[flbrewer]

I'm cleaning out my Polar Ware brew kettle (10 gallon) for the first time and there is a lot of grey stuff rubbing off when I wash with a sponge. Initially thought it was dirt but even w a wet paper towel there is a lot of it. Any clue what this is?

[euge]

Is it steel or aluminum?

[flbrewer]

SS, looked online apparently normal. Wiped off with a wet paper towel.

[euge]

Sounds like grime from manufacturing. Keep wiping. Do a test boil with plain water. RDWHAHB

[Jimmy K]

Soap or pbw

- Sent by my R2 unit

[flbrewer]

Never did a test boil, ended up eventually wiping clean with repeated swipes of a sponge and paper towel. In the back of my (OCD) mind, I fear that I'll be drinking a lead filled beer!
On a side note, I called Polar Ware about this and someone told me it was from my water, come on...

[gymrat]

Was it one of these http://www.midwestsupplies.com/heavy-duty-stainless-steel-brew-pot-10-gallon.html

I got one of those and went through the same process. I cleaned mine up with vinegar. I figured since it was a brushed finish it was a by product of the manufacturing process. There shouldn't be any lead in it. It is steel.

[Jeff M]

Most metal stretching companies use a white/opaque liquid lubricant when forming their pots.  this can become mixed with metal flakes.  it was probably what you where wiping out of your kettle when you cleaned it for the first time.  As long as you cleaned your pot well with some sort of basic degreasing agent ala soap, you should be fine.  I would recommend getting a small jug of PBW to use on any new stainless items:D

[flbrewer]

Was it one of these http://www.midwestsupplies.com/heavy-duty-stainless-steel-brew-pot-10-gallon.html

I got one of those and went through the same process. I cleaned mine up with vinegar. I figured since it was a brushed finish it was a by product of the manufacturing process. There shouldn't be any lead in it. It is steel.

Similar, this one...
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/polar-ware-stainless-steel-brewing-pot-10-gallon.html

[Jimmy K]

Most metal stretching companies use a white/opaque liquid lubricant when forming their pots.  this can become mixed with metal flakes.  it was probably what you where wiping out of your kettle when you cleaned it for the first time.  As long as you cleaned your pot well with some sort of basic degreasing agent ala soap, you should be fine.  I would recommend getting a small jug of PBW to use on any new stainless items:D

That was my thought. Many metal products have a film after manufacturing.  It is probably washed off of consumer products when the customer might examine it before purchase, but possibly not for an online purchase.

[flbrewer]

Bumping this old thread that I started because I've had the same issue with another US manufactured SS pot. Anyone else seeing this on new pots? That's what I get buying American!

[Slowbrew]

I consider it normal when buying "industrial" level equipment. The film is leftovers form the manufacturing process.  I wash everything I buy to prepare food in before using it so it's never seemed like a big deal to me.

It's the same as when you buy steel for a welding project, it will come soaked in oil.  You have to clean it all before you can finish it.

Paul

[Joe Sr.]

I've had the same thing with new kegs.  Just clean them before you use them and all is good.