Stainless Steel 304 Weldless Brew Kettle - 13 Gallon (50L)

In the realm of grade 304 stainless steel, you can't really find a cheaper kettle. If you are on a budget and do not need an induction compatible kettle and want a valve + thermometer, go for it. My 3-star rating is attributed to the kettle that I received being somewhat worn. Indeed, the inside and outside had lots of scratches and the etched volumes were more damaged than elsewhere (speaking of which, the volume markings were off by approximately 1 L). I then proceeded with passivation in order to protect areas where the dents were more prominent. I also wished that the valve was installed about 1 inch to 1.5 inch lower. Note that both handles were not precisely installed on direct opposite sides of the kettle which makes carrying a full of half full kettle slightly awkward. All in all, this really is a case of you get what you pay for. For less than half the price of an equivalently equipped kettle, this one is pretty good depsite not being the prettiest of shiny new toys.

I know this is a relatively inexpensive kettle, but I decided to get it because it had riveted handles. This fact, and the slightly thicker base, are the only upsides. The welding and grinding of joints in this kettle is messy, and the top is not level, preventing the lid from sitting flush. This kettle also NEEDS to be passivated, as rust will form. It might also be prudent replacing the screw holding the knob to the lid with a stainless steel screw. I have one of the inexpensive, welded 16 gallon kettles from OBK and much prefer the quality of that one.