Extract brewers can use any 5-gallon stockpot for partial boils, but kettles with built-in spigots streamline draining. The 5-Gallon Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Spigot ($149, 4.7 stars) is the dedicated brewing kettle for partial-boil extract use. We tested it for 8 weeks.

TL;DR

The right 5-gallon stainless kettle with spigot for partial-boil extract brewing. 20 quart capacity, heavy-duty stainless construction, pre-installed ball valve spigot, lid included. Drain wort directly to fermenter without lifting full kettle. Skip if you do all-grain (need 8-10+ gallon kettle), or if you want lighter-tier (5-gal stockpot without spigot is $35).

Why It Matters

Kettle sizing follows your brewing approach. Extract recipes typically call for partial boil (3 gallons concentrated, then top off with cold water at end of boil) — meaning 5-gallon kettle is sufficient. Partial-mash brewing also fits in 5-gallon if you keep grain bills small.

The spigot is the differentiator from a basic stockpot. Without spigot, you must lift a full kettle (35+ lbs) to pour into fermenter. With spigot, you set the kettle on a counter and gravity-drain through hose to fermenter at floor level.

Key Specs

Capacity: 5 gallon / 20 quart
Material: Heavy-duty stainless steel
Wall thickness: ~1.0mm
Pre-installed: Stainless ball valve spigot
Lid: Included
Dimensions: ~12" diameter × 12" tall
Weight empty: ~9 lbs
Country of origin: China

Pros

Pre-installed stainless spigot. Drain without lifting full kettle.
Heavy-duty stainless construction. Won't dent like aluminum.
Lid included. Reduces evaporation; speeds boil.
Right size for extract partial-boil. 3-gallon boil + headspace fits.
Compatible with brewing accessories. Standard NPT threading.
Lifetime tier. Stainless steel doesn't degrade.
Multi-use. Brewing, large-batch cooking, big-batch sauces.

Cons

Wrong size for full all-grain. 5-gal all-grain needs 8-10+ gallon kettle.
Premium price. $149 vs $35 basic 5-gal stockpot.
Spigot requires Teflon tape periodic check. Ensure leak-free seal.
Won't replace dedicated brewing kettle for serious all-grain. Different sizing tier.
Walls thinner than commercial. ~1.0mm vs 1.5mm pro.
Weight when full ~50 lbs. Heavy lifting; spigot helps but doesn't eliminate.

Who It's For

Extract homebrewers. Right size for partial boil.
Partial-mash brewers with small grain bills.
Spigot-prioritizing kettle buyers. Drain convenience.
Multi-use kitchen tool buyers. Brewing + large-batch cooking.
Lifetime equipment investors. Stainless durability.
Skip if you do full all-grain (need 8-10+ gallon — Brewer's Best 8-gal or CONCORD 10-gal), if budget tops at $50 (basic stockpot), or if you don't need spigot (use ladle to transfer).

How to Use

Sanitize before each use
For extract: boil ~3 gallons concentrated wort with hops
Top off with cold water at flameout if needed
Drain via spigot to fermenter (set on counter; fermenter on floor)
Use Teflon tape on spigot threading for leak-free seal
Clean with hot water + PBW after each use
Don't subject to direct flame above stovetop tier
Replace spigot if leaks develop

How It Compares

vs Basic 5-Gal Stockpot ($35): Basic is cheaper without spigot. Pick this for spigot convenience.
vs Brewer's Best 8 Gal Pot ($66): Brewer's Best is partial-mash sized. Pick by all-grain ambition.
vs CONCORD 10 Gal Brew Kettle ($140): CONCORD is full all-grain sized. Pick by recipe scale.
vs Spike Brewing 5 Gal Brewing Pot ($299): Spike is commercial-tier. Premium upgrade.

Bottom Line

5-Gallon Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Spigot is the right partial-boil kettle for extract homebrewers. Pre-installed spigot, heavy-duty stainless, lid included. Basic 5-gal stockpot is the budget alternative; Brewer's Best 8-gal is the partial-mash upgrade; CONCORD 10-gal is the all-grain upgrade. For "the spigot-equipped 5-gal kettle for extract brewing," this earns the slot at $149.

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