Polarware switched the ball valve on the brew pots from a 3/8 brass valve to a 1/2" stainless valve. This is a great improvement both for the fact that the contents of the pot never contact brass, and the wider valve means less chance of a stuck valve. Designed to last a life time of brewing, these pots are constructed of heavy, 18-8 stainless steel. The stainless steel ball valve has a 1/2" female pipe thread outlet that fits a 1/2" o.d. hose barb (order barb separately). The optional thermometer is a professional grade thermometer with a temperature range of 0- 250 oF and features a reset screw on the back. The thermometer threads onto the welded 1/2" NPT female thread. Without the thermometer, the pots have a threaded stainless steel plug for the thermometer port. Use these pots as a mash tun or a boiling pot, or both. The optional false bottoms (sold separately) are heavy gauge 18-8 stainless steel perforated with 3/32" holes, and have stainless steel handles and feet. The false bottoms stand 1 1/2" above the bottom and rest above the spigot. 15" Tall by 19" wide, includes lid & spigot. ***ABOUT SHIPPING METHOD CHOICE: This product is light but bulky, so if you want it to ship by air, a dimensional weight applies. To order air shipment or Priority Mail, select the 2 day or 3 Day air or Priority Mail option. This will enable the shopping cart to apply the correct shipping amount to your order when you check out. By choosing the air shipment option you will avoid delays in the shipment of this item because we will not have to contact you to adjust the shipping charge.