I have a 40qt aluminum stock pot that I'm using for my brew kettle doing all-grain batches on my gas range. My problem is that I can't get a good rolling boil going. I have been using the 2 pot method, but that's getting old. I see two real (cost effective) solutions:
1. Insulate the kettle with ceramic insulation as described on a thread here somewhere.
2. Build a (1500W) heatstick to supplement the heat from the burner (or use the burner to supplement the heatstick as the case may be.)
I'm looking to fellow HBT members for feedback based on their experience with one or both of these solutions. I know the heatstick will cost a little more to implement, but I believe it will shorten my brew day more and might actually reduce my total brewing energy bill. I have GFCI outlets at counter height near the kettle, am experienced with home AC wiring, so the fear of electrocution is not a strong argument to make for me, nor is the trip hazard.
I have thought about going pure electric, but I have no 240V outlets that would allow me to do so and both of my GFCI outlets over the counter are on the same circuit breaker.
I know it's a tough call-that's why I'm here. So what do you all say?
1. Insulate the kettle with ceramic insulation as described on a thread here somewhere.
2. Build a (1500W) heatstick to supplement the heat from the burner (or use the burner to supplement the heatstick as the case may be.)
I'm looking to fellow HBT members for feedback based on their experience with one or both of these solutions. I know the heatstick will cost a little more to implement, but I believe it will shorten my brew day more and might actually reduce my total brewing energy bill. I have GFCI outlets at counter height near the kettle, am experienced with home AC wiring, so the fear of electrocution is not a strong argument to make for me, nor is the trip hazard.
I have thought about going pure electric, but I have no 240V outlets that would allow me to do so and both of my GFCI outlets over the counter are on the same circuit breaker.
I know it's a tough call-that's why I'm here. So what do you all say?