Full Size Keg

[dirk]

So I just received a full size Keg as a gift. I'm thinking about turning it into a boil pot. I think its 58.6 Litres and in good condition. Can I use this to boil with a gas base?
It also has beer in it. So does anyone think the beer would be good, its never been opened and is 2 years old (stored in a garage). Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[NASH]

It'll make a great brew kettle provided it's ALL stainless - no rubber. I'd highly recommend dumping the beer, even if it's not bad it'll still be bad.

[KMcK]

What?!? Keith's doesn't get better after rotting in a barrel for two years?

[sleepyjamie]

i converted 3 kegs into kettles (two labat and one molson), and they all work fantastic.

i picked up the ball valves $15 and nipples at TTL Supply in Dartmouth, and also some additional parts like adapters at hopdawgs.ca

[TimG]

Not to hijack this post, but I'm curious to hear folk's thoughts on keggle conversion.

I'm leaning towards cutting the top off the keg just below the top knuckle (where the top transitions to the sides) instead of the typical cutting out a circle from the top. Seems as if it would be easier/less snagging of hop bags (or BIAB which I intend to move towards eventually) this way. I don't really care too much that I won't have a cover (though I could add tabs to the top section I cut off to sit as a cover).

Just wondering if there might be any issues / cons going this way (and if not..why don't most folks go this way?)

Tim

[LiverDance]

Con: you won't have handles to lift it with
Pro: it is easier to clean and get in and out of.

[mr x]

I've seen a guy who cut out the top as described above, but left the handles attached. I think it was a retail job, and it enabled the guy to cut out the stamped Bud/Olands/etc. stamp...

[KMcK]

That's the way I'm thinking of doing mine. As I described to LD on several occasions I want to reattach the rim with the handles, so Prox2.

[John G]

I cut mine as Tim describes above and had handles welded on the sides. I also have another one that had a circle cut out from the top like the typical one you see and I find my kettle that has the whole top cut off and welded handles easier to use. It's easier to get access to the kettle, hop bags, stirring, putting in an immersion chiller etc.

John

[TimG]

I wonder if I can safely weld handles on the outside with standard steel wire MIG welder without any issues with sanitation/etc? I have the MIG welder..

Tim

[NASH]

I cut mine as Tim describes above and had handles welded on the sides.

John

Made mine the same way in 1991

[TimG]

Made mine the same way in 1991

Stainless welds?

If done right, this really shouldn't lose any capacity I wouldn't think. I do like the pro's of easier to clean and pour.

Hmm... weekend project.

Tim

[NASH]

Yeah I took it to a guy to weld the handles on. I think a mig will splatter like fuck and just make a huge mess.

G


Sent from the hop-phone.

[LiverDance]

If you do weld it yourself make sure you fill the bottom with water so any splatter doesn't stick to the bottom of the keg.

[jeffsmith]

Yeah I took it to a guy to weld the handles on. I think a mig will splatter like fuck and just make a huge mess.

I think you'd be able to do it with MIG if you have stainless wire and I seem to recall my brother in law mentioning that tri-mix gas is almost a must have for doing stainless work (he's a tin basher/welder).