Extract on induction hot plate

Bellim51 2017-07-05 20:46:04 UTC #1

I've done some searching on the forum but can't quite find the answer I'm looking for. Hoping to move my brewing into the basement. Right now I do extract and don't have any plans to brew differently. If I get an induction hot plate with 1800watts, will that be enough to do a 2.5 gallon boil? I'd prefer it not take an hour to get to a boil, of course. I see there are 2000 watt plates as well, though much less common.

voltron 2017-07-05 21:09:01 UTC #2

That should be plenty for partial volume boils. You could also add some insulation to improve performance.

sneezles61 2017-07-05 21:21:27 UTC #3

I would also think you'd have enough potential... Do check the wire requirement and amperage... If it needs 20 amps, do set it up for that... You could also start out with the lid on it until it gets hot enough for steeping specialty grains, or ramping up to the boil... Sneezles61

Steve 2017-07-06 22:43:37 UTC #4

In theory, an 1800 watt heater could boil 2.5 gallons, starting at 70 F, in about a half hour.
The science:
1800 watts is 6141 btus/hours (not quit 10% of a dark star burner).
A btu is the amount of heat needed to raise 1 pound of water one degree F.
A gallon of water weighs 8.34 lbs, so in theory:
8.34 lbs/gal * 2.5 gal * 1 btu/lb - degree *(212-70)degrees = 2961 btus needed to boil 2.5 gallons
2961 btus/ 6141 btus/hr *60min/hr = 29 minutes.

That would assume all the heat goes into the water, so I would expect reality to be a bit longer.
Sorry for the math and science, but I hope this provides some perspective at least.

BackYardBrewer 2017-10-12 19:43:39 UTC #5

Did you try the induction hot plate and how did it work out? I’m hoping to try a setup very similar for this winter.

Bellim51 2017-12-14 23:22:22 UTC #6

I haven't gotten around to trying it, but NB has come out with the "Gigawatt" which is pretty much what we discussed, so I'm guessing it works.

loopie_beer 2017-12-15 02:27:44 UTC #7

For those interested it’s here.. Actually called a “gigawort.” I’m just surprised they didn’t make it a little bigger for full boil. Cleaver idea thoug.

tominboston 2017-12-16 01:40:44 UTC #8

If the gigawort was just a bit larger and if it really can control the temp it would make a great maps and sparge water dispenser for me....

tominboston 2017-12-31 20:15:52 UTC #9

Has anyone tried the Gigawort yet? It looks like you could do small batch BIAB? I was thinking it may be useful for my son who lives in downtown Boston . He likes to experiment and if 2 or 3 gallon biab batches are possible in this it may be an option for him. It may be an option for me as well to play around with recipe design in small batches without dragging out all my stuff.

Bellim51 2018-10-18 19:20:12 UTC #10

Does anyone know if you can use an induction hot plate with a regular stainless steal kettle, or does the kettle have to be a certain material? Wondering if something like this with my current kettle would work.

damian_winter 2018-10-19 03:24:13 UTC #11

No a regular stainless kettle will not work on induction burner. Your kettle needs to be made for induction. Another thing is the induction burner on amazon there would not hold up to 5 gallons of beer. The induction surface is 6 to 7 inches and would not be enough area for the kettle. All so the max weight for that unit is 20 pounds

loopie_beer 2018-10-19 20:23:21 UTC #12

I agree with @damian_winter. However, if you can get a magnet to stick to the bottom it can be used with induction. I would make sure you get a “strong” hold with the magnet or it may not transfer the heat very well.

If you go induction, get a decent one. Here is a site that often has them on clearance.

squeegeethree 2018-10-20 11:22:02 UTC #13

Why so insistent on induction? Why not just just a nice 2 burner coil? If you are worried about fire potential then I would recommend you clean up your basement before attempting any of this haha.

Bellim51 2018-10-22 18:00:27 UTC #14

I've read induction is more efficient. Also, I can't seem to find a quality larger coil burner. They all seem to be small and don't last long.

sneezles61 2018-10-27 14:05:29 UTC #15

Huh, our stove top is induction... My wife has a 3 gallon Stainless Steel stock pot with a thick foot plate on it... And thats how I check for good quality SS, with a magnet... It doesn't stick, and it works well.
I would do as the peeps above recommend... get a commercial grade one with a large diameter heating plate... If your under powered, your brew day just won't be much fun. I'd say, IF you have the potential, 220 volt plate would be ultimate! Sneelzles61