New Aluminum Brew Pot

[crakers540]

I went back and searched this forum for discussions about aluminum vs stainless steel.  Found several advocates for aluminum.

I have been brewing in aluminum for years making beers from extract.  I bought a 10 gallon aluminum heavy duty pot for boiling since I am embarking on all grain brews.  My question is:  do I need to do anything to “season” my new pot before boiling in it? Manufacturer states that I should heat it up and add cooking oil to it, cool it down, heat it up and add cooking oil to it again.

[wingnut]

I think the oil thing is more for conventional cooking.  Not really desireable for brewing I dont think.
I never did this to my pots, and no known issues.

I woud clean it with soap and water.  Possibly boil a pot of water just to make sure nothing from machining is left over in the flavor… and brew beer.

[crakers540]

Thanks for the advice.  I meant to post this question on the open forum.  I agree that it makes sense to forgo the oil treatment.

[Alewyfe]

wash it well, no conditioning needed. It will ultimately form a bit of a  patina on the inside. Do not try to remove this using anything abrasive. No wire scrubbies, use only plastic or the green sponge scrubbies. This oxidized layer is actually fine and imparts no off flavors. I’ve had a 15 gal heavy aluminum pot since the 80’s and it looks grungy, but works perfectly.

[mabrungard]

I found that boiling some hard water in the pot helps bring in the dark gray patina, changing the bright metal.

[euge]

But only as high as the water level goes so fill it as full as possible!

[FaradayUncaged]

I currently brew in an 8 gallon aluminum pot.

As others have already mentioned, give it a good cleaning to remove anything from manufacturing.  Beyond that I’d recommend doing some simple water boils to develop the oxidized layer to the maximize amount you intend to boil.

[rhoobarb]

+1. My first pot was aluminum and I still use it as my HLT.  Been good to me for 11 years now. I filled it high as I could with water and heated it for a long while, just as Martin said.

[crakers540]

Thanks for all the tips.  Brewing my first all-grain this weekend in my new pot.

[FaradayUncaged]

@crakers540

Thanks for all the tips.  Brewing my first all-grain this weekend in my new pot.

FWIW, the only issue I’ve had with my pot is the heat retention (specifically for BIAB).  I’ve used the burner a couple times to keep the rest temperatures where I want them, versus using an insulated blanket.

[euge]

@FaradayUncaged

@crakers540

Thanks for all the tips.  Brewing my first all-grain this weekend in my new pot.

FWIW, the only issue I’ve had with my pot is the heat retention (specifically for BIAB).  I’ve used the burner a couple times to keep the rest temperatures where I want them, versus using an insulated blanket.

A very good point but the OP has not indicated how he intends to use it for grain batches. I’m assuming he’ll mash in a cooler…

[FaradayUncaged]

@euge

@FaradayUncaged

@crakers540

Thanks for all the tips.  Brewing my first all-grain this weekend in my new pot.

FWIW, the only issue I’ve had with my pot is the heat retention (specifically for BIAB).  I’ve used the burner a couple times to keep the rest temperatures where I want them, versus using an insulated blanket.

A very good point but the OP has not indicated how he intends to use it for grain batches. I’m assuming he’ll mash in a cooler…

Good point!  OP did mention “for boiling”.

[crakers540]

Yep, just for boiling, mashing in a cooler.  Reviewing my recipe/calculations, etc.  Getting ready to do my first all-grain batch today.  “Seasoned” my new aluminum pot by taking it through a few boils. Again, thanks for all the tips.