Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum
- Sixstring78
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Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum
I'm getting ready to purchase all of the equipment to go all grain and was just wondering: are there any drawbacks to using aluminium pots instead of stainless steel?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Colchester Village Brewery
"Canada's Most Southern Brewery"
"Canada's Most Southern Brewery"
Re: Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum
Some people are concerned with potential health risks from aluminum. It all started when they did autopsies on alzheimer's patience and found aluminum in their brains. But it seems there is no conclusive evidence. Personally I use both. I don't find there to be any difference mind you I'm not using a turkey fryer but instead doing stove top boils.
BTW congrats on going AG
Rich
BTW congrats on going AG

Rich
- Sixstring78
- Posts: 1044
- Joined: 8 years ago
- Location: Colchester, Ontario
Re: Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum
Thanks! That's pretty much what I was thinking, mind you, I will be using a turkey fryer. Appart from the fact that SS is probably more resistant to corrosion(I'm not sure if any of the cleaners or sanitizers would gradually corrode aluminum?) I can't imagine that aluminium would have much of a difference. And when I'm just getting started and need to ideally buy three separate pots, it will be much cheaper. 

Colchester Village Brewery
"Canada's Most Southern Brewery"
"Canada's Most Southern Brewery"
- ihomebrewing
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Re: Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum
There is no problem with aluminum with respect to any causal diseases. Any relation to Alzheimer's has been dismissed years ago (but that is a whole different topic).
In fact, aluminum forms a passive layer of aluminum oxide, which makes the surface chemically inert to brewing conditions.
Use PBW to clean, when there is heavy soiling. Stay away from bleach. But that is recommended with stainless also.
Even with stainless, the HLT and MT can be cleaned with clear water and an abrasive sponge.
This saves on cleaner, and is just easier.
Aluminum has an advantage of greater heat dispersion over stainless, which is why they impregnate stainless pots with a layer of it on the bottom.
In fact, aluminum forms a passive layer of aluminum oxide, which makes the surface chemically inert to brewing conditions.
Use PBW to clean, when there is heavy soiling. Stay away from bleach. But that is recommended with stainless also.
Even with stainless, the HLT and MT can be cleaned with clear water and an abrasive sponge.
This saves on cleaner, and is just easier.
Aluminum has an advantage of greater heat dispersion over stainless, which is why they impregnate stainless pots with a layer of it on the bottom.
Re: Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum
and the cost savings makes aluminum the clear winner in my books.
- XXXXX
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Re: Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum
I went over this debate with myself and some others also...ultimately I went with aluminum. It made more sense for me (could afford a 63L pot, instead of a smaller one, for example).
I've yet to use it, but I don't anticipate any issues.
I've yet to use it, but I don't anticipate any issues.
Mmmm... Beer... *drool*
Re: Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum
I wonder if aluminum is infecting my beer. Every time I drink 6 or 8 I have trouble talking, get into fights and suffer memory loss... What do you guys think? 

- ihomebrewing
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- B&SCUSTOMEQUIPMENT
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Re: Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum
I experience the same symptoms, I don;t use any aluminum though. I have also experienced morning sickness, and my belly seems to be getting larger I hope I'm not pregnant!
Re: Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum
O my god!! I think it's spreading!