Max pot size for stove top brewing
 

The other title I was going to use was "Did I just screw up by getting an 8g pot".

I'm interested in the methods that Deathbrewer posted for partial and all grain brewing on the stove so I wanted to get another pot to go with my 5g one. I think I screwed up though because I got an 8g pot (thinking it would be good for the future) without checking the dimensions. I really can't see this thing working on my stove. So before I look to try and send it back I wanted to see what others were using on their stove.

I used to use a 24qt stainless on the stove when I started out many moons ago. I used a gas stove, not a very powerful one, and only did partial-boil extract brews.

Recently started brewing again, and I picked up a 40qt aluminum pot. Trying to prep it by boiling 8 gallons of water for 30 minutes, I had it on my gas stove (which has a "power burner" in the front quadrant), but it A) was huge, just barely fitting under the overhead microwave, and B) took almost two hours to boil! So, I resorted to using a turkey burner out in the garage to do full boil brewing.

I'd say a 6gal pot is about the largest I'd try to use on the stovetop, and never for full boils. YMMV... ;)

My first thought when I saw the title was: Whatever you range will bring to a boil

I use a 10 gallon pot on my stove and can JUST get 7 gallons to a rolling boil. The key for me was the size: I had 2 options, get a tall narrower pot or a short squater pot and I chose the shorter one since it fits under my overhead microwave AND it allows me to also use my back burner. I know I'm in the minority but I'd rather brew in my kitchen than outside.

When I drain the first runnings I immediately get that going on full power with a lid partially on to get it up to a boil. By the time that is almost to a boil my sprage water is ready to be run-off and I start adding that. Takes about another 15-20 min to get that going with the lid partially on. Once it's rolling I remove the lid and start the timer.

Eric

insulate insulate insulate Ijust started using a vary cheap light weight aluminium turkey fryer pot from a guarage sale. insulated the outside with a silver foil faced car front window shade cut to size we had laying around the house. I have no problems boiling 6 gallons on my stove

If I use two burners I can boil 7 gallons in about an hour.

I have an older Tappan range (gas stove) which has one high output burner. I never did research the specs on this model (note to self to do search) but the burner brings 7 gallons to a rolling boil in respectable time. I could probably do it quicker using a propane burner, but I have a decent setup in the basement, so I use my stove top.

I use a 10 gallon brew pot without any trouble at all.

Salute! :mug:

I'd also prefer to stay inside for now. I've just started and I'm just getting the routine down so I'd hate to switch things up so soon into the hobby. The 8g pot I have does fit under my microwave but the diameter is just huge compared to the burner.

The problem is I need to decide before trying it so I can return it. I probably should have just went with another 5g pot. Now I either have to try to use the 10g one inside, or go look to throw money at this and get the turkey fryer to go with the 10g pot, or exchange it for another 5g pot.

Brewing the first partial mash this Sunday isn't looking good.

Pretz, just go with what you have and see what happens.


If you wait for all the lights to turn green you'll never get to town.



EDIT: If your 8 gallon pot has a large diameter it allows you use two burners at once.

I've seen a few wrapped in the silver insulation foil "Land of Oz" was talking about.Always an option.