Brew Kettle - Weldless Sight glass set up

I'm using a Classic Bayou 44qt Brew pot that came with a welded 1 inch port for a Ball Valve. My first challenge was getting a 1in to 1/2in bushing because there was no way I was going to find a 1in ball valve. Even if I did it would cost me one of my testicles so I ordered the bushing at amazon for a couple of bucks.

I ordered the sight glass from Bobby at Brew Hardware.com

It's a sight glass / thermometer combo that I had never seen before. Bobby has tons of videos and instructions that made installation very easy. I have to say his site is full of great brewing hardware and I will order from him again.

This is now my main Kettle but after converting my Keg this will become my Hot Liquor Tank (HLT). I currently have a two vessel set up but plan on getting some pumps and doing a one tier.



    Using a metal bit to drill a hole then a step bit to get it to the 9/16 size I needed. A bit nerve racking drilling a hole into a perfectly good pot but I had practice drilling holes in my kayak for fishing gear installs so I got over that real quick.


It's best to tape the area you want to drill and mark it with a sharpie. A quality step bit will ensure you will have a perfect hole. Brewhardware.com has these bits for purchase as well.

The sight glass itself is a Polycarbonate tube rated for 250 degrees. The thermometer is a 2 inch dial face with a 4 inch probe. It can be calibrated using the screw in the back.

Then it comes with black vinyl numbers so you can stick on the glass which is the whole point of this thing. I really enjoy knowing my wort level, it was a natural upgrade for those serious about brewing. I highly recommend it!