Anyone using 13A induction hob & stockpot?

[Spudbrew]

First up, hi all.
I want to start & go shiney, & want to use an induction hob & stockpot.
Anybody using a similar set up? Any advice?
Thanks, top smilies :

 

[A T]

I was using the hob in the kitchen for a while. I got some good results but to be honest i always felt like the boil could have been stronger. That was 5 gallon brews, i have since moved to 10 gallon so that option is not viable anymore. Did you consider fitting kettle elements to your stock pot?

Welcome to the forum :thumb:

 

[Wez]

nice to have you on board SB :thumb:

AT's point is a good one - any chance of getting elements fitted?

 

[Spudbrew]

I have been using a 14 gallon plastic bucket with 2 kettle elements in but i find the elements are becoming tempermental after 6 months. So i wanted to try something different.
The elememts packed up half way through boiling an Imperial stout, never again!

 

[A T]

There's lots of great advice on the site on caring for and cleaning your elements How big is you're stock pot? Did you consider getting a big ass gas burner? i think Aleman uses gas, you could chat to him.

 

[Wez]

elements are prone to trip out, have you been able to remove them and give them a good clean? A citric acid soln is a good solution for elements that need some tlc :)

 

[Spudbrew]

I've not bought the stock pot yet, i wanted to to for a 14 gallon one, for bigger brews(double).
Unfortunately i cannot use gas in my current (rented) house/garage.
Maybe just a quick clean, will do it....
Thanks.

 

[A T]

Yea i definitely wouldn't chance that monster on the hob :shock:

 

[Wez]

Elements dont like the build up boil after boil, taking them out and cleaning those hard to reach places can do the trick.

Hope that helps, ah and sorry to hear about the stout.

 

[Aleman]

Ditch the kettle elements and go for either Tea Urn Boiler elements or Better still Immersion heater elements.

Tea Urn elements are problematical in that they mount through the base of the pot . . . which could be problematical (But not in a Thermobox ), and Immersion elements need a dirty great hole, but in a large pot that is not a problem.

 

[steve_flack]

I agree, immersion heater elements are a lot more reliable (you can get both copper and stainless versions too). The only problem is cutting the bloody big hole and getting them tight enough. The latter is especially difficult on smaller pots with a small radius. That being said I certainly wouldn't bother with kettle elements ever again.

I've heard good reports about using smaller wattage elements in a thermobox. Because of the insulation you need a lot less wattage to get a good boil.

I've also heard of people using an induction hob but I have to admit I wasn't paying that much attention to that bit of the meeting....sorry.

 

[Spudbrew]

Thanks, think i'll go for immersion elements, cheaper than induction, just better get the electrics right!(i'll get someone quilified to check). Thanks for all the ideas. :clap:

 

[Spudbrew]

I've been making enquiries & apparently (in grannies day) she used a large pot with internal elements to boil the clothes. Ring any bells? Sounds like a great copper. :hmm:

 

[A T]

Solved, get granny to build you a boiler :lol:

 

[Aleman]

I've been making enquiries & apparently (in grannies day) she used a large pot with internal elements to boil the clothes. Ring any bells? Sounds like a great copper. :hmm:

Certainly was . . . and was my introduction to mashing and boiling when I started brewing back in 1982 :shock:

 

[Spudbrew]

1982!! Thats amazing.
Do you remember what make or model, or have any ideas where to get one?
Thanks.

 

[Aleman]

Mine was ancient even before I got it . . . of course today the replacement are Burco . . . They still make a Wash boiler, but as its all aluminium I wouldn't recommend it . . . . . . . and Burco still make Tea Urns that are available . . . they even crop up on eBay from time to time

 

[Spudbrew]

Thanks again, ive found a 30l burco boiler for 105 quid & im very tempted........ :hmm:

 

[Wez]

Hi SB - the one you have seen what elements does it have?

 

[Spudbrew]

I'm not sure,the elements are covered in the base.
I may have sourced a free 18 gallon barrel to convert into a copper(with a little help). :party: