5 Gal BIAB on Glass/Ceramic Cooktop?

[traviswalken]

I am going to try my first BIAB today and have a question about cooktops. My grain bill will allow my to do a traditional BIAB in my 8.5 gallon pot (just barely).

My range has a very powerful "turbo boil" burner. I have boiled 3.5 gallons of water quickly in the past, so I think my stove could heat 7.5 gallons of water.

However, I am not comfortable putting that much weight on my stove. Anybody else put that kind of weight on their stove?

As an alternative, I can sparge my grains in a bucket and limit my stove weght to 5 gallons. Or I can break out the propane burner and move it outside. However, I will be watching my 20 month old son this afternoon...not too excited about managing him around a propane burner.

 

[tnsen]

My stove handles my 10 gallon pot filled to the brim w grains to boot....just a traditional gas burner stove... as for the son ,teach em the value of a good beer early on in life I say...

 

[tnsen]

Ahhh Idident read your heading very well....I might be a bit leary about a ceramic top....I am sure somebody else can chime in here...

 

[wormraper]

I've used a ceramic top just fine with 7.5 gallons of boil. no problem

 

[ReverseApacheMaster]

I've seen people talk about breaking those glass cooktops so proceed at your own peril.

 

[Leithoa]

http://www.mrbeerfans.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=171840&page=1
http://www.ehow.com/info_12182336_weight-limits-glass-top-stoves.html
http://www.managemylife.com/mmh/questions/265691-ceramic-cooktop-range

Summary:
GE and other manufacturers test the cooktop to hold 50lbs. I didn't see whether that was with the stove on or not, they also mention that scratched surfaces are more susceptible to breakage so if you do decide to try your luck with 8 gallons don't move the pot once it's full since both stainless and aluminum pots are probably at least as hard as the cook top its self ie; they can scratch it.

 

[traviswalken]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I think I'll play it safe and sparge. That will keep the stove top water volume to below 5.5 gallons. My aluminum pot doesn't weigh a lot, so my total weight will be about 50 lbs or just a hair over.

I will be sure not to slide it around either.