While the move to all-in-one (AIO) systems cannot be ignored, it does appear that quality kettles with welded NPT fittings are on their way out. I purchased two new 10-gallon kettles at the end of last summer, both have tri-clamp fittings. I sold the custom Spike+ kettle, but kept the SS BrewTech TC kettle. TC fittings have advantages over NPT fittings, but I wonder how much the move to TC on kettles has to do with being trendy versus building a superior kettle. After all, a brewing kettle is self sanitizing and NPT fittings are much cheaper than TC fittings, not to mention physically smaller. Building a custom pickup tube assembly for an NPT kettle is dead simple. Building a custom pickup tube for a TC kettle is not. In fact, after working with my kettle, I realize that TC has more downsides than upsides at the sub-1bbl level. That is one of the reasons I like the Grainfather conical more than the conicals with TC ports. TC ports on a 7-gallon conical make it look like a caricature. The dual valve assembly on the Grainfather conical was designed with brewing at the home level in mind. It is a very elegant, simple design. The KISS principle and DIY have always been part of brewing at the home level. Have we reached a point where KISS is no longer embraced? I find that difficult to believe because AIO use is on the rise. It is like the AIO revolution is backlash against the complexity of building a normal electric brewery.
I finally put together an E HLT for my system . Moved my npt valve to it and put a fancy 1.5 tc bulkhead and butterfly valve on the kettle. The kettle looks super cool on the shelf.
I agree with you Mark. The current trend toward 1-1/2" TC fittings and their associated butterfly valves are pointless on any vessel under 1 bbl volume. Those fittings and valves are typical on professional systems upwards of 50 bbls, I know because I’ve worked on them. I’m currently brewing on a 15 bbl system and 1-1/2" TC fittings and valves are more than sufficient. Putting those on a 10 or 20 gallon vessel is a manufacturer’s way of separating you from your hard-earned cash. 1/2" NPT fittings and valves are more than enough. Manufacturers will continue to do it until their customers refuse to spend money on unnecessary bling.
Demand creates a market. People ask for products and/or design changes, and supply chains respond. This is especially true when it means more profit. Often trendy features make better selling points than practicality or price.