Ok, so, first things first, I’ll admit, I’m a bit obsessive, and do some off the wall stuff, because I think it’s fun. No, this project isn’t “necessary”, but I’m getting a kick out of it.
So, I’m rebuilding my system, to make it easier to use on brew day. I’ve decided to hard-plumb all the connections with solid pipe, and am having some trouble deciding what material to use. My system is basically a 3 kettle system, in roughly the same layout as a Brutus 10, with all the kettles side by side, at the same elevation from the ground.
The purist in me says “use stainless steel pipe”, because that’s what all of the connections, valves, etc are made of, and dang it, it looks pretty. Problem is, it’s not easy to find (unless I’m not looking in the right places), and rather expensive (IIRC, Grainger wanted to sell me a 10 foot length of Schedule 5 at around $40.00).
Well, the economist in me says “use copper”, as it’s most likely cheaper, and I can find it easily (home depot, etc).
So, I know that copper kind of acts as a nutrient for the yeast if present in the boil kettle, which is a good thing, and stainless steel is easy to keep clean.
So, are there any good reasons to use either approach?
Thanks in advance!
Rob