Propane Gas usage for a 30 litre boil.

[Dutto]

To answer a couple of queries with regard to gas usage, the 13kg Propane Bottle in the photograph has done 5.5 brews already and according to the "frost line" it is still on target for another one and a half. (But I'll have a smaller bottle on standby just in case.)



Being that it's winter and I have changed my brewing schedule so that, after completing the mash, I have had to reheat the wort from as low as 20 degrees, I'm pretty happy with the consumption. :thumb:

 

[Covrich]

I have 13kg I get about 10-11 out of it and thats using a full scale BIAB to heat 33L of water, but I dont let it drop like that. How long are you letting it drop down to 20ºc? I thought there was risks involved with that even though you boil after.

You should get another two out of that I would have thought

 

[Dutto]

The temperature drops because I do a "Mill & Mash" on Day One and then do the "Boil and Cool" on Day Two.

I sanitise the Boiler before each Mash because the wort cools quite a bit overnight (the garage is running at about 6*C at the moment). I haven't noticed any significant deterioration in the quality of the beer or lager using this system and with sanitising the Boiler I don't foresee any problems.

Since getting caught out back in December (I ran out of Propane in the middle of a boil!) I have fitted a "quick connect/disconnect" to the Burner and both the Propane and Butane Regulator hoses. (Male on the Burner and Female on the Regulators.) That way I can quickly connect up a Butane cylinder temporarily while I change the regulator over to a spare 9kg Propane cylinder that I keep for just such an occasion.

These are magical bits of kit. I also use them to connect up a 13kg French cylinder when we are living in the caravan over in France.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008R68QF0/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Live and learn eh? If you live long enough of course! :thumb:

Here's hoping for the extra boils.

BTW

Just took a phone call from Pilgrim Hospital and I'm away for a cataract operation 'cos they've had a cancellation. Bye bye!

 

[Covrich]

I see now

Yeah just be aware it is a risk although a smallish risk, but letting your mash drop below 50ºc for any amount of time can get soured which boiling will not fix (it will kill the infection though)

That said some people actually do this on purpose.

Hope the op goes okay

 

[-Bezza-]

I was interested in the relative costs of gas vs electric.

So if my sums are correct, gas is about three times as expensive as electricity for brewing.

Sums as follows:

Gas
13kg propane - refill cost = £30 (https://www.calor.co.uk/13kg-propane-gas-bottle.html)
Brews per bottle = 8 (from above)
Price per brew = £3.75

Electricity
Estimate cost of 1Kwh - 13.5p (https://www.ukpower.co.uk/home_energy/tariffs-per-unit-kwh)
Electric element wattage = 2,500
Estimated hours for a brew = 4 (including separate sparge water heating)
Cost per brew = £1.35 (2.5 x 0.135 x 4)

 

[Covrich]

I was interested in the relative costs of gas vs electric.

So if my sums are correct, gas is about three times as expensive as electricity for brewing.

Sums as follows:

Gas
13kg propane - refill cost = £30 (https://www.calor.co.uk/13kg-propane-gas-bottle.html)
Brews per bottle = 8 (from above)
Price per brew = £3.75

Electricity
Estimate cost of 1Kwh - 13.5p (https://www.ukpower.co.uk/home_energy/tariffs-per-unit-kwh)
Electric element wattage = 2,500
Estimated hours for a brew = 4 (including separate sparge water heating)
Cost per brew = £1.35 (2.5 x 0.135 x 4)

I would Say Gas is more expensive not sure what you can draw from Duttos method though as he basically does two heat ups so his time on gas would be a fair bit more.. Probably why he is only going to get 7 or 8 brews out of his tank whereas I can get like I say 11.. I actually got 12 out of my last tank and that cost me £26 for a refill. On that basis it was closer to £2.30

Cost per brew is something you can consider however given the nightmare I had with electricity cutting out and tripping (dodgy boiler electrics) for me the trade off is worth it.. If there is gas in the tank it will keep going, I would switch back though for a grainfather.

There are many advantages and disadvantages to either and it can depend on your room and situation

 

[BeerCat]

I have left it overnight before and its been fine but i have also left it and its smelt funky.

 

[Norfolk79]

Just took a phone call from Pilgrim Hospital and I'm away for a cataract operation 'cos they've had a cancellation. Bye bye!

Good luck @Dutto

 

[Dutto]

Many thanks. :wave:

Got my new lens fitted with no problems or pain. (Compared to having a camera shoved up your dick it was a piece of cake!)

Told to take it easy so signing off for 24 hours. :thumb::thumb:

 

[Sbond10]

My 19kg cost around 26 quid. But both me and a local micro have noticed a local supplier of gas and the famous white label brand, that the local one lasts longer and burns better. I should get about 18-20 brews out of a 19kg