Stovetop or boiler??

[grim reality]

Hi guys.

I started my homebrew career in a small 2nd floor flat doing 10-12 litre batches. I used a 20 litre stainless steel stockpot both as a mash tun and a boiler. I was able to comfortably boil approx 18 litres using this vessel on the gas stovetop. I've moved out of that place now and it looks like I am moving into an apartment with one those flat top modern electric hobs. I cannot see myself being able to get a good rolling boil on one of those or even being able to control the temperature successfully. My ould lady has one and when I'm home with her I find cooking a frigging fry on it a disaster!

What are my options if I can no longer use the kitchen stovetop for my boil? I've googled up a bit and see these Peco electrim boilers for sale. Any use? A lot of the US homebrewers appear to brew outside with propane but surely that is not an option in Ireland?!?! What do people here do? I imagine I will be keeping to a fairly small scale brew (10-20 litres) until such time as I get a house and a lot more space. Any advice? And by the way I am in no way 'handy' and cannot see myself building my own boiler.

Cheers!

[LordEoin]

If you're happy with the setup you have just get a gas hob for out on the balcony.

[Pheeel]

Outside with propane is definitely an option. I do I every brew!

However in your setup you might want to consider partial mash

[grim reality]

Outside?  You can get the four seasons in one hour where I'm from! But maybe it will be the way to go....

Where would one buy a gas burner suitable for a 20l stockpot? Is it safe to use them indoors at all?

Thanks.

I've only ever known the one set up and now I'm out of my comfort zone!

[mr hoppy]

I brew outside with propane. It's worked pretty well even with the Irish weather. Probably the biggest concern is fruit flies when chilling in the summer. You do need a spare cylinder because it would not be good to run out half way through. I've also heard it said electric is cheaper. Also, it's a bit of an art to hit your temps versus some of the fancier electric systems but it's doable. On the plus side you don't need to understand electrics and there's no fear of elements getting crusted with wort and shorting out.

[Qs]

I do inside on butane now. Works out pretty well.

[Drum]

I've an electric Peco boiler and I've used it indoors and out and it really does what it says on the tin. It's probably the cheapest option for a 20 to 25 litre boil. But it will get VERY steamy if you use it indoors. What ive found best for my situation is to heat mash water on the electric cooker in 2 big stock pots, mash indoors, transfer wort to peco boiler and do the boil in the backyard powered by an extension cord. This method also lets me use the garden tap to supply cold water to my chiller and doesn't annoy my missus by getting the kitchen waterlogged from too much steam. If you're in an apartment/flat /whatever have a look at BIAB kits and method if you're not already familiar with the method. I use a cooler box mash tun but if you're short on space BIAB is the way to go

[ronniedeb]

Where would one buy a gas burner suitable for a 20l stockpot? Is it safe to use them indoors at all?

Would something like this be suitable? I've used them for Paellas both indoor and out. Basic design, and the two rows of flame (with separate controls) give even heating.

[banjobrew]

Where would one buy a gas burner suitable for a 20l stockpot? Is it safe to use them indoors at all?

Would something like this be suitable? I've used them for Paellas both indoor and out. Basic design, and the two rows of flame (with separate controls) give even heating.

You forgot your link, Ted!

[ronniedeb]

You forgot your link, Ted!

Yes indeed... http://www.amazon.co.uk/30Cm-Paella-Pan-Gas-Burner/dp/B00NSMJZYY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1429081947&sr=8-4&keywords=paella+gas+burner

[TheSumOfAllBeers]

Your other options are:

Induction hob with compatible pot. Has the advantage of being portable. You will probably want as high a wattage as you can get, if you plan to scale up to larger mashes.

A clever solution is a DIY heat stick. An element that you drop into the kettle. You usually have to DIY these but there are some assembly kits you can get from the us or maybe fleabay

[Qs]

Big induction pots are hard to find without spending a fortune though.

[Simon_]

Induction pots are getting cheaper and more ubiquitous (~€85 for a 30 litre one). The stand alone hobs are the expensive part ~€200 for a 3Kw one. If you're getting into that expense you might as well go all in and join the Grainfather club.

Peco boilers are pretty cheap and some people that use them seem to produce the best beers. I'm terrified by the idea of boiling wort in a plastic container though.

[Simon_]

I am moving into an apartment with one those flat top modern electric hobs

Is this an induction hob by any chance? All you need then is an induction pot. It would more than likely be able to get you a good boil

[Covey]

I use one of these with biab, good rolling boil getting good conversion have insulated it with a exercise mat and easily hold 67 +/- 1c
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Bielmeier-680023-Einkoch-Halbautomat-29-Liter-Emaille-weis-ohne-Auslaufhah-/371291142362?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_77&hash=item5672ad38da