Which Boiler to Buy?

[SnowMark]

I'm sure this isn't a new topic but please forgive a newbie.

I want to start Extract Brewing and have most of the kit required, just not the boiler. Unfortunately, reading through threads on this forum have only confused me further as to what I should be looking for.

My main questions are:
1) Gas or Electricity - i.e.. do I just buy a big pan for the gas hob?
2) Plastic or Stainless (or ceramic)
3) What size? - I'm pretty sure I will be doing 40 pint brews each time without needing to increase this anytime soon.

I am keen to buy something decent that will last, allow me to start with Extract and then could be used for BIAB or as part of an AG setup.

Any advice gratefully received. I'm even willing (possible incapable of, but willing) to try and fashion my own following the advice posted.
Any links to suppliers etc would be great - thanks for any input, much appreciated.

 

[ryanshelton]

I'm sure this isn't a new topic but please forgive a newbie.

I want to start Extract Brewing and have most of the kit required, just not the boiler. Unfortunately, reading through threads on this forum have only confused me further as to what I should be looking for.

My main questions are:
1) Gas or Electricity - i.e.. do I just buy a big pan for the gas hob? Personal preference but i find gas easier
2) Plastic or Stainless (or ceramic) if you go plastic, i GURANTEE you will want shiny stainless at some point
3) What size? - I'm pretty sure I will be doing 40 pint brews each time without needing to increase this anytime soon. at least a 50L boiler

I am keen to buy something decent that will last, allow me to start with Extract and then could be used for BIAB or as part of an AG setup.

Any advice gratefully received. I'm even willing (possible incapable of, but willing) to try and fashion my own following the advice posted.
Any links to suppliers etc would be great - thanks for any input, much appreciated.

oh and most of the forum sponsors do boilers etc, i used http://powellbrewing.co.uk/ and Ian did me fantastic deal

 

[Pjam]

I've just done my 2nd extract brew and what I've got and the method I use, seem to work OK.

I use a 22 litre alloy pot in which I boil about 13 Litres of water (on the gas ring). I also boil 2 litres in a separate pan and in this I steep my grain, I add this 2 litres to my 13 litres add the LME, bring to boil and then add the hops.

This method gives me a comfortable head space. It's takes a bit of effort to cool down this wort but once down to about 25c I add this wort to my FV and top up to 23 litres. :)

Pot was £10 on ebay!

 

[Jeltz]

Lots of it is personal choice but for a 23L brew a 30L pot is tight so I would go for a minimum of 40L or you'll be holding wort back and adding it part way through the boil (been there!)

FWIW I'm on electric for the HLT but a propane boiler, HLT is a 30L plastic while the boiler is a 50L stainless stock pot and my MT is a stainless thermopot.

 

[rpt]

I use a 40L electric Buffalo boiler which is great for BIAB with some additional insulation and a different tap. I got it from the Nisbets clearance shop on ebay although they have their own website now.

 

[zombrewer]

I've recently moved onto a 40l Buffalo and AG BIAB, but prior to this was using a 19l eBay stockpot for extract brews... I forget how much it was, but under £20. Method was very similar to Pjam - steeped grains, half volume boils, cooled in the bath, & topping up water in FV. Biggest issue I had was my crappy electric hob sometimes not properly holding a rolling boil, but shouldn't be an issue if you're on gas :thumb:

I'd thoroughly recommend the Buffalo, but would still consider the stock pot route first... it's a much small outlay in the first place (if you went with the Buffalo you'd need an immersion chiller or another method of cooling) whilst still allowing you to make great extract beer... Plus the pan will still be useful when you *do* decide to switch, for holding back water for a sparge / step mash etc.

 

[SnowMark]

Thanks Guys,

Really appreciate the advice - it is a great help in what is becoming a lengthy decision process!
I am now definitely after Stainless and think I'd prefer electric therefore I'm going to look into the Buffalo. Haven't completely ruled out the very cost effective Stock Pot option but the misses isn't overly keen on me taking control of the hob for lengthy periods as my new obsession runs riot.
Will report back once I have parted with some cash.
Thanks again

 

[rpt]

I bought a 15L stock pot and used this for one extract brew before picking up the Buffalo at a bargain price. It's now used to hold my weighed grains as I dough in. And to make stock from the Christmas turkey which is too big to fit in the stock pot I use to make stock the rest of the year.

I don't have a chiller. I use a no-chill cube.

 

[SnowMark]

Really appreciate all the advice.

What is clear is that I'm going to buy Stainless - think I'll start with a large stock pot which can then be used for steeping grains when I get myself a boiler.

Whilst looking at Buffalo's last night I came across a 40l Boiler on ebay from Davlex the DXWB40 (can't post the link as a new user)
£110 with free delivery, sight glass and tap

Has anyone used one/heard anything about them?
They seem to fit the bill of what I require at a reasonable price, just never heard of them or seen any mentions on here.