How about a longer nipple, Joe? Get your tubing away from the flame
Like a bulkhead and nipple with no valve? Never considered that. I'm ok with the ball valve, though.
Right. Not sure how your kettle is configured, but most have female fitting welded in, then short nipple, then valve, then barbed or quick disconnect. So... eliminate valve and use a longer nipple to a collar to the barbed? But ya, valve works too