using a keg shell

[RobDrechsler]

if you convert a keg shell into a brew kettle what type of cooker do you need? I have a turkey fryer type cooker would that but sufficient or do I need something with a wider flame?

[Brewboy]

A turkey fryer will work just fine. You just need to make sure that the new pot will sit securly over the burner. I modified my burner stands simply by adding a wider base using 1" angle iron.

[RobDrechsler]

great, just picked up a keg shell five minutes ago..

[Guerra]

You can also buy a round BBQ grill and use it on top of the burner.

[RobDrechsler]

excellent suggestion Orlando..

does the keg shell have any sort of coated lining I would have to deal with?

[MixnMatchBrew]

Only aluminum shells have a inner plastic coating. The stainless steel ones are good to go. Just drill, cut, install your fittings, clean it well with your favorite cleaner, and start making beer.

[RobDrechsler]

ok, I was planning on using this as my main brew kettle, so picking this thing up and pouring my wort into my fermenter is probably not going to happen, so need to add a ball valve... so what other fittings should I consider?

[MixnMatchBrew]

ok, I was planning on using this as my main brew kettle, so picking this thing up and pouring my wort into my fermenter is probably not going to happen, so need to add a ball valve... so what other fittings should I consider?

You can put a thermometer and a sight glass fitting in your kettle. Depending on how you brew they both could be useful.

[RobDrechsler]

yes, the thermometer is almost a given, I've read pro's and con's of the sight tube... mostly having to clean it after boiling wort..

[snake10]

Rob,
Let the pressure out of you keg, remove the stem, cut a hole in the top with a harbor freight grinder. Then drill some holes in it with a step drill bit-7/8 or 1inch (some good cutting oil), get some fittings from BArgainfittings.com and your in business. Do it 3 times and you will have a Burtus single tier like Brotherhood brew. Get busy!
Bart

[RobDrechsler]

Hi, Bart, thanks for the link... got it bookmarked..

Ok, how do you release the pressure, safely? last thing I want is century old beer shot into my eyes..



possibly I have a line on some more kegs.. but I will see if it pans out before I post anything..

[MixnMatchBrew]

To release the old beer and pressure:

Turn the keg on its side facing away from yourself and small children. Point at someone you don't like and depress the ball.

[RobDrechsler]

ok, used the keggle last night... how is everyone marking their sight glass.. sharpie.. typically what makings are you settting?

2 gal, 5 gal, 6 gal, 6.5 gal ?

[MixnMatchBrew]

Rob,

Sharpie on the tube will work. I keep thinking that painting a white stripe behind the guage and then pin striping the marks on it would be the slickest deal.

If you ever replace the tube, you will have to recalibrate the marks.

I mark mine every foot but your idea would work fine.

[BrotherhoodBrew]

I would mark for every gallon at least. It will help you be more accurate so you can reproduce your results in the future.