Boiler

holty · Apr 7, 2009

Morning all,

Just putting my kit together and the next piece is the boiler.

Initially, we were going to just use a big stock pot and fire it on the stove, but I've recently been thinking that maybe getting a cheap water boiler (like a burco one) would be the way to do it with less mess and more capacity.

Any ideas/comments/suggestions of where I can pick a cheap one up (been scouring ebay)?

Ta

jamesb · Apr 7, 2009

Burco stopped making their large ones ages ago. From memory, the largest you can pick up new is < 30l.
But I currently use a 27l with success (and care!)

Ebay is your best bet.

Frisp · Apr 7, 2009

Make your own
There are lots of posts around where a couple of cheap tosco Kettle elements are used. Drill or cut a couple of 40mm holes in an HDPE bucket, I got a 50L one form my HBS for about 18 squid. used a Barrel tap and some butchered pipe for a hop strainer. works a treat and the whole thing cost about 35 Squid. the frugal amongst us would do it cheaper than that

holty · Apr 7, 2009

Hmm, might have a go at it, but I'm a bit cack handed - will cost it up for the parts and see if I can't get a boiler a bit cheaper ready made somewhere

Cheers fellas

holty · Apr 8, 2009

I managed to find a 27l Burco Boiler for Â£50, so decided to go with that rather than build one myself and end up electrocuting myself!

Hopefully will arrive tomorrow although I've had to postpone the inaugural brew on Friday as I don't think I'll be able to bottle it next weekend, nuts.

A T · Apr 8, 2009

There's nothing to say you have to bottle it next weekend, i have often bottled after 21 days with no problems, if anything the extra time in the fermenter helps

MEB · Apr 9, 2009

+1 for what A T said. :thumb:

arturobandini · Apr 9, 2009

Knocked up my boiler from a 30litre FV and a Tesco Kettle including the drilling in about 10 minutes. It really is so simple. 40mm cutter, screwdriver...done.

holty · Apr 11, 2009

well, it turns out I can't brew this weekend anyway - ordered bits and bobs from t'internet that haven't arrived in time that I'll need - still very giddy about the first brew though...