Same went for kettle versus Keegel.  Keegel has a smaller opening on top, and bottom band creates a heat sink during cool down. They do look cooler.  






Cooler versus  SS mash tun and HLT:  Insulation versus extended life, no warping, no leaching, and ability to add additional bulkheads latter.  Cooler is cheaper.    I will be insulating my stainless.  






Weld versus weldless:   Unless the weld fails, weld will have less leak problems.  Poor welding can introduce impurities in the metal, and pinhole issues.  I would say weld is always better, but several high end companies use weldless.  Flip side is weldless is generals a lower initial cost and easier upgrade path.  I went weldless, although Northern Brewer welded would have been cheaper.






Clad or not:  clad will be thicker and distribute heat better.  Single walled is cheaper.