Boiling wort without burning my kitchen down

[Rkoory]

I figure I can’t be the first guy to have considered this problem, so I hope I can source some of your creative input.

I am on my way to converting to a 10 gallon AG system. The last two pieces of the system to be acquired are the burner and the cook pot. Up until now my stove top has provided a strong enough burner to handle 5 gallon batches, but I don't think it will have what it takes to boil 10+ gallons.

Of course the answer to this would be to purchase a larger, dedicated burner. But, here lies my problem. My only brew space is in my kitchen. I have as of yet to use a burner. However, from what I have seen they look like they will set my kitchen floor ablaze, which would significantly decrease the quality of my beer. So that's a no-go.

Any ideas on what I can place below a burner that is easily movable, and will prevent my house from burning down?

 

[Hello]

Are you asking about a propane burner?

 

[geoffm33]

You could use an induction burner:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/avantco-ic3500-induction-cooker-anyone-tried-320267/

Propane burner in your kitchen sounds like a bad idea.

EDIT: That induction burner wouldn't be that effective at 10 gallon batches. But you could go electric with the right elements to get 10 gallon batches done in your kitchen.

 

[Doctor_M]

Ignoring the fact that using a propane burner indoors is likely against fire code in your area and the fact that it creates carbon monoxide that can kill you I would say a wooden board with tile put on it. Or a slab of granite/marble.

Sounds like you may want to start looking into electric setups.

 

[Rkoory]

Yes,

I have been looking at the Bayou SQ-14 as I have heard good things about it.

I guess that would be a parallel to the above question. Any advice or suggestions for picking a burner for 10 gal batches?

 

[sandyeggoxj]

Well first read this: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/carbon-monoxide-hazards-real-52676/

Next, that burner is portable. You can do all your mashing or what not inside on the stove and then haul the BK out to the backyard, side yard, garage, drive way, front porch, park down the road, etc, and boil your wort.

It is inconvenient but better than dying inside from CO poisoning. Trust me. You DO NOT want exposure to excessive CO in a confined space!!!

 

[Rkoory]

Yes, good call.

Not dying from CO would also be a good idea. Glad that I decide to source the wisdom of the crowd before I went down this road.

I would like a option that allows me to keep my brew process indoors. How well do electric systems work? This is the first that I have heard of this.

 

[Setesh]

What about using your stove and a heat stick?

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f170/heat-stick-build-439700/

https://www.love2brew.com/Articles.asp?ID=579

 

[Rkoory]

Heat stick sounds promising. Is this something one can purchase, or must it be built? I im not much of a tinkerer, and don't trust my self with electricity, especially once its placed in a pot of water.

 

[Doctor_M]

Not sure how much your willing to spend but since you mentioned your not much of a tinkerer sometimes you've gotta pay to play
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/new-products-blichmann-engineering-450101/

Here's another option but personally I would go with blichmann
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/speidel-braumeister-brewmaster-229225/

And yes using a heatstick to assist you to get 10gallons to a boil is also an option.

 

[Setesh]

I im not much of a tinkerer, and don't trust my self with electricity, especially once its placed in a pot of water.

I would steer clear of that idea then, unless you can get an electrician buddy to help you out. It isn't a complicated build, but you should have more than passing knowledge of Mr Sparky before taking it on.