Induction Burner for Brew Kettle?

[Chip99]

Anyone use an induction hot plate for their brew kettle? I have a 13" x 10 gallon Anvil kettle. Used an LP gas burner on my first trial which worked okay. I'm just worried that the burner might be too hot for the ball valve and thermometer. I slid those off center to keep them off direct heat and had no problems but heat transfer probably suffered as a result. I see 8" x 1800 watt induction heaters available but not sure they would work for my 10 gallon kettle. Any comments? Thanks in advance... Chip

 

[TerryDowning]

I use Induction (1800 watt) as well as immersion heater (2000 watt).

For a 6 or so gallon boil (5-gallon batch) an 1800-watt induction by itself will take a while. It's doable and you may need to cover the top of the kettle a bit to keep a boil rolling. Don't cover it completely since the DMS needs to escape.

I used to use the 1800-watt Induction with a 5-gallon pot doing 3-gallon batches and it worked great. If you can, make the move up to a 3500-watt 240-volt induction and you will have a much better experience.

I don't have 240 volts readily available so I split the difference and use a 120-volt 2000-watt immersion heater on a 20-amp circuit and the induction on a separate circuit.

 

[Donoroto]

Anyone use an induction hot plate for their brew kettle? I have a 13" x 10 gallon Anvil kettle. Used an LP gas burner on my first trial which worked okay. I'm just worried that the burner might be too hot for the ball valve and thermometer. I slid those off center to keep them off direct heat and had no problems but heat transfer probably suffered as a result. I see 8" x 1800 watt induction heaters available but not sure they would work for my 10 gallon kettle. Any comments? Thanks in advance... Chip

For LP gas, a small bit of sheet metal can help protect those sensitive parts. Just put it beneath the edge of the kettle to direct the heat away, just where needed.

 

[Herm brews]

Earlier this year, my wife got me an induction cooktop, but I have not yet put it to use. I like the comment about the efficiency of an 1800 watt unit to drive the heat in a 5 gallon kettle. My kettle is 5.5 gallon Ss Brewtech, and my target is 2.5 gallon batches. Time to put it to use.