I'd actually take a look and see which version you prefer (aesthetics, dimensions, etc.) when you get to the store.

Honestly, I don't think you'll go wrong either way.

[jason.loxton]

Oh wait, I just saw that he's got welded with an included thermometer and ball valve for $150 ($130 for 15 gallon). I'd probably grab those. It's about $40-45 just for those extras. Deal and half! https://www.everwoodavebrewshop.com/pro ... 19-gallon/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[chefbeer]

Yeah, it seems like it's about $50 more to go with a welded kettle. If there isn't any appreciable difference, I'll probably just go for the cheaper, weldless version.
https://www.everwoodavebrewshop.com/pro ... -19-gallon" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[LiverDance]

I've got one i'm going to sell, it's this version https://www.everwoodavebrewshop.com/pro ... 19-gallon/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; except is has the thermometer already installed. Let me know if you are in HFX and interested.

[chefbeer]

Thanks, but I think I've decided to pull the trigger on the 19g weldless from Everwood.

[jason.loxton]

Well, it comes to down mostly to a matter of taste (kettle shape is different), but this 19 gallon with welded fittings, thermometer, and a ball valves is actually going to cost you less than buying the weldless and installing fittings (assuming you want a thermometer). Make sure you price it out including accessories to see if you're saving money in the end!

https://www.everwoodavebrewshop.com/pro ... 19-gallon/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

vs.

https://www.everwoodavebrewshop.com/pro ... -pot-80qt/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

FIXED. BUT STILL WRONG. SEE BELOW.

[chefbeer]

Ummm...those were both the same link?
My choices are the Advanced Economy (weldless w/fittings) for $150 or the Advanced (welded w/fittings) for $200.
They seem to be the exact same pot, other than the bulkheads...I can't see there being a $50 advantage to the welded fittings, or am I wrong?

[LeafMan66_67]

I have the welded ports on my 19G pot - the convenience of not having to deal with washers and such to seal the weldless fittings is worth it in my mind - less parts, less chance for leaks and easier to clean.

[jason.loxton]

My bad. I thought that the one with the pre-installed fittings was welded. Pays to read the description, and not just look at pictures!

Yeah... I am not sure how I'd go. I am sort of cheap, but if you can afford it, in the long run $50 might be worth it. I like the lack of washers on mine...