Insulating a Stainless pot to go on gas?

[fbsf]

Is there a safe (i.e. one that isn't going to turn my pot into a bonfire) was to insulate my 19L stockpot for use on the stove?

I did my first BIAB over the weekend, and despite using my "wok burner" which states it is 4kw, I couldn't get the boil to go over 98C, which was a little disappointing.

The walls of the pot are thin steel, and I was wondering if there was a fire-safe insulation (no, not asbestos...) that could be used to lag it?

If not, I'm going to have to work on a plan B I think. Maybe multiple smaller pots, maybe convert an FV using kettle elements...

 

[Andyhull]

Cant think of anything for private/home use!

I personally would go electric with 2 kettle elements, cheap to do and spares are readilly available, you can then insulate with anything you want.

 

[johnnyboy1965]

Johnnyboy`s First Law of Thermo-Dynamics. Actually it was Clausius(1850)
Any heat wiil always escape from its least residense (sp) eg...the top.
Put a lid on it.
Until boiling and then crack the lid slightly to let the evaporation out.

If you want a laugh...Wiki...Clausius`s First Law of Thermo-Dynamics

 

[graysalchemy]

Most people will also use a shroud around the base of the burner for more efficient heat transfere. :thumb:

Have a look here

 

[fairbrew]

I have a 100ltr pot and have lined it with the aluminium bubble wrap foil. I get a great boil with a 7.5kw gas ring.
Obviously dont let the flame touch the foil, if it does it shrivels up.

 

[fbsf]

Hmm, good ideas there. Will a single element keep a decent boil going? I'm thinking of fitting two, but only using the second to get it up to boil as I'll need to connect it to a socket attached to the cooker switch across the kitchen, so once it's up to boil will disconnect it.

Would there be any advantage to insulating this as well, or will the plastic of the FV be adequate insulation?

 

[Muddydisco]

Depends on the size of elements your using, the 2250w tesco elements don't hold a vigorous rolling boil just a gentle one, so i have to keep turning the second element on and off. If I was you and I would do this next time, is to get 1 bigger 3000w element from Backer and just use the smaller tesco element to help with initial heating.

I don't wrap any insulation around mine, but it will always help reduce your electricity bill :) and make you feel greener, reducing your carbon footprint by the size of a pin head.

 

[Runwell-Steve]

I did my first BIAB over the weekend, and despite using my "wok burner" which states it is 4kw, I couldn't get the boil to go over 98C, which was a little disappointing.

Did it actually boil?

Don't worry about the temperature, you just need it to boil, i.e. big bubbles coming it the top and it boiling.

If it was actually boiling then it doesn't matter how much more heat you apply or how much insulation you add it won't get any hotter.

It is of course possible your thermometer is a bit inaccurate as well.

 

[johnnyboy1965]

Hmm, good ideas there. Will a single element keep a decent boil going? I'm thinking of fitting two, but only using the second to get it up to boil as I'll need to connect it to a socket attached to the cooker switch across the kitchen, so once it's up to boil will disconnect it.

Would there be any advantage to insulating this as well, or will the plastic of the FV be adequate insulation?

Do not, under any circumstances use a electric element on top of a gas hob. I repeat....do not under any circumstances use a electric element on top of a gas hob

 

[jonnymorris]

Will a single element keep a decent boil going?

Yes. I have two 2.4kW elements in my 50l pot and one keeps a rolling boil going no problem.

 

[Muddydisco]

Do not, under any circumstances use a electric element on top of a gas hob. I repeat....do not under any circumstances use a electric element on top of a gas hob

think you have the wrong end of the mash stirrer there Johnny.

He's thinking of going electric instead using a plastic boiler. You never even thought a plastic Fv on a gas hob might be dangerous either :lol:

 

[fbsf]

Do not, under any circumstances use a electric element on top of a gas hob. I repeat....do not under any circumstances use a electric element on top of a gas hob

Bit confused here - are you saying don't place it on a suitable board on top of the hob (therefore under the extractor fan), or don't use it in addition to the gas hob?

If the former, why? The latter I can understand.

 

[johnnyboy1965]

I have a 100ltr pot and have lined it with the aluminium bubble wrap foil. I get a great boil with a 7.5kw gas ring.
Obviously dont let the flame touch the foil, if it does it shrivels up.

It is absolutley pointless lagging a boiler that is sat on a gas ring

 

[johnnyboy1965]

Do not, under any circumstances use a electric element on top of a gas hob. I repeat....do not under any circumstances use a electric element on top of a gas hob

Bit confused here - are you saying don't place it on a suitable board on top of the hob (therefore under the extractor fan), or don't use it in addition to the gas hob?

If the former, why? The latter I can understand.

Dont use it in addition with a gas hob

 

[johnnyboy1965]

Do not, under any circumstances use a electric element on top of a gas hob. I repeat....do not under any circumstances use a electric element on top of a gas hob

think you have the wrong end of the mash stirrer there Johnny.

He's thinking of going electric instead using a plastic boiler. You never even thought a plastic Fv on a gas hob might be dangerous either :lol:

His OP says he is using a SS stock pot. Though the thought of someone using a plastic boiler on a hob makes me laugh (says someone who once turned his electic, plastic boiler on with no liquid in)

 

[johnnyboy1965]

To clarify...dont put your SS boiler, fitted with a electric element, on a gas hob.
And try to use them both at the same time

 

[fbsf]

Ok, that makes sense.

I was wondering how a plastic FV with twin elements sat on top an unlit hob was going to cause problems - maybe some induction thing I wasn't aware of perhaps :thumb:

 

[johnnyboy1965]

Ok, that makes sense.

I was wondering how a plastic FV with twin elements sat on top an unlit hob was going to cause problems - maybe some induction thing I wasn't aware of perhaps :thumb:

Aluminium does not work on a induction hob, or is it steel, one or the other. But from your OP I tought you was going to sit your SS stockpot on a gas burner with a electric element in

 

[fbsf]

Ah, no - either steel on the hob or electric in the plastic! Glad we've got that sorted! :grin:

 

[bomberns127]

go electric, 2 tesco cheap kettle elements , you can then cut lagging to suit the bottom and sides and top of your boiler, i have and it makes a huge difference, changing my boiler soon so will do it again, saves money in the long run, i am a lagger by trade, so i make my own custom made jackets from foil faced glass cloth filled with insulation, a mate owns a company which makes silicon covered custom fitted insulation mats, should really get him make mine!