Stainless Steel Keg

[MrChalky]

I'm upgrading my equipment, and I was planning on using a some Kegs my Dad had lying around the back garden. Unfortunately, all but 1 of those are aluminium, and I don't want to deal with that.

Long story short, I'm looking for a SS keg

[DEMPSEY]

Have not seeing aluminium kegs in yonks, if you happen to come accross S/S ones remember not to post up pic's of them unless of course you BOUGHT them in Amirika 

[MrChalky]

Thanks for the heads up

The Aluminium ones have been sitting there for about 30 years, I think there may even be some beer left in 1 of them 

[DEMPSEY]

The old Dempsey's real ale brewery back in the 80's had 9 gallon aluminium kegs. Lighter than steel but more easier to damage.

[Greg2013]

You can always use the aluminium kegs as a HLT with no deliterious effects IMHO, only don't use them to boil wort 

[Shanna]

Personally dont see a problem using for a mash tun, hlt or boiler. Would be curious to know how you verified they were aluminium?

Shanna

[Beerbuddha]

One has to be carefull when it comes to kegs as the owners have had allot go missing so places like Kegwatch are checking forums for people who are dealing in them. Just heads up

[MrChalky]

I have an old 18L burco that was saved from the scrap heap that I'm planning on using as a HLT.

I know you can use aluminium, but afaik it needs an  oxide layer on it or something.

Apparently if you scratch it and leaves a dent, it's aluminium, if it only leaves a  small scratch, it's SS. That's the incredibly scientific method I used.

[Shanna]

If they are aluminium then should be easier to cut and drill than stainless steel.

Shanna

[DEMPSEY]

Drilled aluminium all day for years metal is soft as putty compared to steel.

[LordEoin]

Check this post out on homebrewtalk:
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/faq-aluminum-pots-boil-kettles-49449/

[MrChalky]

Ok, after reading that, I'll probably just use the aluminium keg.

Would it be better to use it for the mash tun or boil kettle? I'm thinking boil kettle, but I'd be interested in hearing arguments for the mash tun.