Recent content by FisherBrewer

My induction burner (Avantco IC3500) would not work with an external controller without modification. The unit needs to be powered up (i.e., you have to push the on/off button) if the power is disconnect from the unit. But an external controller wouldn't be necessary anyway as the unit has the...

nealperkins - I got a ss 22 qt from walmart thats magnetic. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Tramontina-Style-22-Quart-Covered-Stockpot/19581118 Would be good for extract / partial grain or small batches.

I wired it Hot-Hot-Ground. My receptacle is wired into a sub-panel I put in myself, so I could get the right configuration to the receptacle.

I forgot to mention that I did stir before every temp reading. Yes, there is a lot of temperature stratification. About 10-15 deg differential throughout the kettle. I usually use a pump to recirculate during a brew session for keeping mash temps constant. I didn't in this experiment as I...

The burner was set at 3500W for the test whereas subsequently I found that I can bring 6.5 gal to a rolling boil with this kettle at 2900W. So it was overpowered a bit and that's why the temperature rise was linear. The cover was on as well, which has a big impact on retaining the heat.

BtW, the cover was on the kettle when these temps were measured.

Here's the data

If anyone is interested, I collected data on the temp rise vs time with both the 15 gal mega pot and the 9 gal bayou classic. I can post it. The temperature rise is very impressive. Now, if anyone is thinking of BIAB with this setup, I can tell you that if you want to do a no sparge process...

The problem that I see with the mega pot is the dimensions. It's on the order of 18" wide whereas the induction burner's actual heating area is 8.5". I get a good boil in the center at the bottom of the kettle but it dissipates as it rises through the volume of liquid. I'm quite certain that...

Mine is the Avantco IC3500. I did a lot of research and this one was the biggest bang for the buck. I'm quite happy with it. One note however: the burner size is 8 1/2". So the larger diameter kettles won't necessarily work that great on it as I mentioned in my previous post.

http://m.webstaurantstore.com/avantco-ic3500-3500-watt-countertop-induction-range-cooker-208-240v/177IC3500%20%20%20208*240.html

I think 1800W is a bit low. I have a 240V 3500W induction burner and get a good rolling boil at about 2900W with about 6.5 gallons of wort. Less than that it's more of a strong simmer. I have a bayou classic 9 gallon kettle. They are very magnetic. It's best to have a narrow / tall kettle...

It's the Ranco 120v controller. I don't have model # handy, but its the popular one most homebrewers have been using. I connect the heating element to it when I want to control temps. A 5500w element is actually about 1400 w at 120v which is approx 12a, well within the ranco 16a limit. So...

Threads kind of old, but FWIW, I just go to Joe Canals in West Windsor. $20 exchange for the small cylinder. Probably on the expensive side, but its very convenient, especially if you want to stock up the bar at the same time.

I have a very simple setup. I use a 240V 5500 W element in my HLT to get to mash temp. Once there, I plug it into a 120V outlet through a ETC controller to keep temp. Use that for my HERMS for maintaining mash temp. For the BK, I have a 240V 3500W element. It runs a little hot; I have about...