How big should I go

[jramsey]

I am purchasing a high pressure propane burner. On this burner I will be brewing 5 gal batches. The question is should I buy a 120,000 BTU burner or a 58,000 BTU burner.

Is the 58K sufficient?
Is the 120K overkill?

All input is welcome and appriciated.

 

[fbsf]

If my maths is correct, a 58kBTU is around 16kW, which is going to be plenty. I used a 3.5kW burner on my gas stove to boil 14L and it just about did it, so boiling 28L (what you will need to start with to end up with around 23L after boiloff and hop absorbtion) should require about 8kW.

Your 16kW should be more than enough for a brew indoors. Of course if you are brewing outside on a windy winter's day...actually, it'll probably still be enough!

I don't know how much propane costs, but interestingly enough (for me anyway!) 3.5kW of gas heat wasn't quite enough for a 14L boil, but the 2.4kW element in my plastic boiler can keep 28L on a rolling boil without issue.

 

[rossi74]

I used an 8kw burner no problem boiling 40l :thumb:

 

[puravida]

Oh come on!
There's no such thing as 'overkill' when it comes to burners, power tools, gadgets, televisions, cars, speaker, gizmos etc.

You may only ever need to turn the dial up to 3, but knowing it goes all the way to 11 is crucial!

Bigger, faster, hotter, noisier is always better

 

[PD]

Bigger, faster, hotter, noisier is always better ....

that's how I like my women too....

 

[puravida]

Hahaaaaaa :thumb: :rofl:

 

[TRXnMe]

Oh come on!
There's no such thing as 'overkill' when it comes to burners, power tools, gadgets, televisions, cars, speaker, gizmos etc.

You may only ever need to turn the dial up to 3, but knowing it goes all the way to 11 is crucial!

Bigger, faster, hotter, noisier is always better

Yeah, That ^^

More seriously, my two 2.4 KW electric elements will boil 40 litres in about 40 minutes, and one of them will maintain a rolling boil.

You'll need more heat from gas due to losses, the electric element is internal to the water, so all the energy gets into the water, whereas with the gas you'll lose heat to atmosphere at a pretty good rate (put your hands near the edge of the pot). It's a bit more complex than that, but not a lot.

 

[WellBrewed]

I am purchasing a high pressure propane burner. On this burner I will be brewing 5 gal batches. The question is should I buy a 120,000 BTU burner or a 58,000 BTU burner.

Is the 58K sufficient?
Is the 120K overkill?

All input is welcome and appriciated.

Hi jramsey

If you dont mind me asking, im looking for a burner now - where are these burners for sale? the highest I can find in the UK is 8.5kW

Cheers!

 

[Frogfurlong]

You can always turn down from full on, you can't turn up from full on.

Bigger = better

 

[jramsey]

Ok. I went with a 210K BTU burner and a 57 liter kettle. After purchasing a SS ball valve and the sundry hardware for its installation, my total cost was $160 US. I may never use the entire capacity, but I'm ready!

Cheers