Gas boiling ring or electric

[Fireblade]

Hi all,

I've got a 33l stainless boiling pot that I currently use on the electric hob, but it takes *ages* to get to a boil - something like 2 hours from mash to boil temp.

I'm trying to choose between getting a gas boiling ring and sticking with my shiny pot, or building my own electric boiler from a FV + several kettle elements.

I've done a forum search and seen some comments about gas boiling rings not being up to the job. However, the stainless pot is easy to clean (and shiny!) and I don't really want to give it to the missus just to make jam in...

Advice, please !

 

[calumscott]

I got 35l up to mash temp in about half an hour on my gas hob just using two burners...

...I guess electric takes longer as you don't necessarily get a steady heat output (depending on the type...)

You can put kettle elements into a shiny pot you know... :thumb:

 

[Andyhull]

You can put kettle elements into a shiny pot you know... :thumb:

Would you not have to insulate it for safety?

 

[calumscott]

I would have thought that the fitting would be such that the seals would insulate the pot like they do in a metal kettle... :wha: :hmm:

 

[Fireblade]

The electric cooker is old, knackered...and not mine (rented house) so I'm not upgrading that, otherwise I'd have a gas hob yesterday!

I realise already (after a whole two brews) that the 33l pot's a bit small for brewing needs, I should have gone for 50l straight away. So I'd rather not drill holes in it, I might want to sell it on. I'm doing BIAB for now so can get by.

I already have a gas barbecue so I've got a 7kg butane bottle, I'd just need a boiling ring, regulator and some hose (total about £30). However, if it won't boil any faster than what I have now I'll have to go to plan B, or C,...

 

[Andyhull]

I would have thought that the fitting would be such that the seals would insulate the pot like they do in a metal kettle... :wha: :hmm:

Sorry wasn't clear, i didn't mean electrically, more thermally!

 

[RokDok]

I use induction heaters, for both the HLT and copper

3kw takes about 2 hours to boil 65 litres.

Nesbits have got them on offer alternatively the 2.2 kw are much cheaper.

You'd need to make sure that your pot has an inductable bottom

RD

 

[pittsy]

i use a 33lt ss pot with a burner , just does a brew (nearly spill over ) i boil 30l of wort and it takes less than 20 mins to get to boiling from mash using a gas burner , 1 of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LARGE-GAS-BOI ... 1012749415

 

[Fireblade]

cheers all - gas burner has been ordered.

:

 

[Frogfurlong]

Remember ventilation is the key; a good burn needs oxygen, so do you.
Make sure you allow fresh air in and the fumes out.
Carbon Monoxide poisoning is deadly.

Either brew near to an open window or preferably outside.

 

[pittsy]

oops i should of said that too , yes i brew in shed with large doors open so outside brewing almost . :thumb:

 

[Fireblade]

My kitchen is so draughty I could probably run the gas ring in there with all the doors closed and still be at no risk (old Victorian house)!

However, one of the reasons for the move to gas is that I can move the boil outdoors - car port or garage depending on the weather.

 

[Dronfieldbrewer]

My 100 litre pot will get 80 litres boiling within 45-50 mins....2 cheapo Tesco Kettle elements 2.4kw each...Insulation is your friend for a quick leccy boil

 

[screamlead]

i use a 33lt ss pot with a burner , just does a brew (nearly spill over ) i boil 30l of wort and it takes less than 20 mins to get to boiling from mash using a gas burner , 1 of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LARGE-GAS-BOI ... 1012749415

Mines roughly the same 8kw burner and takes 20 mins to bring 30 ltr to the boil and keeps a great roiling boil once there. I'm using 35ltr aluminium pots too. (all i can get here) :

PS i brew outside too.